The secretary general of Burma's largest rebel group, the Karen National Union, has been killed.
Pado Mahn Shar was shot at his home in the Thai border town of Mae Sot, his family told reporters.
He was reportedly shot by two men in a pick-up truck, while sitting on the veranda of his home. He died instantly.
The KNU and its military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, have spent nearly 60 years fighting the Burmese government.
Setbacks
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However, they have suffered a number of recent setbacks, including political splits and defections to the government.
Militarily, they have been driven further and further back towards the Thai border.
However, Pado Mahn Shar told the BBC last year: "Whatever happens, we cannot surrender.
"If the government won't offer us a proper peace settlement, we have to carry on fighting."
The BBC's Kate McGeown, who met Pado Mahn Shar on the Thai-Burmese border last year, says his death will be a serious blow to the Karen rebels.
As it is, they face a huge challenge against the Burmese army, which is vastly superior both in terms of numbers and equipment.
(BBC)
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