23 govt soldiers killed by KIA during fighting in three areas

Written by KNG

At least 23 government soldiers were killed and more than 22 were injured during fighting in three different locations on Thursday, in Kachin State, said witnesses.

Sixteen were killed and more than 22 injured during an ambush by the Kachin People’s Army Thursday afternoon in southern Kachin State, local people said.

At least three military horses were also killed, said witnesses.

A government military column was ambushed near Ja Ing Yang, on the road to Sinbo, according to local witnesses.

It was largest loss of Burmese troops this week in that area, said local people.

The ambush was carried out by civilian fighters under the Kachin Independence Army, KIA officers at the Laiza headquarters confirmed.

Three Burmese soldiers from the Sarhmaw-based Infantry Battalion No. 105, from the Kai Htik Post on the Manmaw (Bhamo)-Kai Htik-Nam Hkam Road were killed in the quick attack by the KIA’s Battalion 1, said witnesses.

Burmese soldiers responded by firing mortars at the KIA for an hour. A Kachin soldier received minor injuries, according to a KIA officer.

Four Burmese soldiers from the Dawhpumyang-based Infantry Battalion No. 142 were ambushed and killed by KIA troops from Battalion 24, when government troops tried to transport rations to the frontline near Dawhpunyang, from Num Lang Village, said witnesses.

The fighting continued on Friday as Burmese troops continued to fire 120 mm mortar rounds at the KIA positions, said local people.

According to KIA officers, over 6,000 government troops are now deployed around the headquarters but cannot overrun Laiza because of KIA resistance.
http://www.kachinnews.com/news/2121-23-govt-soldiers-killed-by-kia-during-fighting-in-three-areas.html