By Ra Wai / MPA
Nearly 90 percent of houses and buildings in war-torn Bhamo Town, Kachin State, have been reduced to rubble amid ongoing armed clashes, according to reports.
The battle for control of the town, which began on December 4, has stretched beyond two months, leaving widespread destruction in its wake, the Banmaw Scout Team reported.
A local news source told MPA, “Since the revolutionary forces entered Bhamo Town, the military has relied on its advantage in heavy artillery and airstrikes. They bomb indiscriminately, showing no regard for civilian homes or responsibilities. Most of the destruction in the town is a direct result of the military’s relentless air and artillery bombardment.”
On Wednesday, revolutionary forces launched intense offensives against the military’s Infantry Battalion 236 and No. 21 Military Operations Command (MOC-21) bases.
In response, the military has fiercely resisted using air support, heavy artillery, and drones. Clashes are also ongoing at the University of Bhamo, where the No. 88 Light Infantry Division is stationed, as well as at Infantry Battalion 47 and 641 bases.
“The military is struggling to fight effectively on the ground, so it won’t be long before control of the town shifts,” the source noted. “Every time the Kachin Independence Army attacks, the first thing ground troops do is call for air support.”
According to the Banmaw Scout Team, the military has been carrying out near-daily airstrikes in areas around Nawng Kho, Shwe Kyi Nar, Namhpa, Pin Sin Kone, and the University of Banmaw.
The operation to seize Bhamo Town is being carried out jointly by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF), and local underground groups from Bhamo.
Editor – ML
Translator – Z
Video – Banmaw Scout Team
Caption – Damaged civilian homes near the 2-mile traffic light
