Seven Burmese soldiers killed in fighting with KIA

Seven Burmese soldiers were killed Thursday morning during fighting with the Kachin Independence Army KIA) at Wawang Kumbang, in Manmaw (Bhamo) District, in Kachin State, Northern Burma, witnesses said.



Two guns from Burmese soldiers were captured by KIA fighters, according to KIA officials from the headquarters in Laiza, eastern Kachin State.

All the dead soldiers were from Infantry Battalion No. 47, based in Manmaw, said sources close to government troops.

A KIA  Corporal received injuries to his leg, KIA officials said.

The battle zone is in N’Mawk Township, on the Myitkyina-Manmaw Highway, which is in the controlled area of the KIA’s Battalion 15, under 3rd Brigade.

The fighting occurred after the new government held its first press conference on August 12, denouncing the KIA as insurgents and terrorists.