KIA and allies launch attacks on bases near Myanmar junta stronghold of Bhamo

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces have launched a new offensive aimed at the junta-controlled town of Bhamo in southern Kachin State, the group said on Wednesday. Fierce clashes began early Wednesday morning, when the allied forces began attacking the Infantry Battalion 47 base south of the town, according to KIA spokesperson Col Naw Bu. “There is still fighting in the Bhamo area, but we can’t confirm whether the base has been captured yet. The fighting started at around 5am, and has been going on in many locations,” he told Myanmar Now on Wednesday. Residents of Bhamo said that the junta has responded to the attacks with heavy artillery fire and airstrikes. Two fighter jets were deployed to carry out four aerial bombing raids, including some near the town, locals reported. Clashes have been reported between Bhamo and Momauk, about 10 miles to the east, and between Bhamo and Mansi, some 13 miles to the south. In a statement, the KIA claimed that its forces had “encircled” the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion 319 and 601 bases and Artillery Battalion 523 headquarters in Mansi Township. After the military closed the road to Hsinhkan, a village west of Bhamo near the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, many residents attempted to flee by boat. However, by 10am on Wednesday, water routes were also closed, sources said. “There were quite a lot of people leaving in the morning, but now that the junta has blocked off all routes, people can’t go anywhere, even though they really want to escape,” said a local man. “They’ve ordered all boats to stay away. They’re not allowing anyone to dock here, and no one is allowed to leave,” he added. The KIA began its current offensive in March, and has since captured a number of key towns in Kachin State, including Momauk, which fell to the group and its ally, the Kachin People’s Defence Force, in August after months of fighting. Bhamo, situated about 120 miles south of the state capital Myitkyina, remains a junta stronghold. Its Military Operations Command 21 is headquartered there, and the town also hosts Artillery Battalions 336 and 304, Armoured Battalion 7006, Tank Battalion 5014, and five infantry battalions. The intense fighting near Bhamo comes at a time when battles have subsided in other parts of Kachin State. In addition to the towns it captured in Kachin State, the KIA has also taken control of Mabein and Nam Hpat Kar in northern Shan State.

KIA and allies launch attacks on bases near Myanmar junta stronghold of Bhamo

The regime has responded with heavy artillery fire and airstrikes as fierce fighting continues near the southern Kachin State town

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