Seven Burmese soldiers killed, two injured in Mongkoe

Seven Burmese soldiers were killed and two injured on Sunday, Sept. 18, during fighting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Munggu, also Mongkoe, Northern Shan State, witnesses said.

The 20-minute battle happened between KIA troops under the Mongkoe-based Battalion 36 and government troops from the Mongsi (Mungji)-based Infantry Battalion No. 290, between Mandat and Panghuk, about seven miles south of Mongkoe, a witness from Mongkoe said.

A KIA officer confirmed the number of dead and injured to the Kachin News Group.

The officer said there were no KIA casualties.

The Burmese Army is sending fresh reinforcements to the area according to local people.

Fighting has been occurring between government troops and the KIA in Kachin State and Northern Shan State since the government started an offensive against the KIA at Sang Gang on June 9.