The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) had seized about 5,000 million kyats and some gold bars inside the junta’s camp _ after the junta troops left the Lwegel-based infantry battalion 142 _ at the China border trade zone on Bhamo – Lwegel Road in the area of KIA Brigade 3, Momauk Township, Bhamo District, Kachin State, according to local people.
A total of 63 forces _ junta troops, police, and departmental staff _ sheltering inside the infantry battalion 142 based in Lwegel town _ fled to Muse from Kharnan village on the China – Myanmar border, without passing through the official border gate, at 10:30 p.m. on April 8.
“Those may be able to get out because of an arrangement with China and the military junta. Those fled entered the Chinese side through the side of Kharnan village that night on April 8. Some locals call the Kharnan sneak entrance. There was no fighting. The junta troops have been completely cleared. The whole town of Lwegel has been controlled by the KIA. I heard the junta troops and staff who left have been sent from China to Muse,” a local told MPA.
When the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) cleared this infantry battalion 142, military equipment, around 5,000 million kyats, and gold bars were seized, according to a person close to the military.
“We went to clear the area yesterday. A lot of weapons were seized. We found the money in the underground room. It must be money from border trade. I think they left that money because they couldn’t carry it due to Myanmar money kyats,” he said.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has surrounded the town of Lwegel where the border trade zone is located, since March 27. The junta’s police station, administration office, departmental offices and the border gate were completely controlled by the KIA on April 4.
“The local people from Lwegel and Mongjaryang are happy. Only the KIA and local people are inside the town. There is nothing related to the military junta anymore,” said a local man in Mongjaryang.
On March 27, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked and captured military camps around Lwegel town on the Bhamo – Lwegel Road. On April 9, Lwegel town was controlled by the KIA without damage.