The Burma Army’s Light Infantry Division (LID) 22 and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) engaged in intense clashes in northern Shan State’s Kunlong Township on Saturday morning.
Local sources told KNG that the Burma Army employed a combat helicopter against the ethnic Kokang army in the battle.
The clashes occurred between Mang Mak and Hpa Hpik villages, which is in territory controlled by the Kachin Independence Army’s (KIA) Brigade 10, an ally of the MNDAA.
A local told KNG on the condition of anonymity that LID 22—which is based in Hpa-an, Karen State—fought with the MNDAA’s Battalions 202, 203, and 204, which operate under Brigade 211.
“It took nearly two hours. The Burma Army’s combat helicopter attacked the MNDAA in the clash,” the local said.
The individual added that the Burma Army appeared to have targeted the MNDAA’s military camps in the area.
The MNDAA is a member of the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed organizations, which also includes the KIA.
Military tension remains high in northern Shan State, with LID 88 and 99 also deployed between Muse and Mong Ko, along the Chinese border, according to local sources.
