Burma Army plans to capture KIA’s Brigade 4 in three days

The main entrance to the KIA's Brigade 4 Command, based in Loikang, near Kutkai in Northern Shan State, Burma.

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The Burma Army’s storm-offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Northern Shan State is aimed at capturing the Loikang-based Brigade 4 Command in three days, said government sources.

Over 1,000 government troops of 18 battalions under Magway-based Light Infantry Division (LID) No. 88 and Meiktila-based LID No. 99 launched the offensive early Saturday morning.

Many Burmese soldiers were killed and over 60 injured in the single day of fighting, confirmed a KIA Brigade officer.

No KIA casualties were reported.

The heavy fighting occurred near the four villages of Manje, Bang Hpik, Dima and Hophet as well as Loi Lem Bum Mountain, according to KIA officers.

The fighting started at 4 a.m. and continued until 8 p.m., said witnesses.

Burmese troops mainly fired mortar rounds at the KIA post in Loi Lem Bum in the evening, said a KIA Brigade officer.

Thousands of local ethnic Kachin and Shan Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are fleeing to the China border.

However, they are being prevented entry by Chinese People’s Liberation Army soldiers and Border Guard Force troops in Manghai, opposite the Burmese border town of Mongkoe, said IDPs.