Intense fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Burmese military near a rubber plantation in Nalung in Bhamo (Manmaw in Kachin) District from June 28 -29 has resulted in several death and injuries from both sides.
One hundred and fifty KIA soldiers attacked Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 320 and 383 while they were delivering rations to Lung Rawk Burmese military post in Laja Yang, near Kachin Independence Organization’s (KIO) headquarters in Laiza, according to frontline soldiers.
“The Burmese troops were bringing rations on foot. But now the battle has stopped and they have already gone back,” said one KIA frontline soldier.
An officer from Laiza Military Headquarters confirmed four KIA soldiers were killed and seven were injured in the two-day battle. Fourteen Burmese soldiers and several others were injured.
“We went back to check. Some (Burmese soldiers) were already buried. We buried the others who died in the field. Altogether, it was fourteen soldiers not counting those who were injured,” said the frontline soldier.
Fighting between the KIA and Burmese military continued to rage in other areas.
According to a KIA 4th brigade officer, KIA battalion 36 ambushed a Burmese battalion on July 1, killing and injuring many government soldiers near Yi Hku village, Pangsai town in northern Shan State.
In response to the successful KIA ambush the Burmese military has reinforced their troops around KIA positions in the area. Fighting is reported to be ongoing.
