The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has stated that the battle for control of Bhamo in Kachin State is intensifying, and they will continue their efforts until the town is fully captured.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allied forces are launching offensives to gain complete control over all junta camps in Bhamo, including Infantry Battalion (IB)-47 and Military Operations Command (MOC)-21.
Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the KIO, said: “Fighting in Bhamo is ongoing. We will press on with our offensive until the town is captured. We are determined to take it. We will fight until we seize Bhamo.”
On the night of 19 January, the military council carried out four airstrikes on Shwe Kyee Nar ward in Bhamo. The following morning, 20 January, there were attacks using small and heavy weapons near Kayin Kone, Pinsin Kone, and Shwe Kyee Nar wards. Local residents reported that several houses were set on fire.
The junta’s MOC-21, IB-47, 121, 236, and 237, along with the artillery battalion, armored corps, signal corps, military equipment unit, logistics unit, military engineering corps, and military medical corps, are all stationed in Bhamo.
The military council is providing aerial support to prevent Bhamo from falling to the KIA. In addition, Colonel Naw Bu said that the military council is conducting drone bombing attacks.
“They are no longer capable of launching a ground offensive. Instead, they are confined to defending their camps, hiding within them and responding with shelling and airstrikes,” he said.
The KIA continues its offensive to capture towns and camps. The KIA is stepping up its offensives step by step. The KIA has urged junta soldiers who wish to avoid death to surrender as soon as possible without resistance or retaliation.
The ongoing fighting in Bhamo has consistently resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Until December, at least 30 civilians had been killed, according to the Kachin Human Rights Watch (KHRW).
As a result of the battles in Bhamo, approximately 40,000 people from Bhamo, Momauk, Shwegu, and Mansi Townships have been forced to flee to Myitkyina and Mandalay. They are in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance.
On 4 December 2024, the KIA and allied forces launched simultaneous offensives on Bhamo and Mansi. On 8 January 2025, they successfully captured Mansi.
By the third week of January, the battle to capture Bhamo had intensified. According to ground sources, the KIA and allied forces have seized several parts of the town.
Sent by NMG