KACHIN STATE – The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) confirmed that there had been a battle near Loilam Aungja military base, Nan Sanyang Village, on Myitkyina-Bamaw Road. The fight started around 5:00 p.m. on Friday (October 20).
KIO/KIA spokesperson Colonel Nawbu said, “There is an ongoing battle in Nan Sanyang between KIA and junta forces. I don’t have a report yet, everything is under investigation. The junta regime launched aerial bombing and also fired heavy weapons.”
“The military council has carried out at least five airstrikes so far this night (October 20),” stated a resident, “Monglai Hkyet, Waikyai and Laiza residents are warned about air raids and heavy artillery fire for the night,” he added.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) captured the Loilam Aungja military camp on October 16, and now, four days later, clashes have resumed.
The military council troops are conducting offensives to control the fronts near the KIO/KIA headquarters in Laiza, and regular clashes have been reported along the Myitkyina-Bamaw Road for more than three months.