Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) continued to clash with the Burma Army (BA) in Mongmit (aka Moe Meik) Township in northern Shan State.

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According to a middle-aged resident from Mongmit town, who requested anonymity, there was an explosion at a BA base where Light Infantry Battalions (LIB) 223, 276 and 348 are located around midday on 13 July. Another bomb exploded near a police station in Haw Nang ward.

During the explosions, the BA suffered causalities the man said, but he couldn’t provide exact numbers.

“KIA and PDF fired 10 shells at the BA base in Hsai Leang village around 5pm and the army returned 2 shells,” he said. Both sides exchanged gunfire for 15 minutes and one BA soldier was killed.

Following the violence, the junta tightened security in the the township, with soldiers stopping all travellers at various checkpoints to inspect their mobile phones and search their belongings.

Since early July, fighting has been frequent in Mongmit Township, in particular near the BA’s base and police station, which has been ambushed several times by the resistance groups.

Earlier in the month, KIA and PDF fighters killed a BA soldier and wounded 5 others, including a higher ranking officer.

According to an officer from Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), 3 BA soldiers were killed and at least 15 wounded, including a higher ranking officer, during fighting with Infantry Battalion 223 and 276 and LID 348 between Wan Pon Kan and Wan Ohn on 1 July. An SSPP soldier was also killed and another wounded in the clashes.