Intense fighting continues between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and military council forces near Lawa village in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, with KIA sources confirming significant casualties on the military council side. The battles have been ongoing for three consecutive days from April 13 to April 15, with the military council and their allied forces conducting ground operations supported by airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments.
In the battle at Lawa on April 15, numerous military council soldiers’ bodies were left behind, and military forces reportedly set fire to villages in the area. The military situation remains tense, with continued aerial surveillance and offensive operations by the military council forces. The Min Zay Thant People’s Militia Force is fighting alongside military council troops and has suffered substantial casualties. The military council has been conducting airstrikes using fighter jets around the Ledo Road near Lawa village, with battles continuing for three consecutive days. Artillery support is being provided from Kamaine strategic hill, while the Min Zay Thant militia and military council joint forces are also using drones for bombing operations in the Lawa area.
The military council and their allied forces are attempting to gain control of the areas along the Ledo Road while preparing for an offensive towards Hpakant. Military council forces advancing from the Indawgyi area towards Hpakant have engaged in battles resulting in five military council soldier casualties and some weapons being captured. Additionally, two military columns are reportedly moving along the Myitkyina-Lawa-Hpakant road as part of preparations for an advance on Hpakant. On April 15 at 10:43 AM, fighter jets departing from Tataoo conducted bombing raids on Kamaine town and Lawa village, according to KIA sources.
The ongoing conflict has seen the military council employing combined forces of regular army units and allied militia groups, with significant use of air power and heavy weapons. The fighting has resulted in civilian displacement and destruction of property, particularly in village areas where the military council forces have conducted operations. The KIA and allied resistance forces continue to defend their positions while facing increasingly aggressive military operations from the council forces, who are attempting to establish control over strategic routes and locations in the Hpakant area. The situation remains highly volatile with continued military movements and escalating confrontations in multiple sectors of the region.
