Several killed as Myanmar forces fight villagers in delta region

State media says clashes at Ayeyarwady region village left three dead, while local media say up to 20 civilians killed.

Fighting between Myanmar’s security forces and villagers armed with catapults and crossbows in the Ayeyarwady river delta region has left at least three people dead, state media said – although local media reported as many as 20 people had been killed. State television news said three “terrorists” had been killed and two arrested on Saturday at the village of Hlayswe as security forces went to arrest a man accused of plotting against the state. A military government spokesman did not answer calls from Reuters news agency requesting comment on the violence at the village in the Kyonpyaw township of Ayeyarwady. Reuters was unable to confirm the toll independently.