The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has taken control of Waingmaw-Laiza-Bhmo road section along Myitkyina-Bhmao road, after the capture of the military council’s Shwenyaungbin Light Infantry Battalion (LIB)-321 camp, which is important for military strategy in Kachin State, according to the Kachin independence Organization (KIO).
Colonel Naw Bu, Spokesperson of KIO/KIA said: “We seized control of Shwenyaunbin LIB-321 at around 8 pm on 21 May. We already seized control of Lonzatkaung camp and Kazuyan camp. There are no military council camps left on Waingmaw-Laiza road.”
At around 8 pm on 21 May, the KIA and joint forces took complete control of LIB-321 based in Shwenyaungbin village at the exit of Waingmaw, said the KIO/KIA.
Colonel Naw Bu said that the military base is a security checkpoint along the Myitkyina-Bhamo highway, as well as a strategic military base.
Colonel Naw Bu said: “This camp served as security of Waingmaw town as well as Myitkyina-Bhamo road. The people got inspected at the checkpoint. This is a checkpoint where all the cars coming to the east side are allowed to go after being checked.”
“This camp is the major strategic checkpoint. We seized control of a check point and a military base. There are no camps between 321-LIB and Waingmaw. Shwenyaungbin 321 is a strategic camp,” he continued.
In the battle to capture Shwenyaungbin LIB-321, the military council force provided air support and fired multiple rocket launchers and shelling, the KIO/KIA said.
After the fall of LIB-321, the military council bombarded Laiza, KIO headquarters at midnight.
Colonel Naw Bu said fighting continues to intensify between the KIA and the military council force in Waingmaw, Bhamo, Moemauk and Mansi Townships in Kachin State.
The military council has remained silent regarding the ongoing fighting in Kachin State.
Sent by NMG