The Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) administration has instructed villages to construct and prepare bunkers due to ongoing airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks by the military junta forces in Hpakant Township, according to local sources.
Since the end of January, instructions to dig bunkers have been issued to village authorities in Hpakant town and villages including Hsan Hkar, Hpar Pyin, Ma Mon, Nant Hmaw, and Gway Khar. Announcements are also being made using loudspeakers, according to a Hpakant resident.
“They’re encouraging people to dig trenches throughout the entire Hpakant mining area. There have been renewed calls in recent days as well. They’ve said that if one household can’t dig a trench on their own, two or three households should dig one together,” the resident stated.
Currently, in villages controlled by resistance forces in the Hpakant area, administrative officials are going door-to-door warning residents to dig trenches, sources report.
Some residents in Hpakant are reportedly concerned about potential fighting in response to the KIO/KIA’s encouragement to dig trenches.
The military junta troops have been conducting frequent bombing attacks targeting KIA Brigade 9, Battalion 6, and civilian areas during January and February.
On 13 February, bombings between Hsan Hkar and Ma Zwut Yang villages killed at least seven civilians and injured more than 10 others.
Similarly, on 24 February, jet fighters conducted at least three bombing raids on areas where KIA Brigade 9 and Battalion 6 are located. While no civilian casualties were reported, homes were damaged, according to locals.
In addition, locals report that military junta forces regularly conduct aerial surveillance over Brigade 9 and Battalion 6 positions at least two to three times per week.
In light of this situation, the KIO/KIA is reportedly mandating that each household must dig a trench to protect residents’ lives.
Besides airstrikes, the junta forces are also continuously launching drone attacks from the hilltop camp in Hpakant against guard posts set up by the KIA and People’s Defense Force (PDFs), according to residents.
Currently, although the military situation in Hpakant area is calm, locals say fighting could break out at any time if there are military movements in areas where KIA and PDF forces are present.
From late 2023 until around May 2024, KIA and joint forces captured at least six junta outposts in Hpakant, after which the situation has remained relatively calm until now.
The military junta has cut off all phone and internet connections in the entire Hpakant area since 2023, making it difficult to obtain information about events occurring within the area.
Sent by KNG.