WATCH: Government troops comb highway for rebels

The Burmese army has continued operations to secure Karen State stretches of the Asian Highway, with the aid of local militias.

Fighting has continued for close to a week, as rebels from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army refused to give up lucrative illegal toll gates on the new highway.

Troops from the local Border Guard Force have moved along the closed road, forcing DKBA rebels from their positions.

Intermittent skirmishes mean the UN-backed Asian Highway has stayed closed, ahead of a ceremonial opening that had been planned for later this month.