Burma-Myanmar: Burma army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) clash in Shan state
Burma army troops and forces from the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) clashed in northern Shan state on Wednesday, less than 36 hours after both sides met for peace talks in the Chinese border town of Ruili. Fighting took place at Man Pying near Hu Hpyet town in Kutkai township.
The clashes which lasted more than two hours involved the Burma army’s Infantry Battalion No. 241 and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) special forces battalion No. 301 led by Major Hpauda Dut, according to a senior officer with the KIA’s 4th Brigade. The official declined to give his name for security reasons.
“This battle was unavoidable because government forces followed behind our troops. They follow us wherever we move” he said.