Over 20 junta troops killed in major clashes in Kachin’s Hpakant

More than 20 junta soldiers, including a battalion major, were killed in heavy fighting in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, on Tuesday resistance sources said. Two clashes broke out between the Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces around 9am near the villages of Hmaw Si Za, Hpa Yar Kone, and Hmaw Wan Lay. A military major was also reportedly shot by a sniper, according to the Kachin People’s Defense Force (Kachin PDF).A group official said the situation remains fluid and full details have yet to be confirmed. "A major was killed,” the Kachin PDF official told Myanmar Now. “We can't give details about military news, but we can say that around 20 of them were killed.” Fighting raged throughout Tuesday in Hpakant Township’s Hmaw Si Zar and Hmaw Wan Lay villages, coming to an end around 3pm, according to local residents.KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu told Myanmar Now he was aware of the clashes and reports of high junta casualties, but had not yet received detailed information. "The fighting did happen,” he said. “They're saying the junta side had many casualties, but we haven't received solid news yet.” Due to the fierce clashes, most residents near the villages fled, according to a local man. On Wednesday morning, the fighting had subsided and many residents began returning to their homes. "Those near Hpa Yar Kone don't dare return,” a local villager said. “The rest have returned home. But, they're prepared in case something else happens." On Tuesday, junta artillery slammed the township, killing one civilian and injuring several others. The area has recently seen a surge in military raids and with near-daily clashes, driving up civilian casualties. From May 27 to June 17, records show approximately 31 civilians have been killed by fighting in Hpakant. After junta reinforcements reached Hpakant in late May, a surge of violence gripped the jade mining hub leaving residents trapped and terrified. There has been a spike in fighting in other locations across Kachin State as well. "There's fighting in Waingmaw too, but they're not major battles or raids,” Colonel Naw Bu said. “They advance from their bases toward where we are, then retreat. It happens almost daily." In Bhamo, ground fighting has slowed, though artillery and drone attacks continue, according to KIA sources.As it did with the Brotherhood Alliance after Operation 1027, China is now pressuring the KIA to halt its offensive in Kachin State. Since launching its campaign in March last year, the KIA has captured Mabein in northern Shan and 14 towns across Kachin.

Over 20 junta troops killed in major clashes in Kachin’s Hpakant

As fierce fighting continues in the jade-rich township, a sniper kills a junta battalion major

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