CNI News
8 August 2022
Troops of the Kachin Independence Army launched an attack on a frontline outpost of the Shanni Nationalities Army near Hsezin Village in Hpakant Township.
A large number of KIA troops raided the outpost of the SNA in Shwe Pyi Myint Village in Sagaing Region near the border of Kachin State and Sagaing Region, SNA spokesperson Col Sai Aung Main told the CNI.
Col Sai Aung Main said, “As far as I know, a large number of KIA troops raided the outpost at about 1 am on 8th August. We withdrew the troops from the post. It was a small outport manned by 10 soldiers.”
It was learnt that the KIA and the PDF troops first attacked an outpost of the Tatmadaw in Hsezin Village and then raided the camp of the SNA.
Local resident Ko Nay Lin (The name has been changed.) said that the KIA took over the Tatmadaw camp and raided the SNA outpost in Shwe Pyi Myint Village.
KIA leader Ge. N’Ban La.
He said, “It was heard that the KIA took over the Tatmadaw camp, but we could not go and verify it. At first, we learnt that a fire broke out in the early morning. Then, fighting spread to the SNA outpost in Shwe Pyi Myint village a few minutes later. The village is located in Sagaing Region. The KIA and the SNA troops shot at one another from each side of the suspension bridge. I think it was a small outpost. “
The CNI contacted the KIA over the fighting but they were not able to give comments as they were holding a meeting.
Col Sai Aung Main told the CNI, “If they do not try to solve political issues through political means, we will have to fight them back to defend our people. Conflicts are caused by the plans of the KIA. The PDF would not be able to understand the situation. We can guess that the KIA has a plan to eliminate all Shanni ethnic groups. They will be held accountable for the consequences they created.”
The entrance to Hsezin Village. (Tun Lin Aung)
Fighting broke out between the Tatmadaw and the KIA in the Hsezin area and tensions were running high.
The SNA is active in Hkamti, Homalin, Phaung Pyin, Pinlebu, Wuntho and Banmauk in Sagaing Region and India-Myanmar border regions and Mohnyin and Moekaung in Kachin State.
The SNA is an ethnic armed organization trying to establish Shanni State which comprises Mawlike District, Kale District, Hkamti District, Katha District and Tamu District in Sagaing Region and Bamaw District, Myitkyina District, Mohnyin District and Moekaung in Kachin State.
