The Myanmar military regime captured more than a dozen officials from the Kachin Independence Organisation/Army (KIO/A) in the Kachin State capital early on Sunday morning, according to local media and a source within the group.
Regional news outlets reported on Monday that some 16 officials from the ethnic armed organisation were arrested at a Myitkyina karaoke venue during a raid by junta troops.
KIO spokesperson Col Naw Bu was not available for comment at the time of reporting, but was quoted in local media confirming the arrests, but did not elaborate with further details.
Myanmar Now was unable to independently verify the number of officials taken into junta custody.
Pro-military mouthpieces named and published photos of 11 KIO and KIA officers allegedly arrested on Sunday, including individuals working at its combat training school located at the organisation’s Laiza headquarters.
Security in Myitkyina has been heightened since early November, with Myanmar army troops regularly inspecting vehicles of travellers and passersby.
On October 23, military aircrafts bombed a music concert in Hpakant Township, where the KIA’s Brigade 9 operates.
The concert was held in commemoration of the KIO’s 62nd anniversary. At least 62 people, including civilians, performers and the organisation’s officers were initially killed. Some 100 more were injured, an estimated 30 of whom are believed to have died after the military denied them access to medical treatment for their wounds.
