Burma-Myanmar: Repeated clashes between army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin ruby mine
Armed clashes between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) broke out twice over the past few days, according to KIA officials and local residents. The KIA is the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), who has been in conflict with the central government since a 17 year ceasefire ended in June 2011.
The clashes which first broke out on Friday August 8th and lasted for more than an hour near, took place at Sabaw Maw, a ruby mine located in territory controlled by KIA battalion 6 in the jade rich Hpakan Township. The fighting began when a column of Burmese troops entered the mine area, according to a KIA officer who spoke to the Kachin News Group (www.kachinnews.com) on condition of anonymity.
More fighting happened on August 10th when another group of government troops arrived at the ruby mine. After exchanging heavy fire the Tatmadaw troops eventually entered a KIA controlled village located next to the mine and burned a KIA base, according to eyewitnesses.