On Thursday 09 May, troops from Burma's military faced off against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kyauk Pya, located on the Bhamo-Namhkam road in southeastern Kachin State, KIA officials and local residents have told the Kachin News Group.
Naw La, a resident of Manwing village who witnessed the fighting, said the clashes began around 8am and lasted until 5pm. The fighting began when a convoy of 14 Burmese army trucks carrying rations and military supplies was passing through the area. The convoy appeared to be heading to Kai Htik and was protected by a large group of soldiers from the Burmese army’s Light Infantry Division No. 88.
However, KIA troops from 3rd-Brigade Battalions 1 and 27 were able to halt the convoy's progress. By Thursday evening, Burmese troops had retreated to a nearby Burmese military base at Bang Hkam Pa. The convoy was still unable to move as of Friday, according to Zau Shan, a senior officer with the KIA’s 3rd Brigade.
Zau Shan also said that more fighting is expected if the Tatmadaw convoy attempts another push towards Kyauk Pya.
