KIA attacks Burma army convoy in Kachin State

KIO STARED ARMED STRUGGLE AGAINST THE BURMESE GOVERNMENT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION STATE SINCE 1961.

LAIZA, Burma — Several trucks belonging to a military convoy in Kachin state were severely damaged Friday following a series of road side bombs.  The convoy was attacked near the Mali Hka River outside Japu village in Waingmaw township in Kachin State, according to witnesses in the area.

The Kachin Independence Army claimed responsibility for the attack but a KIA member stationed in the area told the Kachin News Group the KIA was uncertain of the number of troops killed or wounded.  The convoy is believed to have been carrying supplies for soldiers stationed on the frontline.

Friday also saw a firefight breakout between the Burmese army and KIA forces near Namlim Pa village in Manje (Mansi) township in southern Kachin State, local villagers told the Kachin News Group.

The Burmese troops involved in the clash are said to be from Tactical Command No. 991 under Meiktila-based Light Infantry Division No. 99, while the Kachin troops involved were from the KIA's Battalion 12.

On Thursday, a government soldier from Infantry Battalion No. 141 died after he was shot by KIA forces in the Sinbo area in central Kachin State.

Sources in Kachin state say there has been an increase in fighting in the area over the past few days.  Officials at the KIA's Laiza headquarters told the Kachin News Group on Friday, that the Burmese army has recently stepped up its offensive in order to make advances against the KIA ahead of next week, when representatives from both sides are expected to meet for another round of talks.  The upcoming talks will be the second such meeting between the two sides this year.

The KIA and its political wing the Kachin Independence Organization form Burma's largest armed ethnic group currently fighting the government.  Over the past month most of Burma's other major armed groups that were still fighting the government including the Karen National Union (KNU), the Shan State Army South (SSA South), the SSA North, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Chin National Front (CNF) all signed ceasefire agreements with President Thein Sein's negotiators.