Civilian cars moved away from the war zone in Northern Burma

Myitkyina-Bhamo trade road.

Civilians in the war zone in Northern Burma move their cars to safe places to avoiding having the vehicle commandeered by the Burma Army, said villagers who have cars.

It is not unusual that Burmese soldiers in the frontlines to take local people as porters and civilian-owned vehicles as means of military transportation, said local people.

Civilians in the battle zone for Burmese soldiers and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) along the Myitkyina-Bhamo road have moved their vehicles to Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, said local people.

Currently, all cars in Katsu village on the main road have been moved to Myitkyina, said villagers.

Government troops are transported by civilian-owned vehicles rather than military vehicles, to avoid being ambushed by the KIA, said witnesses.

During fighting at Hka Ya, in July, Burmese troops forcibly took civilian pickups to transport military personnel, rations and weapons to the battle field with the KIA.

Over 500 government soldiers were killed during fighting with the KIA since June 9, according to KIA officials.