KIA attack in Myitkyina suburbs kills 3 Burmese soldiers

 

Three Burmese soldiers were killed and three others injured last night following an attack by troops from the Kachin Independence Army on the outskirts of Myitkyina, the Kachin News Group has learned.

At approximately 10.30 PM, a Burmese army security squad in Chyarapati village 4 miles northwest of the Kachin state capital came under fire by troops from the KIA’s Battalion No. 11, local villagers said.

Reached for comment a KIA official from the 2nd Brigade's headquarters in Awng Lawt in Western Kachin state confirmed that his brigade was responsible for the attack. Villagers reported that all the soldiers targeted were from the Infantry Battalion No. 29 based in Pa La Na village tract, about 8 miles north of Myitkyina.

Beginning last Friday at 5 p.m. daily curfew has been imposed on Myitkyina and the surrounding area.

Since June when a 17 year long cease fire between the Kachin Independence Organization and the Burmese government ended Myitkyina has been subject to regular power cuts and explosions.

This story was compiled by our correspondent in Myitkyina.