The Military Council conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Laiza area in Kachin State, the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) during the period of escalating military tensions between the two parties, according to Colonel Naw Bu, the spokesperson of KIO.
The Military Council's attempts to infiltrate the area around Laiza have led to numerous skirmishes with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of KIO, starting in early July. Consequently, the situation in the region has been marked by a significant escalation of military tensions.
The Military Council carried out an airstrike on the vicinity of Namsangyang village tract in Waingmaw Township on the night of July 27th, around 11:00 PM.
The bombs dropped by the planes exploded between Madiyang and Awnjar villages in the Namsangyang village tract, and the extent of the damage is yet to be determined, Colonel Naw Bu said.
"The aircraft not only dropped bombs but also fired missiles before turning back. It happened at a distance from us, so the extent of the damage is currently unknown and under investigation. But I can confirm that the airstrike took place”, he told Than Lwin Times.
The Military Council troops on July 25th advancing along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road, encountered ground battles with joint resistance forces led by the KIA at three different locations.
Colonel Naw Bu remarked that tensions are escalating in the region due to the ongoing military activities of the Military Council around Namsangyang.
"I can confirm that there is currently military tension between the two sides, and there have been some small ground battles. The Military Council is attempting to advance around Namsangyang, which has intensified the situation. We have fiercely resisted their advances, contributing to the tense atmosphere in the region”, Colonel Naw Bu said.
Furthermore, the Military Council carried out an airstrike on Namsangyang on the night of July 21st, resulting in explosions near the village administrative office and the Catholic church. The attack caused damage to buildings and tragically led to the death of four cattle.
According to local media reports, in the past few days, 6 ships carrying weapons and ammunition for the Military Council, along with 3 security vessels, have been observed sailing upstream from Mandalay to Kachin State along the Ayeyarwady River.
The Laiza Administration Office has issued a warning statement since July 4th, due to the escalating military activities of the Military Council, urging local communities to remain vigilant as there is a possibility of fighting resuming at any moment.
In the statement, residents are advised to minimize the use of the Bhamo-Myitkyina Road and, if necessary, to monitor the latest military news before traveling on that route due to urgent matters.
In addition, the Laiza Administration Office has cautioned the public against approaching the Military Council's military bases and urged them to refrain from being exploited by the Junta soldiers, whether in terms of labor or material.
