Clashes broke out between the junta’s forces and resistance groups in both Sagaing and Tanintharyi regions on Tuesday as the National Unity Government (NUG) announced the start of a full-scale nationwide revolt.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reportedly attacked a Myanmar military base in Homalin Township, on the border between Kachin State and Sagaing Region, according to local sources and the Kachin State-based 74 Media.
Fighting took place in the Nant Thar area of Homalin from 7am until 10am, a resident told Myanmar Now.
“The KIA is currently launching a military offensive against a junta base. So far, no casualties have been reported. We heard that the fighting was intense,” the resident said.
In recent days, the junta had sent reinforcement troops to Homalin and Hkamti, according to locals, who also speculated that one of the reasons for the KIA’s military offensive was the NUG’s declaration of war.
KIA spokesperson Col Naw Bu told Myanmar Now on Tuesday that he supported the NUG’s announcement, and pointed out that the KIA had already been fighting the Myanmar military for 60 years.
The KIA has launched multiple attacks on junta bases and military convoys in Kachin and Shan states and Sagaing Region in recent months.
In August, the Shanni Nationalities Army attacked the Myanmar army in Homalin, which was reportedly the first clash in the township since the February 1 coup.
The military has reportedly suffered heavy casualties in the ambushes launched by resistance forces, but the junta has not made any official statements regarding these clashes.
Gunfire was also exchanged for several hours on Tuesday between junta troops and a joint force made up of members of the Karen National Liberation Army’s Brigade 4 and the local People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Tanintharyi Region’s Thayet Chaung Township.
The resistance forces attacked the military at around 8am, a member of the Thayet Chaung PDF told Myanmar Now.
Reports of fighting in the area are not common.
In Karen State’s Kyainseikgyi Township, more than 40 military vehicles carrying ammunition and food supplies for junta troops arrived on Tuesday morning, leading to speculation by local media that military operations in that area could also soon intensify.
