Burma-Myanmar: Christmas clashes between Burma army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA)
December 24th saw heavy fighting break out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and government forces in southern Kachin state’s Bhamo district, according to KIA officials.
The fighting which lasted most of the day took place at Nam Lim Pa, a village in Manje (or Mansi) township that was taken over by government forces in November. The fighting involved troops from KIA Battalion 12 and unknown units from the Burma army, the commander of Battalion 12, Major Labang Jawn Awng tells the Kachin News Group.
“The fighting which involved small arms and artillery broke out after we attacked government troops whilst they were bathing. Explosions from the artillery were heard more than 50 times during an hour and half period,” Major Labang Jawn Awng said.
According to the Major there were no casualties on the KIA side but it remains unclear if there were any casualties on the government side.
In Northern Shan state, a truck with over 30 government soldiers was targeted by remote controlled mines on the Mandalay-Muse road, said a senior officer with the KIA 4th Brigade.