In battles that occurred today, June 17, in Hpakant city of Kachin State, 22 military council soldiers including Major Phyo Zaw Htet were killed, according to military sources from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The fighting took place in two locations – at Maw Si Za Pagoda Hill and near the church in Maw Wan Lay village, where combined forces of KIA and People’s Defense Force (PDF) launched attacks against the military council troops.
The casualties included Major Phyo Zaw Htet, who served as G-2 level officer at the Kan Si Strategic Base under Military Division 33, along with 21 other soldiers. Their deaths have been confirmed by KIA military sources. The military troops stationed at the church in Maw Wan Lay village had only recently deployed to the area. Currently, civilians from Maw Wan Lay and Maw Wan Gyi areas are fleeing to escape the fighting.
Since the arrival of the military column from Infantry Division 3 based in Mogaung, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Zaw Lat, they have killed more than 30 local civilians in Hpakant. The military forces have been burning jade mining company facilities and committing daily acts of violence against civilians. This military column entered Hpakant in late May, and fighting has been occurring almost daily for nearly 20 days now. Local residents are living in fear due to the brutal actions of these military forces. The military column’s presence has brought continuous violence to the area, with regular attacks on civilians and destruction of local businesses, causing widespread terror among the local population.
