A joint force led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has captured Infantry Battalion (IB)-236 and Artillery Battalion-366, which were lost to the junta after their initial capture during the battle for Bhamo in Kachin State, with intense fighting now ongoing at Military Operations Command (MOC)-21.
A KIA frontline source stated, “Yes, we had lost half of Artillery Battalion-366. However, we have now regained control of Artillery Battalion-366 and have also seized full control of IB-236, located next to MOC-21.”
During four days of fighting in late January, the joint force took control of Artillery Battalion-366, a key position for the junta forces that had controlled all of Bhamo. This was accompanied by the seizure of an armored unit and the Lay Yin Kwin Battalion.
However, the military council launched a strong counteroffensive to recapture the battalions it had lost, employing airstrikes and a modern drone unit. As a result, the military council was able to regain control of Artillery Battalion-366.
The joint force led by the KIA began an offensive against MOC-21, a crucial position for Bhamo, following the capture of Artillery Battalion-366 and IB-236 on 18 February.
“Now we are launching an offensive against MOC-21. Fighting took place near Butterfly Hill until around 7 or 8 PM yesterday. The KIA is shelling MOC-21,” said a KIA frontline source.
The military council suffered heavy causalities in the battle to capture the Artillery 366 and IB-236. Many junta soldiers have fled to MOC-21.
Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), said, “It is true that we recently took control of Artillery Battalion-366. However, we were able to capture only the camp and not the entire military area. Battalion-366 is where many junta soldiers, who fled from the battle to capture Mansi town, are stationed. IB-236 has been captured, but we do not have further details yet.”
The 366 Artillery Battalion and IB-236 are two crucial battalions that provide the primary security for the entire MOC-21, where fighting is currently ongoing.
According to military analysts, if both battalions are fully controlled by the KIA joint forces, it will significantly ease the capture of the heavily fortified MOC-21.
Sent by KNG
