Burma Air Force Bombarded KIA near Laiza

29 December 2012: Burma Army soldiers have launched heavy air attacks in Kachin State, reportedly using two fighter jets and three helicopters since yesterday.

Sources confirmed that Burma Air Force fired rockets, dropped bombs and shot with machine guns at the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) outposts at Lajayang and Nam Sang Yang.

Burma Army began a barrage of heavy 120mm mortars, shelling and strafing the Kachin positions in Lajaiyang and Nam Sam Yang, according to FBR (Free Burma Rangers) teams based in Kachin State.

“During these attacks, the Burma Army dropped over 400 rounds of 120mm heavy mortar shells in and around Lajaiyang and Nam Sam Yang,” a report by FBR said.

The use of jet aircraft and attack helicopters is now at the highest intensity since Burma’s military began its attacks against the Kachin last year, according to the report.

Requesting a prayer for the victims, Moon Nay Li, of the Kachin Women’s Association Thailand, said Burma Army has now approached Laiza, the headquarters of KIA, close to Je Yang (Internally Displaced Persons) camp housing more than 10,000 IDPs.

“The IDPs are frightened and crying for help. Your prayer could save the lives of our people,” added the Kachin activist based in Chiang Mai.

The ongoing military offensive against KIA have displaced an estimated population of over 100,000 and destroyed many towns and villages in Kachin State.

“The victims are in need of security, food, shelter and clothing,” said the FBR relief teams working closed with other relief organizations in the area.

In his address to the meeting of the Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, President Thein Sein blamed ethnic nationalities for making instability in the country.

The New Light of Myanmar today published his speech, saying the successive governments had prioritized the forging of national unity.

“In the post-independence period, disunity among the national people sparked internal insurgencies in the border areas. Consequently, the nation was unable to strive for national development,” said U Thein Sein.

Burma’s government continues attacking its own citizens in the ethnic states while claiming it has moved forward in pursuit of democracy and peace in the country.

Van Biak Thang
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