Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces have seized control of around 20 military camps during the joint offensive which kicked off on 7 March, Colonel Naw Bu, Spokesperson of Kachin Independence Organization/ Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) confirmed.
The KIA has intensified its offensive. During three-day simultaneous attacks on the junta camps along the mountain near Laiza, the KIA’s headquarters, the KIA has captured around 20 camps.
Colonel Naw Baw said: “The latest situation is we have captured Naura Zinghkang camp where their forces were stationed. Till yesterday’s night since 7 March, we have captured around 20 small and big camps.”
The key camps captured by the KIA are Hkaya bum, Naura Zinghkang, Hpun pyen bum, Ntap Bum, Shadanpar airport camp and Mali myen dap, Masen bum in Lajaryan and Dawphoneyan.
In addition, the KIO/KIA has captured Pansun, Khalarkone and Khamkaikone camps and many frontline camps including the camps in Dawphoneyan, Myothit in Dawphoneyan and Konelaw
The KIA is trying to capture Bum ye bum camp and some small camps, Colonel Naw Bu said.
Currently, the KIA has captured the majority of camps along the mountain and hills near Laiza.
“Only the biggest camp named Bum ye bum remains to be captured. Lungrawk camp remains to be captured along a nearby mountain. We are trying to capture many frontline camps,” Colonel Naw Bu added.
Currently, fighting continues between the military council and the KIA between Shwenyaungbin and Aungmyay-1. The military council is firing heavy shells from Waingmaw and Myitkyina, according to local residents.
In addition, the military council has been carrying out increased aerial bombardments almost every day, locals said.
The military council has barred the people from Aungmyay-1 and Aungmyay-2 villages where fighting is intensifying, to flee. The military council is using them as human shields. Many villagers remain trapped as they are gathered at a monastery.
In addition to Laiza, fighting between the military council and the KIA continues to intensify in Tarmakham, Nan Maw and Hsaingtaung (Seikmu) village in Hpakant.
On 9 March, the KIA captured Maliyan camp in Swanparabwan.
Fierce fighting is taking place in Waingmaw, Bhamo and Mansai including Hpakant and Swanparabwan. Transportation channels have been cut off in the conflict-affected areas.
Sent by KNG.