The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) military sources have confirmed that they, along with the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF), have successfully blocked and attacked military council forces advancing towards Hpakant Township in Kachin State at Twin Bridge. The engagement resulted in numerous military council casualties and the capture of weapons and ammunition. The military council forces were advancing with two columns when they were intercepted at the strategic location.
On May 21, intense fighting broke out at Twin Bridge along the Lawwar-Karmine-Nan Yar-Hpakant road. The military council deployed two fighter jets for airstrikes in support of their ground forces. Similar air attacks have been conducted daily in recent days. Despite deploying over 600 troops and two tanks in their advance towards Hpakant, the military council forces have failed to reach the city even after 28 days of operations. The military base in Hpakant provided artillery support with three heavy weapons to the embattled forces.
Currently, military council troops stationed in Hpakant city are largely confined to their bases, rarely venturing outside their fortified positions at locations including Hpakant Military Hill, Hpakant Police Station, Kan Htee Strategic Hill, and Ma Sut Yan Than Yan Chat Camp. According to military sources, the KIA and KPDF maintain territorial control over the Hpakant region. The military council’s offensive appears to be aimed at regaining control of the jade-rich Hpakant area, but their forces have been effectively contained by the combined resistance of KIA and KPDF forces.
