Government troops launched an attack on the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) with military helicopters. The attack was carried out in Pannwar Township in the eastern region of Kachin State, according to KIA spokesperson U Lah Nan.
“Yesterday (Dec.4), 7 government helicopters came. Among them 5 helicopters were carrying the weapons, rations, soldiers and food. They carried the soldiers who were injured on their return. Another 2 helicopters were looking for KIA battalions. They shot 2 rounds at KIA positions,” he said.
This new development comes after the heaviest battle between the KIA and Burma army took place in the KIA Brigade-1 area, in Pannwar on Dec.1. The government’s use of military helicopters is escalating the conflict.
“We will continue to defend ourselves against the government whenever they come to launch an offensive against us,” U Lah Nan said.
The government hasn’t offered the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) the opportunity to discuss political solutions to the conflict in an official forum.
