KIA withdraws from Kambaiti Road stronghold

The China's reconstruction of Myitkyina-Kambaiti road was completed on April 26, 2007.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) withdrew yesterday from its stronghold on the Myitkyina-Kambaiti Road after Burmese Army troops resorted to heavy and continuous artillery fire, said local people.

KIA officers on the Sino-Burma said they withdrew from the strategic Lahpai Post in Waingmaw Township on the highest mountain on the China border route because of heavy artillery fire by the Burmese Army.

Heavy fighting is on around the overrun KIA Lahpai post despite the KIA withdrawing from there, said residents.

The Burmese Army has deployed over 600 troops from Magway-based Light Infantry Division No. 88. The KIA is resisting with small arms, local people told Kachin News Group.

Earlier, another KIA post in Bum Tawng near Washawng village on Kambaiti Road was overrun by government troops.

To wipe out the KIA from the Kambaiti Road and take complete control, the Burmese Army is launching a fierce offensive on the two KIA posts on the road, said local people.