Burmese Army Seized KIA’s Mai Sak Post, 3 Civilians Injured In Mortar Attacks

Kachinland News (KLN) | June 5, 2017

About 50 soldiers from Burmese army’s 126th Light Infantry Regiment launched an attack on KIA 14th Battalion’s Mai Sak Post in Danai Township on June 3 at around 5:30 am. KIA sources said they had to withdraw from Mai Sak Post which is manned by just a few soldiers as a combination of artillery and ground attacks intensified.

On the same day, the two sides battled in area around Mai Sak Post from noon to 2 pm. KIA frontline sources said Burmese army’s 238th LIR troops assisted 126th LIR troops by firing several 81 mm mortar shells from Lagang Pa.

The battles continue next day between the two sides between Mai Sak Post and N’ga Ga village at around 11 am.

KIA sources said Burmese army’s latest offensive to occupy KIA’s Mai Sak Post was well planned in advance for weeks. Just before Mai Sak Post attack, Burmese army’s 37th LIR troops fired 20 rounds of 60 mm mortar shells on KIA’s positions at Wa Hka Maw and Nam Sai Hka on June 2. On the same day, Burmese army’s 297th LIR troops fired 12 rounds of 60 mm mortars on KIA’s position at Hpalu Pa.

On June 4, 3 civilians were injured in Burmese army’s 60 mm mortar shelling attacks in Nawng Lung Kawng Ra village at midnight. Pieces of mortar shrapnel hit Lanawng Kaw Ja (56) on the nose, Nbwi Lu  (19) on left shoulder and right hand, and Nbwi Roi (17) in both legs. A cow belongs to Nhkum Bawk Di was killed by the mortar shell.

Local sources said Burmese army troops issued a statement warning local residents and migrant workers to stop working in gold and amber mines in Danai Township beginning June 15. Burmese army’s statement also said Tatmadaw will conduct area clearing operations in Danai area and asked all migrant workers to leave immediately.