KIA Leads Attacks on Myanmar Junta Forces in Shan State

By The Irrawaddy 5 September 2022

Clashes broke out in northern Shan and Kayah states as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the ethnic Karenni resistance groups continued to attack Myanmar’s regime forces on Sunday.

On Sunday, the KIA and other resistance troops raided Infantry Battalion 130 in Mantong Township, according to the Kachin media and residents.

In 30 minutes of fighting both sides used heavy explosives, a resident told The Irrawaddy.

The casualties from both sides are unknown, he added.

After the clash, the regime used heavy weapons and deployed more troops around villages near Mantong town, the 74 media group reported.

It said the regime has tightened security at the town’s entrances.

The KIA is coordinating attacks with other resistance groups in Kachin State, northern Shan State and northern Sagaing Region.

On Sunday morning, the Karenni Army (KA), the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party, and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) raided troops stationed near Ngwe Taung Ywar Thit village in Demoso Township, Kayah State.

In four hours of fighting, a regime soldier was killed and many others wounded, according to the KNDF. Resistance fighters retreated without any casualties, the group said.

A rifle and ammunition were seized by the resistance fighters, the KNDF said.

In the afternoon, KA and KNDF troops attacked regime forces near villages in Hpruso Township in the state.

The junta casualties are unknown with regime forces using large numbers of shells. Regime forces have been conducting operations against the Karenni resistance along the Demoso-Hpruso highway.

An estimated 1,499 regime soldiers and 151 resistance fighters have been killed in 454 clashes in Kayah State between May last year and August 31.

Myanmar’s junta faces near-daily attacks from resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations across the country.