KACHIN STATE – Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and junta council troops have been engaged in battle near Haopar Village, Hpakant Township starting around 4 a.m. on September 11.
A 24 year old resident of the village said that the battle ensued after junta forces encroached on the pagoda hill, which they assumed was stationed by KIA and KPDF troops, under heavy artillery fire.
“They are firing from towards the school at Tamakan (Village). It’s not just mortars but also multiple launch missiles. We also heard what sounded like an exchange of fire. Right now, locals are hiding inside the school,” said the resident.
A 31 year old resident from Tamakan Village also reported hearing loud sounds of heavy artillery explosion and that the residents had fled. “Shots are being fired. We can no longer stay because of the heavy artillery fire. Even the houses are trembling. Sounds of gunshots come and go in intervals. We will probably have to flee into the forests. Yes, we are close (to the site of the battle), only divided by a stream. The steam is a small one and there is also a bridge.”
A source close to KPDF stated that the battle happened after junta forces launched offensive while firing heavy weapons. “The battle could be said to be pretty intense. We don’t know yet how many casualties there were. I just pray that civilians are not harmed.”
The residents of the villages near the site of the battle are said to have fled to Whaykha and Natmhaw Villages or took shelter at the religious buildings in the village.
The junta council’s Katinetaung checkpoint on the road to Seikmu Village from Haopar Village where the battle took place is also reported to have been closed.
Previously on August 22, KIA intercepted the junta column from light infantry battalion 12 under Division 33, leading to the break out of a battle where a member of KIA fell and junta artillery also injured a local woman.