YANGON, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 12 others injured in armed attacks in Myanmar's Mandalay region and Shan state on Thursday, the Information Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the deaths include two civilians and three police personnel and the injured include 10 civilians and two policemen.

Armed groups Arakan Army (AA), Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) fired artillery shells at five places in Mandalay region and Shan state, the Office of Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services said in a statement.

The attacks were launched at the two locations in Pyin Oo Lwin -- Defense Services Technological Academy (DSTA), and an exit gate of Pyin Oo Lwin town at about 5:30 a.m. local time.

The simultaneous attacks were also launched at a Gote Twin police outpost, a toll gate and a checkpoint for Narcotic Drugs and headquarters of a police battalion in Nawnghkio township of Shan state, forcing the military to return fire at the armed groups, the statement said.

Meanwhile, weapons including six Type 63 107 mm rockets which were prepared to be launched were seized on a hill near Pyin Oo Lwin-Lashio road.

Thursday's attacks came in connection with military's major drug seizures -- narcotic drugs worth over 16 billion kyats (10.7 million U.S. dollars) and materials used for drugs making in Kutkai township, Shan state as well as drugs worth 5 billion kyats (3.33 million U.S. dollars) and some ammunition in Rathedaung township, Rakhine state in late July, the statement said. Enditem

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