More Kachin Independence Army (KIA) outposts near the Lai Hpawng position that the ethnic armed group previously held in Waingmaw township, Kachin State, were captured by Burma Army troops on Sunday, according to the military.

The four temporary outposts of the KIA, situated about 5.5 kilometres southeast of the Lai Hpawng hilltop fortification, were captured on Sunday afternoon following a morning offensive by government troops supported by air strikes and heavy weapons fire, read a statement from the Burma Army.

It said seven KIA soldiers were killed in the latest assault and that casualties were also suffered on the Burma Army side. Government troops seized a 40mm rocket launcher, an M-21 rifle and ammunition.

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On 27 December, the Tatmadaw overran what it refers to as point 768, known by the KIA as Lai Hpawng, and smaller surrounding outposts near the KIA’s Laiza headquarters. Its ongoing campaign against the KIA in Waignmaw township began in August, with the Burma Army capturing the strategically positioned Gidon mountaintop base on 17 December.

The fighting has displaced hundreds of civilians around Laiza.