INTERNATIONAL: Myanmar soldiers took a group of civilians, including at least 80 children, hostage for two days during clashes with rebels before releasing most of them on Monday, according to media reports, a rebel group and a shadow government statement.

The incident has happened in the Sagaing region in Myanmar, which has been the scene of fierce fighting between militia groups opposed to the military coup.

Air strikes and raids by the military at the weekend in Yinmabin, a township about 120 kilometres, west of Mandalay, had driven out most villagers, but dozens of children and some teachers were stranded at a monastery that also housed a school, according to media reports.

The Irrawaddy newspaper has reported on Sunday that 85 children and 10 teachers had been taken hostage, citing residents in the area.

The National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government set up by opponents of last year's coup, has said some of the children held were under 12 years old and some younger than five, accusing the army of a "grave violation" of international law.