Burmese Army Launches Multiple Mortar Attacks

Kachinland News (KLN) | September 16, 2016

Burmese Army steps up its military offensives against Kachin Independence Army this week As Burma’s State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visits to United Kingdom and United States.

Burmese army’s 389th Light Infantry Regiment (LIR) troops under Mogaung-based 3rd Military Operations Command (MOC-3) fired three 81 mm mortar rounds on a KIA’s frontline post at Tsin Yu Bum on Sept 15 at 6:30 am. 389th LIR troops are currently stationed at Hka Ya Bum, located between Namsan Yang and Laiza.

About 400 soldiers from Burmese army’s 29th LIB, 260th LIB, 381st LIR and 382nd LIR under MOC-3 launched an attack on KIA’s Nhkram Post beginning 5:40 am on Sept 15. Nhkram Post is located in Mali area in Sama County. KIA sources said Burmese army fired 110 rounds of 60 mm, 81 mm and 105 mm mortar shells from Gang Dau, Lapai Dan, Nhkram, and Kagam for 11 hours till 4:40 pm. Most shells fell near KIA’s Nhkram Post, Lower Mali, and Ja Hta – Hka Mut Post. One mortar shell reportedly fell in China side of the border near an electic plant.

On the same day, a combined force of Burmese army’s 16th LIR, 50 th LIB, and 86 th LIB attacked KIA’s Lai Hpawng Kawng Post, located in Gara Yang area in Sadung County at 4 pm. Burmese army’s artillery unit currently based at Dingga fired 20 artillery rounds on KIA frontline post for about two hours. An exchange of artillery fire followed by initial Burmese army’s attack, said KIA frontline source.