Intense fighting erupted between revolutionary forces and military council troops in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, on July 5. According to local residents and military sources from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one civilian was killed and two others were injured due to military gunfire in Mawmung Layan village. On the evening of July 4, military council forces entered and occupied Mawmung Layan village with over 100 troops, advancing through Hpakant Military Hill and Kular Stream.
The military council forces established positions around the ward administration office, school, and communication tower in Mawmung Layan village and conducted indiscriminate shooting within the village. This shooting resulted in the death of one civilian, and throughout July 5, intense battles continued between the military and combined forces of KIA and People’s Defense Force (PDF). Due to the fighting, residents from Mawmung Layan village, Taungpyoe village, North Phyu New Quarter, and surrounding villages were forced to flee as internally displaced persons. Military forces stationed at Hpakant Military Hill provided artillery support, firing heavy weapons toward the Mawmung Layan village area.
On July 4, fighting also broke out when military council troops stationed in Hmawsizar village launched an offensive, leading to engagement with KIA and PDF forces. According to KIA military sources, the military council is attempting to regain control of strategic locations in Hpakant, including Lha Mawng Kun and Mawmaung Kun areas, which they had previously lost. Since late May, military operations and gunfire in the Hpakant region have resulted in the deaths of at least 45 civilians. The ongoing military offensive continues to pose significant threats to civilian safety and has led to widespread displacement in the area.
