The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) frontline sources have confirmed that they are close to capturing the final major military stronghold, Strategic Command-21, in the battle for Banmauk city in Kachin State. The battle for Banmauk has now lasted over five months, with intense fighting continuing daily. While the military council continues to conduct daily airstrikes and artillery attacks, revolutionary forces have managed to control most of the city areas. The fighting has resulted in significant destruction across Banmauk, with many areas burned down and casualties reported on both sides.
Simultaneously, fierce battles are ongoing along the Lawah-Karmine-Hpakant road section in Hpakant Township, where military council troops have suffered significant casualties. On May 2, combined forces of KIA and KPDF conducted drone strikes on military council troops in Lawah village, resulting in numerous casualties. The military council, along with People’s Militia Forces and SNA troops, numbering approximately 600 personnel, is attempting to penetrate the Lawah-Karmine-Hpakant road section, advancing gradually with artillery, air support, and drone assistance.
The KIA and KPDF forces maintain control of all three main access routes to Hpakant city: the Karmine-Nanyar-Hpakant, Indawgyi-Waingmaw-Hpakant, and Tamakhan-Sasing-Hpakant roads. Despite the military council’s announcement of a ceasefire, revolutionary forces report continued military operations and offensives in Kachin State. The military council has been attempting to reinforce their positions in Hpakant, including recent attempts to transport new strategic commanders via helicopter, supported by fighter jet coverage, though their access to certain military positions remains restricted due to revolutionary forces’ blockades.
