Myanmar rebels split on confronting junta

This Thai village is on heightened alert after airstrikes just over the border in Myanmar forced thousands to flee and raised the fear of armed clashes.

Following an escalation in the military’s crackdown on anti-coup protesters.

Jumi, who runs a restaurant in Thailand’s northern Mae Hong Son province, says if something happens, they were told to grab their bags and escape.

“There have been drills by the authorities and assistant village chief, teaching the villagers what they should do.”

Fighting has flared in recent days between the army and rebel forces in the east and north.

Myanmar has two dozen or so ethnic armed factions, and they control vast swathes of the country.

Most agreed ceasefires in recent years but now many anti-coup protesters want them to join forces and take on the ruling junta.

Yawd Serk is a Myanmar rebel general from a group called the Restoration Council of Shan…