The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is conducting an area clearance operation following their capture of Lanse in Tsawlaw Township, Chipwi District, Kachin State, on 10 November, according to the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
Regarding the full capture of the Lanse militia camp, which was previously controlled by the militia force led by Tanggu Dang, Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), said: “We took complete control of Lanse at around 7 a.m. on 10 November. The Tanggu Dang militia was stationed there. There was no intense fighting, as the militia understood the situation. We were able to capture the area without any casualties.”
The Lanse militia post had around 30 members. The militia force, led by Tanggu Dang, withdrew when the KIA and allied forces entered the area on 10 November, according to the KIO.
Lanse town was the last remaining Border Guard Force (BGF) camp in Tsawlaw Township. The entire Tsawlaw Township is now under KIA control, according to KIA frontline sources.
A KIA frontline source said: “Lanse was captured yesterday morning. All militia forces and the BGF stationed there have fled. Kanpiketi is now the only remaining stronghold in Kachin Special Region-1. All other areas have been taken. Khaunglanphyu remains in the upper region, and Lanse is situated in this upper area. There are no militia or BGF forces left in this region.”
Lanse town is located near Chiphwi, Tsawlaw, Kanhpan, Phimaw, and Pang War, all of which were captured by the KIA in September and October. It is also the closest town to Putao.
The militia force led by Tanggu Dang, a local militia in Lanse, is active in Putao. Following the military coup, many Chinese businesspersons have entered Lanse. The gem and gold mining activities are rampant in Lanse.
Sent by KNG