The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have launched multiple raids on a convoy of 80 trucks
travelling to and from Myitkyina to Putao, killing over 30 soldiers and wounding over 60,
according to a officer from the armed group's Brigade 1. He said five regime trucks were
destroyed during the ambushes from 11 May to 16 June.
As the 80 vehicle convoy of 500 soldiers carried rations north from Myitkyina to Putao, the KIA
attacked it at least five times, killing 10 BA and wounding 20. When it returned south to the
Kachin State capital, it was attacked seven times during which 20 BA were killed and 40
wounded.
The officer explained most of them were killed by landmines they laid at Hkin Du Yang on 1
June, Za Nan Hka Bridge and Wa Baw (both on 10 June) and Hka Garan on 12 June, where the
BA suffered the highest causalities. All of the injured soldiers have been sent to the hospital in
Hka Garan.
According to locals, Infantry Battalion's 37, 138, 142, 298, 321 and People's Milita Forces under
the command of Zakhong Ting Ying, Shwe Min and Ah Tan were part of the convoy.
In Sumprabum and Putao townships, KIA's 7, 10 and 22 battalions, under Brigade 1, joined in
the attacks against the convoy.
Since the coup happened over 15 months ago, fighting between the KIA and BA has intensified.
The Kachin group have recovered a lot of territory that was lost after the Burmese broke a
seventeen year ceasefire in 2011.
