Battles Rage in Kachin and Northern Shan State

Kachinland News | August 30, 2016

Battles rage in Kachin and northern Shan State as ethnic leaders arrive in Myanmar’s new capital Naypyitaw for the opening session of 21st Panglong Conference.

KIA’s 9th Battalion troops under 4th Brigade on Monday fought Burmese army troops under 99th Light Infantry Division at Hu Lawng Bum, located near Na Hpai village in northern Shan State, around 9 am. The two sides engaged in a battle previous day at around 10:00 am and battle intensified as more reinforcements arrive for Burmese army. 

An unknown Burmese army unit with three military trucks arrived Monday night in Nyaung Taw, located near Namti in Kachin State, and began firing several mortar rounds on surrounding area. KIA’s 11th Battalion frontline posts are located a few miles from current Burmese army’s position and locals are worried that fighting could broke out soon. 

KIA’s 3rd Battalion troops under 5rd Brigade engaged in a battle against Burmese army’s 87th Light Infantry Battalion troops at a location between Gaw Nan village and Lajawng village in Momauk Township on Aug 28 at 9:30 am. 

On the same day, KIA troops under 1st MKM Battalion deterred un unknown Burmese army unit on the way to Sama Nhkram on Aug 28 at around 6:30 pm. 

Local sources reported that Burmese army’s Lashio-based 33rd Light Infantry Battalion troops together with Tang Yang-based troops launched an attack on Shan State Army (SSPP)’s Kaung Oak Hlaing post in Tan Yang Township in northern Shan State on August 28 at 4 pm. The battle lasted for about 3 hours and no casualties have been reported on either side.