The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) stated that people need to exercise extra caution as the military council has launched Operation Yan Naing Min nationwide to recapture lost territories since the beginning of September.
Colonel Naw Bu, Spokesperson for the KIO said: “As the military has exercised a four-cut policy, the military targets the people. And, the junta’s attacks may target ethnic areas. So, the people must remain vigilant. We want the people to understand that they need to be especially careful.”
Operation Yan Naing Min is a state-level initiative. The KIO has advised residents of Kachin State to remain vigilant against junta attacks, as the military is employing long-standing strategies that could endanger civilians.
The four-cut strategy is a military tactic that imposes harsh penalties on civilians suspected of being affiliated with ethnic armed groups. This strategy was previously used during General Ne Win’s era in the 1960s to combat communists and Karen armed forces.
The military council has initiated the Yan Naing Min Operation to reclaim lost camps and territories while implementing the four-cut policy. Although there has been no fighting in Myitkyina and Waingmaw in Kachin State, heavy weapons have been continuously fired in the area.
Local defense forces reported that the military council has increased its airstrikes nearly fourfold in Bhamo, Hpakant, Moemauk, and Pang War, where fighting is occurring, as well as in Pinlebu, Htigyaing, and Indaw along the border between Kachin State and Sagaing Region.
A KIA frontline source stated: “It appears that Pinlebu has an airbase. Every day, it is filled with planes, and at least 20 weapons are fired at a time. The planes fly at least twice a day, and the military is relying more on airstrikes than before.”
During the operation launched by the KIA and joint forces on 7 March, the KIA captured over 200 junta camps, including strategic hills in nine towns. They also took control of Light Infantry Battalion (LIB)-437, located about seven miles from Bhamo, the second largest city of Kachin State.
Colonel Naw Bu, Spokesperson for the KIO, stated that the fighting is intense as the military council is desperately trying to reclaim the LIB-437, which has been occupied by the KIA and joint forces.
“They (the junta) use planes and drones to fire. Tension remains high between Moemauk and Bhamo as ground forces advance. There is an exchange of fire every day. Even without an infantry advance, the military continuously uses air strikes, shelling, and drones,” Colonel Naw Bu said.
In addition, the military council sent arms and rations by ship. The military council suffered losses as the defense forces attacked the military ships along the river. Some military ships were burned down. The KIA and allied forces sezied some military ships.
Similarly, the military council conducted up to 14 airstrikes in Hseng Taung village in Hpakant within a week. Following the loss of the Hseng Taung police station on 12 September, the military council has intensified its airstrikes in the area.
Local residents have found it difficult to obtain information since the military council cut off phone, internet, and Wi-Fi access in Kachin State and the Sagaing Region about two months ago.
Due to this situation, the KIO/KIA often informs the people to help and share information and to remain on military alert.
Sent by KNG.
