According to Kachin Independence Army (KIA) sources, more than 20 military personnel were killed during clashes in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, on July 14 and 15. On July 14, KIA forces attacked a military ammunition storage facility in Maw Wan area using RPGs, resulting in an explosion that killed 17 military personnel. The storage facility was completely destroyed in the attack.
The following day, on July 15, KIA forces conducted a drone strike on military forces stationed at a Christian church in Maw Wan Lay village, resulting in 6 fatalities and 7 injuries among military personnel. The fighting continued intensely into the night, with continuous sounds of heavy and small arms fire reported by local residents. The military has been conducting daily aerial surveillance and airstrikes using fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft, creating an atmosphere of terror among the civilian population.
The military forces initially entered Hpakant Township through Lon Khin village on the evening of May 27, which marked the beginning of the ongoing conflicts in the area. In the nearly two months since then, military attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 50 civilians and injuries to over 100 others, according to local sources. The military continues to conduct airstrikes, creating a concerning security situation for local residents. The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted civilian life in the area, with continuous military operations and aerial attacks posing serious risks to the local population’s safety and well-being.
