Fighting broke out between the Kachin Independence Army's (KIA) Battalion 17 and the Burma Army in northern Shan State last week.
KIA Battalion 17 under the group's Brigade 4 and the Burma Army’s Light Infantry Division (LID) 77 fought on 29 and 30 April.
When reached for comment Lt-Col Naw Bu from the KIA’s Laiza headquarters confirmed that the clashes took place.
The KIA and the Burma Army clashed on the Kutkai to Kunlong Road to the west of the Salween River at around 10 am on 29 April while the KIA troops were returning from Man Kang near Ji Lai Pa, which is under KIA Battalion 17’s territory, according to details provided by the KIA.
Another battle broke out at noon on 30 April after the Burma Army forcibly entered Hu Yau Bum where the KIA Battalion 17’s Second Unit was located, according to information released by the KIA .
On 22 April KIA Battalion 35, under the group's Brigade 8, fought with the Burma Army in the west of Mohnyin while KIA Mobile Battalion 255 fought with the Burma Army near the group's Laiza headquarters. The KIA and the Burma Army also fought in Hpawng Seng in northern Shan State on 21 April.
Translated by Thida Linn
