Regiment commander killed in Zinbon battle, 3 regiments forced to retreat, bodies and weapons seized by KIA

Three regiments of the Myanmar Army that advanced towards Zinbon village in Shwegu Township suffered heavy losses and were forced to retreat towards Shwegu due to fierce attacks by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces, according to KIA military sources. On the night of September 8, KIA allied forces ambushed Infantry Regiment 12 (KhLR 12) and Infantry Regiment 119 (KhMR 119) under the 33rd Division, which were advancing towards Zinbon village in Shwegu Township. "The ground fighting is also taking casualties. The army is trying to advance towards the Sinkhan area, but they are continuously taking casualties. Although it is said that over 500 troops have gathered in Bhamo, they have not yet linked up with our advancing columns," a source told the Irrawaddy Times. In this battle, more than 100 soldiers on the army's side, including the commander of Infantry Regiment 12, were killed, and some prisoners of war were captured. In addition, the bodies of the deceased soldiers and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition were seized. Furthermore, on September 9, KIA allied forces attacked an army column that approached the vicinity of Sinkhan Bridge, resulting in 18 more soldiers killed on the army's side, and their bodies were seized, it is reported. During the Zinbon battle, the army launched an offensive with three regiments, but suffered heavy casualties and retreated towards Shwegu. Sources indicate that the total number of casualties exceeded 100.