On December 1st, two Junta bases, situated at Khara Bom and Bumre Bom, launched artillery attacks on Laiza Town, the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
KIO spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu asserted that the Military Council intentionally carried out the attacks during the onset of December, a time when Christians celebrate the month, which encompasses Christmas Day.
"We think they aimed for pre-Christmas celebrations. Perhaps they shelled thinking people were gathering for a festive event in Laiza. Fortunately there was no damage done because the artillery shells fell far from our headquarters'', Colonel Naw Bu told KNG.
The artillery barrage took place precisely at midnight, suggesting that the Military Council may have targeted Laiza, assuming a vigil or gathering was happening at that time.
Nevertheless, the artillery shells launched by the Military Council did not hit Laiza; instead, at least 10 shells exploded in the vicinity of Maisappar and Namsanyang villages.
Colonel Naw Bu also remarked that the Military Council has been bolstering its military presence in the region since December, and is gearing up to initiate offensives in various areas.
Laiza, the site of the KIO headquarters, is regularly subjected to artillery shelling from nearby Military Council bases. In November alone, Laiza encountered at least 5 instances of shelling.
On December 1st, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of KIO attacked and seized control of the Naung Gam Shwe Nyein Chan camp belonging to the Military Council's 10th Infantry Battalion in Mohnyin District, within the territory of the KIA 8th Brigade.
"The fighting began on November 30th, and our troops took control of the camp on December 1st. There are reports of the Military Council responding with airstrikes, but the specifics of the situation are not yet known. I can confirm that the enemy camp was captured”, Colonel Naw Bu said.
An official from the KIA 8th Brigade also confirmed that they secured control of the Naung Gam Shwe Nyein Chan camp at approximately 6:00 am on December 1st.Investigating the details of casualties remains difficult due to the heavy airstrikes conducted by the Military Council in the area since the onset of the conflict.
