14th April 2021
The military attempted to retake one of its outposts today and succeeded in sustaining heavy losses. Lesson number 1. It is always difficult to try to attack guerrillas who hold the high ground when you have to proceed uphill through the jungle to get at them.
The end result was 100 fatalities as the KIA (Kachin Army) defended the base they captured from the Tatmadaw. They also took 38 prisoners whom they found to be malnourished. That of course will help with intelligence gathering, but the morale of the parts of the army facing action seems to be low. That is unlike the heavily armed bullies who are slaughtering civilians in the cities. The other thing about 100 fatalities and 38 prisoners is the increase in weaponry and ammunition that will bring.
Nearly 100 Myanmar military troops were killed in the regime’s attempt to retake control of a strategic base near the Chinese border from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
Tensions have been rising since the KIA seized the Alaw Bum base, which was previously occupied by the Tatmadaw, on March 25.
The military launched several airstrikes over four days in their efforts to recapture the base from the KIA.
Light Infantry Battalion 320 of Myanmar’s military, based in Momauk Township of Kachin State and consisting of about 100 troops, came in two columns to attack the KIA outpost at the base. However, one column withdrew on Tuesday, after suffering a heavy defeat in which the battalion commander died.
Another column clashed with KIA forces on Tuesday night and also suffered heavy casualties.
“I am afraid almost all the troops in that military column have died. I heard only two or three soldiers survived in that column. And our troops are pursuing them,” said KIA information officer Col. Naw Bu, according to local news outlet Kachin Waves.
As of Wednesday, the KIA had arrested 38 Myanmar military soldiers.
No exchange of fire was reported on Alaw Bum on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a starving soldier of Myanmar’s military was arrested at Mongsaiyan village near Laiza, the area under the direct control of the KIA’s headquarters, the news outlet said.
“That soldier said they had not eaten any food except banana buds for eight days,” said Col. Naw Bu.
Following the KIA’s refusal to recognize the military regime, clashes have been reported across Kachin State and northern Shan State since March 11. The KIA has attacked military and police outposts and has threatened to step up its attacks if the junta continues to shoot peaceful protesters across the country.
A skirmish was reported near Namya village by Myitkyina-Hpakant road on Wednesday morning. Military convoys came under mine attacks in Kachin State on Tuesday as well.
This murky photo, taken at 10-30pm is included for sentimental reasons as it is not far from where I used to stay.
The Myanmar police have now found a new money-making venture. They are charging relatives US$85 for the return of the bodies of people they have slaughtered.
The population have taken to writing ant-junta and pro-democracy messages on banknotes and this little protest is taking off!
The situation is deteriorating by the day and Myanmar is slowly slipping into becoming a failed state.
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