Two Kachin Independence Army (KIA) officers fell in battle during clashes with government troops on Feb. 7 in Prang Tai Maw, located in Mansi township, in Bhamo district, Kachin state.
The fighting erupted between Burma army’s LI 602 battalion (based in Shwegu) and KIA 12th battalion. It reportedly started after government soldiers entered KIA controlled territory. Gunfire lasted over 30 minutes. A KIA officer told the Kachin News Group, second Lt Maran Ungsau Tang. and Sgt.Maj. Marip La Hpri was killed.
The army units were dispatched as reinforcements for Gawngrun government post, about six miles from where the fighting took place. After, the same units reportedly headed to the Je Hkan Sahkan Gyi post. At the time of press its unclear if any Burma army troops were injured or killed.
Following the fighting, tensions remain high in KIA controlled area.
Clashes also broke out in northern Shan state's Mantong township controlled by KIA 34th battalion. Burma army reinforcements from Lashio were dispatched to Huhkin Manjet, Panswe, Nam Lan villages in Nam San township on Feb. 8 and 9.
There are now 100 soldiers in each of the villages according to KIA estimations.
This Tuesday, forces from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in KIA 3rd battalion clashed with government troops in northern Shan state.
According to a KIA 4th brigade officer, the government is increasing pressure by dispatching reinforcements near both 4th brigade and 3rd battalion. KIA soldiers have been ordered not to provoke or attack government forces.
