The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked a column of junta troops and the Lisu People’s Militia in La Myan village, Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, resulting in casualties on the junta’s side, frontline sources report.
The junta column, comprising junta troops and the Lisu People’s Militia, was reportedly advancing towards War Shawng and the Sadung-Kan Paik Ti area when they were attacked near La Myan village, leading to the reported casualties.
A KIA frontline source said that over 10 junta soldiers and militia members were killed in the fighting around La Myan village throughout 23 May. Their bodies were retrieved that same evening.
“Fighting has resumed almost daily in Waingmaw recently. Yesterday alone, there were two rounds of fighting. Over 10 junta soldiers were killed. Their bodies were only collected yesterday evening as it got dark. This morning, we heard that the KIA attacked them again near La Myan when they tried to advance, and there were casualties,” the source said.
The source added that since 20 May, the junta’s Infantry Battalion-58 and the Wuyang People’s Militia have been jointly launching a large-scale offensive towards War Shawng, Sadung, and Kan Paik Ti —areas under KIA control. The KIA is reportedly resisting these advances near La Myan village.
On 24 May, the KIA reportedly launched another attack near La Myan village against junta troops and militia gathering to continue their offensive, leading to ongoing clashes.
There have also been reports of artillery fire being directed towards the battle area from the junta’s IB-58 and the Wuyang People’s Militia camp.
Local residents say that fighting has resumed in Waingmaw Township for about three days, with the renewed clashes taking place due to the movements of junta troops and militia.
“Since early yesterday, there has been fighting in Waingmaw, near La Myan, as military columns advanced. We’ve been hearing artillery fire these past few days. They’re firing heavy weapons from this side too,” said a local man from Waingmaw.
Up until mid-2024, Waingmaw was a battle zone where the KIA launched attacks to seize camps. Only two junta camps, IB-58 and the Wuyang People’s Militia camp, remain to be captured by the KIA in Waingmaw.
Military sources analyze that the junta’s current offensive is an attempt to retake strategically important battalions and camps in Waingmaw Township that they lost.
Throughout 2024, the KIA-led joint forces seized all areas along the Myitkyina-Bhamo, Myitkyina-Sadung, and Kan Paik Ti roads in Waingmaw Township.
Currently, junta troops are conducting offensives not only in Waingmaw Township but also in Hpakant and Myitkyina Townships, attempting to regain control of areas they lost in Kachin State.
Sent by KNG.
