The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked a police checkpoint on an important bridge linking Kachin State capital, Myitkyina, to Waingmaw.

At press time, it was unclear if there were any casualties from the attack on Bala Min Htin Bridge at about 7:45 pm, June 23.

A woman who requested for her name not to be published heard two police officers were injured. The officers fought back, firing small and heavy weapons at the KIA.

Later, a Burma Army combat helicopter was spotted flying over the Irrawaddy River searching for the Kachin soldiers. And at about 9 pm, the military fired artillery at KIA positions in Laiza, Mai Ja Yang, Hpakant, Dawt Hpong Yang, Myo Thit and Konlaw.

The source told KNG the police officers’ family members living in the area relocated to a police station in another area of Myitkyina. According to locals, the bridge was open the morning after the attack but without police or security officers.

Col Naw Bu, the spokesperson for KIA’s political wing, Kachin Independence Organisation, told KNG that KIA Battalion 3, under Brigade 5, carried out the Wednesday attack.