Burma-Myanmar: Kachin Independence Army (KIA) claims that the government army is shelling villages around Laiza
Howitzer artillery shelling is being used on civilian territory surrounding the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) headquarters of Laiza, claim rebel sources.
Government army artillery battalions 364 and 370 under Artillery Operational Command have reportedly been firing 105 mm howitzers against KIA bases in northern Burma since last week.
“As they shell Kachin villages in KIA-controlled areas with howitzers every night, we wonder what happened to the peace process,” said La Nan, the main spokesperson for the KIA’s political wing, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
He revealed that government troops have also been approaching areas close to the rebel’s Laiza stronghold where thousands of Kachin civilians are taking shelter. There is no sign that hostilities are coming to an end while peace talks between KIO leaders and the government peace delegation are also on hold.
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