According to a source with close ties to the military, a Russian-trained artillery officer and three subordinates were killed on Nov. 21 at the Hpakant Military Strategy Command (MSC). The soldiers were attempting to fire a 105mm howitzer shell that exploded prematurely. At least four other soldiers are believed to have been injured by the explosion.

The exact cause of the accident is still unknown.

The incident occurred while government forces were shelling of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) positions in Maw Mau Bum, located about 3 miles north-west of the Hpakant MSC. It’s believed the accident may have caused significant damage to the base after shelling stopped on the same day of the accident, according to one front line KIA officer.

Residents told the KNG that they saw government troops bury the bodies of at least three people near the the base shortly after the explosion took place.

After the KIA killed more than 100 government soldiers in August with a triggered explosive near a mine Burma's military deployed the artillery battalion to safeguard against such attacks.