Regime Airstrikes Target Laiza
By Network Media Group
Saturday, December 24, 2022
The regime reportedly shelled the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) at a time when there was no fighting in the area of Kachin State near the Chinese border.
A local, who requested anonymity, said the military fired up to four shells around 3am, some of which landed in the Woi Chai area.
Two jet fighters that had taken off from Tantar Oo Air Base in Mandalay dumped bombs near Seng Mai Pa village, which is next to Nam Sam Yang village in the KIO/KIA headquarters, on 20 December. Fortunately, no one was injured and there was no damage to property.
A woman from Laiza, who also requested anonymity, commented, “Villagers are worried for their safety when they hear jet fighters flying overhead, even if their villages aren’t being bombed. There are no clashes, but the military has deliberately attacked this area.”
On 19 December, junta bases on the peaks of Hkaya and Bum Re mountains fired artillery that landed near Mong Lai Hkyet village and Woi Chai Bum (mountain), according to locals.
Two days earlier, regime fighter jets bombed Seng Mai Pa village from Mandalay. On 6 November, the regime shelled Mai Ja Yang, the second largest town controlled by the KIO, with artillery.
Attacks against the KIO and civilian areas have increased since three regime jet fighters bombed a concert celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the Kachin armed group in Hpakant Township on 23 October. Many people were killed during the bombardment and soldiers prevented the wounded from reaching hospitals in Hpakant and Myitkyina towns.
