Burma army shelling kills 2 kids in Kachin state

According to officials with the Kachin Independence Organization, mortar shells fired today by Burma's armed forces killed two children and injured two adults during fighting in central Kachin state.

The deaths occurred at Kone Law village, located about half way between Bhamo (Manmaw) and the KIO rebel capital Laiza, on the Bhamo to Myitkyina road.

Throughout the day shells fired from government position at Makwe pounded a Kachin Independence Army stronghold near Kone Law. At least three of the shells fired landed in Kone Law, according to the KIO officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Kone Law is a primarily an ethnic Shan village and all of the victims of the shelling appear to be Shan, though details including the ages of the deceased children and the condition of the injured survivors are not known at this time.

More fighting near Laiza
Today also saw heavy fighting take place near Laiza as Kachin forces sought to block attempts by the Burma army to deliver reinforcements and supplies to strategic army position that threaten the KIO's de facto capital.

Reports from the ground indicate that fighting was particularly fierce at Laja Yang, less than three miles from Laiza.

An official in Laiza told the Kachin News Group that the Burma army is continuing efforts to reinforce all government positions within a 10 mile radius of Laiza.  A buildup that appears to be in preparation for an eventual full scale assault.