Junta columns advancing toward Hpakant, Kachin State, have been met with fierce resistance from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces in Hseng Hpa Yar village, stalling their progress and prompting airstrikes to support their ground offensive, according to KIA military sources.
Junta troops advancing along the Kamaing-Ma Au Pin road reached Hseng Hpa Yar village on 7 May , where they are currently facing attacks from KIA and allied forces, KIA military sources reported.
A Hpakant resident close to the KIA described the situation between Kat Hmaw and Hseng Hpa Yar villages: “The junta columns and KIA clashed on the evening of 7 May. The same day, around 3 p.m., junta forces went back to Hseng Hpa Yar village, where fighting resumed. Airstrikes there damaged a lot of civilian homes.”
On 8 May, KIA Brigade 9 and allied forces attacked and cleared junta troops positioned at the Catholic church’s prayer hill and monastery compound in Kat Hmaw village. The following morning, 9 May, the junta responded with airstrikes targeting Nam Tein and Hseng Hpa Yar villages, the resident added.
Commenting on the situation, KIO information officer Colonel Naw Bu said: “We’ve heard that junta columns advancing in Hpakant have reached as far as Namya, Kat Hmaw, and Hseng Hpa Yar. They faced resistance and clashes continued all day yesterday. Reports say the junta forces in Hseng Hpa Yar retreated after taking heavy losses. We’ve also seized some of their [weapons]. The situation remains intense with fierce fighting ongoing.”
The junta’s operation, dubbed “Operation Yan Naing,” aims to regain control of areas previously taken by the KIA, with orders to reclaim lost territory, Colonel Naw Bu explained.
Since 25 April, a junta column of around 500 soldiers have been advancing toward Hpakant, leading to clashes along the route for nearly two weeks.
Locals report that the junta forces include multiple militia groups under their command.
Although Hpakant can be accessed via three main roads— Kamaing, Inn Taw Gyi, and Se Zin—all are controlled by KIA and allied forces following their operations in 2024.
The junta is currently using the Kamaing road, attempting to retake 11 villages, including Nanya and Nam Tein, along the Hpakant Road.
Sent by KNG.
