Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army (BA) is taking place in Kachin and northern Shan states because BA troops are penetrating KIA areas, according to the spokesperson for the group's political wing, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO).

“Our Battalion 26 clashed with BA yesterday in the Inndawgyi area of Mohnyin Township because they entered our territory,” KIO spokesperson Col Naw Bu told NMG. He said the KIA also fought BA Brigade 1 in its Sumprabum area and attacked a convoy travelling from Sumprabum to Myitkyina with landmines.

Besides Sumprabum Township, fighting occurred in Hsu Yang village, Mong Nawng village in Mohnyin Township and Putao District, all of which are in Kachin State.

On Friday, clashes also occurred in Muse Township with KIA Battalion 36, under Brigade 6, when BA troops encroached on the Kachin group's territory near Nam Oum village in northern Shan State.

Despite the escalation of fighting, the BA hasn't sent reinforcements to the areas where the conflict was reported. “Fighting will continue if they send more troops to our area, but if they stop launching offensives, there will be no clashes,” said Naw Bu.

Fighting between BA and the KIA has increased significantly since the coup more than 15 months ago, as has fighting with several other major ethnic armed organisations and the rise of the People's Defence Forces also fighting the BA, some of which are part of the interim National Unity Government, formed in part by former lawmakers deposed by the regime.