Junta troops, supported by airstrikes, are conducting a ground offensive in Sin Khan village, which was captured by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, according to defense sources.
Since 12 September, a military column of about 50 junta soldiers from Shweku has been carrying out a ground offensive, supported by constant airstrikes, according to a member of the Shweku People’s Defense Force (PDF).
A member of the Shweku PDF stated, “The fighting is not very intense. They are conducting the offensive through Shweku with airstrikes. We have to withdraw.”
Since the last week of August, two ships loaded with military weapons along with two ration-laden ships and four river tugboats has been sailing via Mandalay Gaw Wein jetty.
Two ships were destroyed in attacks by the defense forces along the riverbank. The junta’s remaining ships, aided by the river tugboats, continued their journey to the Shweku jetty.
On 4 September, four ships and four river tugboats arrived at Shweku. They unloaded military weapons and rations at Shweku-based Light Infantary Battalion-602. They remain moored at Shweku jetty to this day.
The junta’s ships must pass through the San Khan bridge to reach Bhamo. Currently, the joint forces of the KIA and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) have captured both Sin Khan village and the Sin Khan bridge.
Residents said the military council is launching an offensive to seize control of Sin Khan village and the Sin Khan bridge, as these are vital for maintaining water route logistics necessary for reaching Bhamo.
A resident said, “The junta troops will need to cross Sin Khan bridge to advance toward Bhamo. Since the KIA has captured Sin Khan, the junta is launching this offensive to regain control of the bridge. Some houses have been burned down, and many residents have fled.”
On the other hand, the junta’s airstrikes have destroyed some houses. The people from Sin Khan, Mya Lel and Zin Bon villages have fled.
Sin Khan village is positioned along the Ayeyarwady River route between Bhamo and Shweku Townships. Its strategic location makes it a crucial hub for the military council’s water route logistics to Banmauk and Mansai.
Sent by KNG