KACHIN STATE- On July 25, there had been a fierce battle between the junta troops and KIA (Kachin Independence Army) near Laja Bom Village, Tanai township, Shing Bwi Yang Town. A resident was reportedly shot in the arm and some villagers were taken as human shields.
“The clash was against the junta column from the Tanai township that coming into the village, opening fire. One villager reportedly got shot in the arm. Other than that not much news was received” said a local.
The junta column reportedly entered the village of Laja Bom opening heavy artillery fire, and took the villagers in a car to Ta Yone village until they sent them back later in the evening.
“It was after 10 a.m. when gunshots and heavy artillery fire were heard and we returned home from our farms. Those who were left at home abducted by junta forces to Ta Yone in a car and only sent back in the evening. There were elderly people among the detainees,” said another resident.
It is reported that the junta column spent the night in Ta Yone village and headed to Shing Bwi Yang Town the next day.
In Tanai Township, in addition to junta forces and KIA forces, a militia group led by Mr. Shwe Min is also active.