Heavy fighting erupted again between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Burmese Army in various parts of Kachin region. The two sides are scheduled to hold a meeting in China-Burma border town of Ruili on March 11, 2013. There were sustained engagements between KIA’s 1st Brigade and a combine force of Burmese army’s infantry units and Zahkung Ting Ying’s BGF troops since mid-February in Sawlaw and Law Hkawng areas.
A battle took place between KIA’s 11th Battalion and Burmese army’s Pakokku-based 101st LID near Mali Sut Yang village on March 5 at 8 am. The fighting broke out as about 400 government soldiers led by Colonel Win Ko Ko intruded KIA’s 11th Battalion territory on Tuesday morning, said a local source. Another battle took place near KIA’s Lai Hkau Bum post as Burmese army’s 101st LID troops advanced towards Gat Shang Yang village on the same day at 6:05 pm.
Local sources say Burmese army’s movement has increased in February as more troops and logistic supplies have been transported to its strongholds near KIA’s frontline posts.
