At least three members of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) were killed in fighting with the Warazup People’s Militia Force (PMF) led by U Min Zin Thant, which also suffered five causalities, in Hpakant Township.
A 50-year-old civilian was also reportedly killed and three women injured in the five-hour battle on the morning of 8 July in Jahtuzup near the Lido Road in Kachin State. One person was taken to Myitkyina hospital with serious injuries. Some residents were trapped in the village as well as in San Pya and Awng Ra.
The fighting began after the KIA sent 200 soldiers from its Battalion 14 to the PMF leader’s house for the second time at around 4am on 8 July. At least four PMF soldiers were killed when the KIA launched the first attack in May 2021.
A local source, requesting anonymity, said about the recent attack, “PMF soldiers also captured some KIA soldiers alive and they placed the bodies of the soldiers they killed in front of Min Zin Thant’s house.” Many KIA soldiers had been wounded, he said, and the PMF captured weapons and some military equipment during the clash.
The PMF reported on its Telegram channel that it had captured the bodies of five KIA and five assault rifles and other items.
Locals say that U Ah Nge Lay, the younger brother of the PMF leader, was among the casualties, but the KNG could not confirm this.
According to another local, who also wishes to remain anonymous, six pigs were killed and at least seven houses, including the pastors house, and the office of the KBC church were damaged.
