By Hlaing/MPA
Amid escalating military tensions between junta forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Hpakant and Tanai townships of Kachin State’s Mohnyin District, the KIA has instructed residents to dig bomb shelters, according to local sources.
On Thursday, around 4:00 a.m., fighting erupted between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Min Zay Thant-led Warazup People’s Militia at the Wakah Gold Mine near Shaduzup Village, along the Tanai-Lido Road.
The clash took place within KIA Brigade 2, Battalion 14 territory in Tanai Township, which borders Hpakant Township. Junta forces reportedly provided aerial and drone support to reinforce the militia.
“Yesterday’s battle was intense. The KIA fought against Min Zay Thant’s militia. Four bombs were dropped, and eventually, the militia overran the camp,” a military source told MPA.
Later that day, at around 3:00 p.m., junta forces launched an airstrike on KIA Brigade 9 territory in Hpakant Township. This followed earlier airstrikes on Feb. 15 and 24, during which junta aircraft and drones targeted KIA’s Battalion 6 area under Brigade 9, according to local residents.
In a separate incident on Jan. 13, junta forces conducted an airstrike on a jade mining site near Sanka village in Lonhkin village tract, Hpakant Township, despite the absence of active clashes. The attack killed eight civilians.
“The internet has been cut off for nearly two years now. We don’t even know the full extent of casualties. We only hear about major incidents,” said a 25-year-old man from Ma Shae Kaung ward.
As airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments by junta forces continue, the KIA has reportedly instructed residents in Hpakant Township to dig bomb shelters for their safety.
“In Hpakant, aircraft are constantly circling. They come almost every day and night. We’ve been told to dig bomb shelters,” a local resident said.
Meanwhile, intense clashes between the KIA and junta forces are ongoing in Bhamo. Junta forces have escalated aerial attacks and ground operations in Tanai, Hpakant, Waingmaw, Mohnyin, and the upper part of Myitkyina, despite these areas not currently being sites of direct ground combat between the KIA and junta troops.
Since March 2024, the KIA has intensified its offensive across Kachin State, capturing several junta outposts, including the Hwekar police station, Hwekar, Nant Tin, Tar Ma Khan, Kathina Taung, and Tan Sum Taung.
Additionally, on Aug.15 last year, the KIA seized the strategically significant Lamaw and Taw Maw outposts in Hpakant Township.
Editor: Ko San
Translator – Alice Wai
