The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces have captured 34 soldiers from Military Division 77 who were fleeing towards Katha city in Sagaing Region. According to KIA military sources, their joint forces intercepted and attacked a military reinforcement column from Division 77 that was moving from Katha to Inntaw city on March 15 and 16. The military column consisted of approximately 150 personnel. During the engagement, 40 soldiers were killed, 30 were captured alive, and a significant amount of weapons and ammunition were seized.
Following the battle, the remaining military council troops fled in disarray towards Katha city while KIA joint forces continued pursuit operations. On March 17, they captured an additional 4 fleeing soldiers, bringing the total number of captured military personnel to 34, as confirmed by KIA military sources. The joint forces are currently continuing their pursuit of the remaining fleeing soldiers while conducting area clearance operations in the region. Division 77 has been known for committing violence against civilians in the area and is now suffering significant losses due to the offensive operations by revolutionary forces.
The military sources indicated that search and clearance operations are ongoing to capture the remaining scattered soldiers who are attempting to escape. The successful operation demonstrates the growing capabilities of resistance forces in the region and their ability to effectively engage and defeat military council units. The captured weapons and ammunition will strengthen the resistance forces’ capacity for future operations, while the high number of casualties and captures has significantly impacted the military council’s fighting capacity in the area.
