Kachin, Feb. 14 -- The armed wing of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has pushed to within 100 metres of a key Myanmar military installation in the Kachin state's Waingmaw township, tightening its encirclement of Infantry Battalion 58 and triggering near-daily clashes, said the militant outfit's spokesperson.
Waingmaw is a critical link to the Kachin State capital, Myitkyina (located just across the Irrawaddy River), and strategic border trade routes to China.
KIA commander, Col. Naw Bu, speaking to local media said that KIA-led forces have overrun junta outposts, and are now positioned along the perimeter of the main base, fortifying their positions. However, he said no order has yet been issued for a full-scale assault to capture the ...