A local resident shared with Kachin News Group that a well-guarded military convoy, comprising approximately 200 soldiers and carrying military provisions in 25 vehicles, found itself under siege by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) for three consecutive days in Hkala Yang Kachin State.
Many casualties among the soldiers guarding the convoy forced resulted in a complete withdrawal to the 142nd Infantry Battalion stationed in Dawthponeyan.
The resident reported that,“ The convoy has now returned to the Dawthponeyan camp., with five military vehicles severely damaged. Facing substantial casualties in that area, they decided to abort their mission and make a full retreat on September 12th..This has rendered the current situation unfavorable for any further military operations.”
The Military Council troops have been attempting to secure a presence in Nam San Yang, near the KIO headquarters, for more than a month. However, they have encountered difficulties in executing effective operations, and casualties on the military side are still occurring.
The Military Council convoy consisted of troops and supplies traveling from Bhamo to Nam San Yang since August 28.During their journey from Bhamo, the convoy came under attack by the KIA in areas near villages like Myo Thit, Kone Law, and Darh Seng.
The Junta”s Dawthponeyan-based 142nd Infantry Battalion came under siege by the KIA at a location on the road descending from Hkala Yang mountain, roughly 2 miles away from Dawthponeyan on the morning of September 9.In an attempt to enable the attacked military convoy to advance to the upper area, the nearby Hpun Pyen Bum and Hanggai Bum camps in the vicinity of Dawthponeyan launched a sustained barrage of artillery shells toward the KIA. Despite their efforts, the convoy was unable to make progress and eventually had to withdraw.