BURMA MYANMAR : KIA Under Attack On Several Fronts

Knl news

Burmese government troops launch multiple offensive fronts on Thursday to attack KIA positions in Bang Hkam and Nong Mun area located near China-Burma border in northern Shan State, said a KIA frontline source. Burmese army troops have approached KIA positions from three sides; Mansi – Kai Htik route, Man Win – Lagat Yang route and Nmau River route.

As nationwide census began, about 1000 Burmese army troops arrived last week in Man Win Gyi area in Kachin-Shan border and threatened KIA local officers to allow census in KIA-controlled territories or face a military action.

The latest offensive began after Lt. Colonel Myo Nyunt of 567th Light Infantry Regiment (LIR) was killed last week by KIA troops guarding Maru Mawn Gate. A KIA official said Lt. Colonel Myo Nyunt and his soldier were shot by KIA troops after they refused to stop and identify themselves at KIA’s Maru Mawn Gate located near Nam Hka village. Burmese army troops under 88th Light Infantry Division (LID) entered KIA-controlled territories in Nong Luk and Nawng Lum village beginning Thursday morning after the incident at Maru Mawn Gate, reported a local source.

A series of battles fought between the two sides on Thursday in southern Kachin State and northern Shan State as Burmese army encroached into KIA-controlled territories.

KIA’s 27th Battalion troops encountered Burmese army’s 68th LIB troops at Loi Pu Si Bum at 1 pm.

Kachin people militia (MHH in Kachin) troops engaged in a battle against Burmese army’s 601st LIR troops at Hka Pra village at about 1:45 pm

A platoon of KIA troops under 27th Battalion fought against a combined force of Burmese army’s 68th LIB troops and infantry units under 88th LID between Bang Hkam and Lagat Yang village at 4:45 pm.

Another battle took place between KIA’s 27th Battalion troops and Burmese army’s 68th LIB troops at Nam Hka Loi Seng Bum located near China-Burma border on the same day.

Burmese army’s 68th LIB, 69th LIB, 323rd LIB, 522nd and 567th Light Infantry Regiments (LIRs) under Theinni-based 16th Military Operation Command (MOC-16), and at least 4 Infantry Battalions under Magway-based 88th Light Infantry Division (LID) have participated in this latest offensive operation.