KIA seizes junta tank battalion as battle for Bhamo escalates

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) forces seized a junta tank battalion in Bhamo city, near the Myanmar-China border, amid heavy clashes this week, resulting in casualties on both sides, according to resistance sources. Since launching their offensive on December 4, the KIA and other anti-junta forces have seized an airfield, several battalions, and parts of the city of Bhamo, pressing on toward the regime command headquarters, sources say. A military source close to the KIA told Myanmar Now that KIA managed to overwhelm and capture Tank Battalion 5014, with the remaining troops retreating to the Military Operations Command 21 (MOC-21). "They're all said to be regrouping inside MOC-21, everyone's running there,” the source said, adding that fighting in the areas has intensified over the last few weeks. “They've suffered heavy casualties, and our side has also lost many too."As fighting broke out, some battalion tanks and military vehicles moved to MOC-21 before Myanmar military troops abandoned their post, the source said. Sources say junta forces have begun regrouping in Bhamo, bolstering their defenses in response to the KIA assaults. Despite deploying thousands of troops, KIA still faces a regime military base that retains superior firepower, including tanks and other heavy military assets. Since late last year, military aircraft have conducted repeated airstrikes across the state, and have more recently dispatched drones to bomb Bhamo, according to reports. A Kachin resistance fighter photographs himself outside the junta’s Bahmo Tank Battalion 5014 (Photo: Sirinda TV) Colonel Naw Bu, a KIA spokesperson, told Myanmar Now that he could not confirm the number of casualties from the latest clashes as reports have to be released.“In battle, there will naturally be casualties and losses on both sides,” he said, adding that the group is working on determining the full extent of its losses. In Bhamo, the KIA has been engaged in heavy fighting with the junta for at least two months. The powerful ethnic armed group has overtaken several military battalions, captured eight armored vehicles, and seized many other weapons during the fighting. The armed group has also taken regime prisoners of war in cases where regime troops have surrendered. The KIA is fighting alongside smaller groups, including allied resistance forces like the Kachin People's Defense Forces (Kachin PDFs) and the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF). While the military regime has not released information about the clashes, pro-regime Telegram channels have reported that KIA and resistance forces have suffered heavy casualties. Junta channels claim that over 10 KIA fighters were killed and at least another 10 were captured by the regime.The military said it used night vision drones to assault KIA troops who were approaching Bhamo Prison, sharing photos online as evidence. According to a source with knowledge of the recent clashes, the battle has continued to escalate as multiple junta battalions, cut off from escape routes, have opted to fight fiercely rather than surrender. "They can't get air support anymore,” the source said. “The airport has been unusable for aircraft since the day fighting began. With all roads and water routes cut off, they are completely blocked.” In recent months, China has pressured some members of the Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of ethnic armed organisations based in northern Shan and Rakhine states, to peace talks. Finally, in early December, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) announced a unilateral ceasefire with the junta.The Arakan Army (AA), also a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, has signaled openness to dialogue after successfully capturing 14 out of 17 townships in Rakhine State.Joint Kachin forces have seized the townships of Momauk, Mansi, and Hsin Hkan village, securing key areas west and north of Bhamo, including the Ayeyarwady’s west bank.

KIA seizes junta tank battalion as battle for Bhamo escalates

Anti-junta forces push toward Bhamo’s regime command headquarters, cutting off escape routes as heavy clashes continue

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