On Sunday, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) engaged in two clashes with the Burma army in Kutkai Township, located in northern Shan State.

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According to a local source who heard the gunfire from his village, the recent fighting commenced when the KIA ambushed a column of regime soldiers passing by Hko Mong at 10 am. The Kachin fighters fought with junta troops, who had travelled from Namhpetka, for approximately one hour.

The second clash happened in the afternoon near Hper Hkat. “This time, we heard the sounds of heavy and light weapons, which lasted for about 30 minutes. After it went silent and we haven’t heard any gunshots today.”

Col Naw Bu, the spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organisation, the political arm of the KIA, confirmed the fighting in Muse District, stating, “The Burma army suffered casualties during the clash, but I have not been informed of the exact number.”

There has been a significant increase in fighting between the armed groups in northern Shan State throughout July. In Kachin State, KIA troops are engaged in near-daily clashes with the regime forces near Laiza, following the Burma army’s offensive aimed at seizing several KIA camps near their de facto headquarters.