Kachin Independence Army (KIA)’s Brigade 5 attacked a checkpoint Balaminhtin Bridge, which links Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships, the Kachin State | Military shell KIA controlled areas in response.
The checkpoint along with an office is collectively run by military personnel, police, immigration and customs officials.
Two junta police were injured on Wednesday night when ethnic armed group the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked a checkpoint just outside Myitkyina, the Kachin State capital.
Troops from the KIA’s Brigade 5 attacked the checkpoint at Balaminhtin Bridge, which links Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships, around 7.40pm. The KIA said its fighters withdrew after attacking for around 15 minutes.
There are security outposts on both sides of the bridge. The checkpoint attacked on Wednesday is on the Waingmaw side near Mong Nar village-tract. The checkpoint along with an office is collectively run by military personnel, police, immigration and customs officials.
“Two policemen at the checkpoint were injured and are receiving treatment probably at the military hospital. We heard they would tighten security at the office and the checkpoint. We are concerned that the regime will harm the people in retaliation instead of the KIA,” said a resident of Mong Nar village-tract.
Following the KIA’s attack, the military regime shelled areas around Mong Nar village-tract, as well as Laiza and Mai Ja Yang, which are under KIA control, and KIA outposts in Hpakant.