The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an artillery attack on Putao airport on Tuesday morning.
The KIA fired three artillery shells into the airport compound at around 4am but missed the runway.
KIA information officer Colonel Naw Bu said had not yet received a report on the attack. He said the armed group would attack the regime at any time possible and the airport attack might have been opportunistic.
On May 30, fighting broke out between the KIA and regime forces in Putao Township.
Military tensions have been running high since March 11 following the KIA’s refusal to recognize the regime. Military aircraft later bombed KIA outposts.
In May the regime tightened security in Putao and made inspections and arrests of young men on suspicion they were returning home from military training with the KIA.
A Putao resident said: “At midday on May 30, heavy artillery was heard near Tang Ja village, 28 miles from Putao. Some civilians have been hiding since. Everyone is worried and watching the situation. People are collecting food and medicine.”
You may also like these stories:
Suspected Myanmar Military Informants Killed in Kale
At Least 80 Myanmar Soldiers Killed: Kayah Resistance
Myanmar Coup Leader Renames Controversial Mon State Bridge
