The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has confirmed that an ammunition warehouse explosion at the former Tin Aung Kyaing Company jade mining site in Lonekhin, Hpakant Township, Kachin State on June 3 was caused by a drone strike conducted by the military council forces. According to KIA military sources, the incident has been verified as a deliberate attack using military drones.
The explosion occurred at 1:20 PM near Saibum village in the Lonekhin area of Hpakant Township. Military council troops, who were stationed at the Maw Si Za monastery in Lonekhin village, launched a drone strike on the ammunition warehouse within the Tin Aung Kyaing mining compound, resulting in an explosion and subsequent fire. The incident claimed the lives of three workers and left approximately thirty others injured, as confirmed by KIA military sources.
The deceased workers have been identified as Ko Zaw Phone, Ko Ing Khun Tut Kaung, and Ko Thein Tun. The explosion caused extensive damage to the company compound, destroying eight buildings, various machinery and vehicles including one backhoe, five regular vehicles, two trucks, two drilling machines, and two fuel storage tanks. The blast also damaged thirty-five civilian homes in the surrounding area, as well as religious buildings including a COC church building, an AG church, and a winter dharma hall. The incident represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and property damage in the area.
