Myanmar government Monday claimed that its forces could occupy one more strategic hill in a fresh offensive against the Koakng ethnic army with heavy weapons in Kokang region, northeastern Shan state, on the day.

Forces of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) had to retreat from hill Point-1789 where they based under the fierce attacks by the government forces, according to a report of the state radio and TV at night.

The government forces claimed five bodies of the MNDAA with some weapons seized, while three of the military died with 12 other injured, the report added.

In the weekend, some clashes between Myanmar government forces and the MNDAA also occured in Kokang region.

According to earlier reports of the Myanmar military, the government side seized six bodies of the MNDAA with 30 arrested during the weekend clashes in areas including Napan and Sinkyaing villages near Laukkai, while the government side suffered loss of four military officers with seven others injured.

The government forces had claimed occupation of some six strategically important hills where the MNDAA based and could reopen the Laukkai-Kongyan communication route for secure transport.

MNDAA is termed by the government as Kokang renegade group.