Continuous fighting has been reported in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, since July 4, with approximately 50 casualties from the military council forces over a one-week period, according to confirmation from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The military council has been initiating conflicts across various locations in Hpakant Township by deploying multiple columns of troops.
On the morning of July 11, combined forces of KIA and People’s Defense Force (PDF) conducted attacks on military council and militia positions at Hmawsiza village and Hpakant cemetery using drones for bombing and heavy artillery fire. These attacks resulted in approximately 20 casualties on the military council’s side and caused explosions at their ammunition storage facilities. The military council forces have been conducting operations in multiple areas, creating ongoing conflicts throughout the region.
During the military council troops’ advance into Mawmung Layan village, they killed five innocent civilians. Only two bodies were allowed to be retrieved and cremated, while the remaining three bodies are still in the village. Currently, military council forces have established positions in various locations including Mawmaw Layan, Sungai Yan, Hmawsiza, and Mawsizar areas, and are preparing to advance their columns toward Mawmaung Kun and Lamaung Kun regions.
The combined forces of KIA and PDF have successfully attacked and captured some positions held by military council forces and their allied militia in Law village, Tanai road, and Khun Sai Yang village areas. The military council has been conducting military operations in Hpakant Township since late May, initiating conflicts and committing acts of violence against local civilians. These operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with the military council continuing its pattern of aggressive actions against local populations while facing resistance from combined opposition forces.
