At least three bombs exploded on Saturday close to the site of a controversial dam in northern Burma, killing three and wounding more than 20.

The attack came two days after nine people died following a series of bomb explosions in Rangoon. State media blamed the Rangoon bombs on opposition groups along the Thailand-Burma border.

The latest explosions occurred in Kachin state in the compounds of the Asia World Co. Ltd, which are building the Myitsone dam. The compound is located 18 miles north of the Kachin state capital, Myitkyina.

The victims all worked for Asia World Co. Ltd, which is close to the Burmese government.

A source in Kachin state said that more unexploded bombs were found, and added that General Soe Win, Northern Military Commander, came to inspect the bomb site in the afternoon with heavy security.

The source said it was still unclear who planted the bombs, but that it could be Kachin civilians who dislike the dam project. The dam is likely to displace up to 10,000 people. 

He added that the ruling Burmese junta may have also planted the bomb as a means of damaging relations between the opposition Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Chinese government. The KIO was unavailable for comment.

The dam is being funded in part by the Chinese state-owned China Power Investment Corporation and China Southern Power Grid Corporation (CSG).

Both the US and Singaporean governments have condemned the Rangoon bombings, the worst in the former capital in five years.

“We condemn any kind of violence that victimizes innocent civilians,” state department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who were the victims of this bombing.”