A Military Council column, reportedly having just released human hostages who were kidnapped and used as human shields while the soldiers traveled through Hpakant Township, was ambushed by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) several days later.
The 100-strong regiment under Light Infantry Division 33, which began in Mogaung, reportedly lost at least six soldiers, and ten were wounded during the landmine attack by KIA’s Battalion 6 outside the village of Nam Tein, only eight miles from Hpakant town in Kachin State, on Tuesday.
According to reports from locals, the junta soldiers abducted 14 villagers from Nam Yar and released them when they arrived at Nam Tein on Monday. Two of them were children, and one was a pastor. Everyone was forced to wear military uniforms and carry ammunition and military equipment while traveling with the soldiers.
The victims are from Kap Maw, and their names are Ko Seng Htoi Awng (Grade 8), Ko Suit Dant Myo (Grade 9), Ko Marit Brang Awng, Daw Zar Zar Myo, U Ram Tun, U Soe Thein, Ko Kyaw Hlaing, Ko Soe Myint Aung, U Kanda Tuu Awng, Ko Pyae Phyo Naing Win, Ko Jang Maw Awng Seng, Ko Mai Seng, U Rawang Dee Ram, and Ko Gaton.
“After the landmine attack, the Burma army column retreated to Nam Tein,” where they remain, a man close to the KIA told KNG on the condition of anonymity.
Residents are concerned that the Military Council will block the road to Hpakant.
