Fighting has broken out in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, as the military council launched offensives in at least two locations, forcing civilians to flee overnight according to local residents. On July 4, clashes occurred near Trash Village and around Jade Land Company compound in Hpakant Township, with the military not only advancing their troops but also continuously firing heavy weapons from their base at Takmakun in Hpakant city.
According to local sources, gunfire could be heard throughout Hpakant city as combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and PDF engaged in blocking attacks against military council troops advancing from Takmakun toward Hpakant Kularjaung and then toward Chwelan Company area. Additionally, fighting intensified near Hpakant’s dump site and cemetery areas where people’s defense forces confronted the military council’s advancing columns. The military base at Takmakun provided artillery support during the battles, and sources reported significant casualties on the military council’s side. The military council has positioned forces in four different locations, including troops stationed at Mawsizar Pagoda Hill.
Currently, residents from areas near Hpakant including Mawwan Gyi, Mawwan Lay, Inmaya, and the dump site areas have been displaced. Civilians from the Kyauk Wine area were also forced to flee overnight. The military council advanced their troops to Hpakant Kyauk Wine and Ayemyathayar Ward office, while also pushing three separate columns through Kularjaung toward Mawwan road and the dump site area. A civilian from Mawwan Lay village was injured by artillery fire during yesterday’s fighting.
The military council’s presence in Hpakant has now extended beyond one month, during which time fighting has resulted in 45 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries. As the military entered the Ayemyathayar and Sankywe areas of Hpakant, residents were forced to flee toward Sainghtaung area. The ongoing military operations have caused widespread displacement, with many civilians from various parts of Hpakant seeking refuge in safer locations. The situation continues to deteriorate as the military council maintains its offensive operations in multiple areas around Hpakant, forcing more civilians to abandon their homes and seek safety elsewhere.
