Fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its joint forces, and the military council continues to escalate around Bhamo, the second capital of Kachin State, forcing nearly all of the town’s residents to evacuate, according to local sources.
The joint forces’ operation launched by the KIA on 4 December has entered its sixth day, with large explosions reported in the town as clashes between the two forces intensify.
Since 4 December, the ongoing conflict has forced residents of Bhamo and surrounding villages to flee by both land and water.
A local from Bhamo said, “People are fleeing the town by both water and land routes. I heard that the gate in Nyaungbinthar has been opened recently. Some people have stayed behind to look after their homes, but most locals have fled. It’s estimated that around 70 percent of the population has fled.”
Locals from Bhamo have fled to villages on the opposite bank, including Yayle, Nam Khoke, Mongh Kawng, Han Htet, and Si Hkam Gyi. Others have fled to Shwebo and Mandalay via the Bhamo-Shwegu-Katha road.
Reports indicates that the KIA and allied forces have seized control of the police station, the general administration office, and the technological university, where junta soldiers were stationed. However, due to phone and internet blackouts, it remains difficult to confirm the full details.
There are reports that the Bhamo prison, located within the compound of the Military Operations Command (MOC)-21 in Bhamo, has been opened. However, some local residents have said that MOC-21 is still under attack, where the prison is situated.
“This news can’t be true. The prison hasn’t been opened. However, some people were asked to come and meet their family members whose prison terms are about to end. The reports are not accurate,” said another local resident.
On 9 December, the KIA has captured seven small camps that served as defenses for Mansi’s garrison forces—IB-47, Light Infantry Battalion (LIB)-601, and 319. The KIA has continued its offensive against these forces, including LIB-601, LIB-319, and IB-47, located outside Bhamo and MOC-21, according to a KIA frontline source.
Bhamo is located about 40 miles from Lwegel, near the China-Myanmar border. The town consists of 16 wards, 41 village tracts, and 71 villages, with an estimated population of around 110,000.
Bhamo is situated to the east of Momauk Township, to the west of Shwegu Township, to the south of Mansi Township, and to the north of Waingmaw Township. It serves as the district headquarters and is a key hub for both land and maritime transportation.
Sent by KNG