Monday, 09 January 2012 11:57 Mizzima News
(Mizzima) – The pilot of a Burmese government transport helicopter died in a crash after it was shot down last week by the Kachin Independence Army, according to the Kachin News Group.
The pilot of the Russian-built helicopter died upon impact on January 4, after crash landing in a paddy field near N’Mawk (Momauk) Township, said a KIA officer.
The craft was severely damaged after coming under small arms fire from the KIA, during a failed attempt to unload supplies at a Burmese base near Mu Bum Mountain, said reports.
Fighting between the KIA and government forces has continued for nearly seven months, despite a December 10 order by President Thin Sein instructing the army to cease offensive operations.
KIA sources say the Burmese army has sustained its worst losses in more than two decades.
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