2 reported killed in Myanmar border town

A bomb exploded in a crowded market in a Myanmar border town, killing at least two people and wounding several others, a news agency reported.

The blast occurred Friday evening in the town of Myawaddy, across a river from Thailand, the Mizzima news agency, run by Myanmar exiles in Thailand, said. The explosive was believed thrown from a vehicle into the night bazaar.

The area was cordoned off immediately after the blast and victims were taken to hospitals.

It was unclear whether the attack was related to fighting between Myanmar's military and the ethnic minority Karen, who are seeking an independent state, or criminal activities.

The town is a center for both a vigorous illegal cross-border trade and smuggling of goods and people, mainly laborers seeking employment in Thailand.