At least four clashes have been reported between Myanmar’s junta and the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in Waingmaw and Hpakant townships in northern Kachin State since Saturday.
Fighting broke out in Hawang Par village in KIA territory in Hpakant when junta troops ambushed KIA and resistance allies predawn on Monday.
At least five resistance fighters were killed in the clash.
Pro-junta Telegram channels posted pictures of five bodies, assault rifles and ammunition reportedly seized by junta infantry.
Meanwhile, villagers fled their homes as fighting continued in Hawang Par village with some residents still trapped in their homes.
Junta infantry based in Tar Ma Hkan village reportedly shelled the village.
Media reported that KIA troops ambushed a 25-vehicle junta convoy near Hka Lar Yang village in Waingmaw on Saturday.
The convoy, carrying food, reinforcements and ammunition, was ambushed by resistance forces while heading to Nam Sang Yang village.
Sources said three junta vehicles were destroyed during the ambush.
The junta’s Light Infantry Battalion 142, based in Dawthponeya town, shelled the area in response.
Indiscriminate shelling near a school in Dawthponeyan injured two female teachers on Saturday, residents reported.
Clashes broke out near Aung Jar and Ma Dee Yang villages on Saturday, killing at least 20 junta troops.
The Irrawaddy was not able to verify the casualty figure.
Junta reinforcements pushed further into strategically important Nam Sang Yang village about 20km from Laiza and the KIA headquarters.
Two junta outposts and one held by the regime-allied Shan Nationalities Army in Hpakant Township were seized by the KIA in early August.
