An aircraft belonging to Burma's military were recently observed unloading troops and rations at the Putao airport in northern Kachin state, according to reports from locals. The arrival of reinforcements in Putao comes only weeks before government negotiators and representatives of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) plan to meet for peace talks. Talks are expected to take place early next month.
At least two large Chinese-built Shaanxi Y-8 transport planes were seen landing and unloading at Putao airport on Sept. 21. Large helicopters have also been seen off-loading troops and supplies at the same airport over the past week, local residents tell the Kachin News Group.
Most of the troop reinforcements and military supplies were sent south to Nhka Ga village in Machyangbaw Township, according to a reliable local source. Until late August when government troops captured the village and surrounding area it was previously controlled by Kachin Independence Army (KIA) 7th battalion, brigade 1. The area was taken on Aug. 29 after two days of heavy fighting. The conflict broke out when troops from the Burma army’s IB 137, supported by the local pro-government militia led by Ahdang Tang (also called Danggu Tang), attacked KIA positions near the village. Two Burma officers were reportedly killed during the battle according to KIA sources. The state media only reported the death of one of their men.
A full scale attack on KIA battalion 7 headquarters near Hting Nan village, close to Nka Ga, is suspected to being planned by the Putao Military Strategic Command. All Putao District units; including IB 46, 137, 138, have dispatched troops to the Nhka Ga area, according to a local source that spoke to the Kachin News Group on condition of anonymity.
Government officials in the area have opened a refugee camp in Machyangbaw town for recently displaced civilians. A refugee camp operated by the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) also opened recently in nearby Nawng Hkai village.
Before the 1994 ceasefire between the KIO and the government – the ceasefire – was broken in June of 2011 - IB 46 was the only Burma army unit based in Putao District. But after the ceasefire was inked two infantry battalions and one artillery battalion were dispatched to the area backed by various pro-government militias.
Putao District is located in a mountainous area of northern Kachin state making it difficult to reach all year around. During the rainy season the only reliable way to get to Putao is by air as all roads are impassable.
