Three relatives were injured after their house was bombed during an overnight shelling in Tanai, Kachin State on June 4.
The heavy artillery fell on Hnaung Lone Kaung Yar Village following clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a local resident told Network Media Group.
“Three family members were injured after the heavy artillery fell in Hnaung Lone Kaung Yar Village atmidnight. They have been hospitalized now. They were sleeping inside their house. The artillery fell near the kitchen so pieces from the shell injured the family,” said the local resident, who asked not to be named.
The injured villagers were transferred from Tanai Hospital to a military hospital.
“The mother received an injury near her mouth so a piece of the shell was stuck inside her palate. Another person received injuries in the area between the neck and the shoulder and also the hands. Another person received injuries on the calf,” said another resident of Tanai township with knowledge of the family.
Fighting between the KIA and the Tatmadaw erupted in Tanai township on June 3.
“The clashes are happening continuously through day and night. I can still hear the sounds of gunfire,” said the local resident.
The KIA confirmed that cashes have been ongoing for about three days.
“There have been clashes in the Tanai area, which is under the control of KIA Battalion 14, since June 3,” said Lieutenant Colonel Naw Bu, the KIA’s information officer. “Around 60 troops from three battalions under Tanai Regional Operation Command staged a joint surprise attack against Mai Sar post, the outpost of KIA Battalion 14. The clashes occurred as the KIA fought back in defense. Clashes broke out in Mai Sar post on the second day. It’s been three days now.”
Residents of Namkham Village just west of the conflict area, are concerned they will be trapped due to the neighboring hostilities. Residents in both Namkham and Hnaung Lone Kaung Yar villages have expressed fears that the roads have been blocked, and if they remain choked, locals will struggle with access to food and safe shelter.
The Tatmadaw has not released anything concerning the outbreak of fighting in Tanai.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron
