Clashes between Burma's military and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) continued this week in northeastern Shan state. Recentlyfightingthat was limited to small arms took place on Kawng Woi Bum mountain in Gang Mying region for over 3 hours, according to a senior officer with the 4th Brigade of the KIO's armed-wing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) stationed nearby.

The fighting started after a large Burmese army column with more than 100 troops launched an offensive in KIAcontrolled territory. The KIO's civilian militia force the Mungshawa Hpyen Hpung (MHH) was mostly involved in the fighting, according to the KIA officer.

“This clash happened because of the army's offensive operation.”There were no reports of casualties on either side.

Currently, Burma Army’s Infantry Battalions No. 147, No. 105, No. 135 and No. 290 are sending troops into territories controlled by KIA Battalion 17 (under the KIA's 4th Brigade) according to the officer.

Recently a Burmese Infantry Battalion No. 69 moved an army column close to KIA units stationed near Hpai Kawng and Hka Len villages in the Pangsai area. After fighting broke outgovernment troopsstole villagers’ livestock and looted homes, according to a KIA officer in Pangsai.

Last week, fighting took place with KIA Battalions 8, 9 and 34 in Kutkai, Mandong, Namtu and Momeik Townships.

The next round of peace talks between the KIO and the Union Level Peace Making Committee areexpected to happen in China next week.