Burma Army launches storm-offensive to KIA
The Burma Army has launched a storm-offensive with over 1,000 troops against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)’s Brigade 4, based in Northern Shan State, in the country’s northeast, said witnesses.
The heavy fighting, with exchange of artillery, began about 4 a.m. It is happening around Loikang, under the command of Brigade 4, near Kutkai, said a KIA officer in the brigade.
According to brigade officers, the battle is happening now at Huphet, Manje, Mung Hkawm, Bang Hpik and Dima.
KIA troops of Battalion 2, Battalion 8 and Battalion 9 are resisting the government’s offensive by two Light Infantry Divisions—LID No. 88 and No. 99, which include over 15 battalions.
The government offensive was commanded by Lt-Gen Aung Than Htut, Commander of Burma Army’s Bureau of Special Operations-2 (BSO-2), said KIA officers.
The government troops are firing mortars into the villages in the fighting area. Two mortar rounds landed in Dima this morning but casualties are not reported yet, said villagers.
A KIA officer said, “It is the largest troop movement against the KIA since the civil war started on June 9.”
He added, the storm-offensive aims to remove the KIA from the area around the oil and gas pipelines which will cross the controlled area of Brigade 4 in Northern Shan State, said KIA officers.
