Military artillery strikes in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, resulted in house fires and the death of two civilians on the evening of July 12, according to local residents. Fighting broke out between the military forces and joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) around 7 PM near the Shwe Myanmar Oil Shop in Yu Ma, Mashikhtaung Ward, Hpakant Township. During the incident, two civilians who were traveling on the road were killed.
Among the deceased civilians, one was found dead in a Land Cruiser vehicle with Kachin license plate 7E-9966, while another was killed after falling from their motorcycle on the street. Local residents believe the military deliberately targeted civilians traveling on the road. Additionally, around 9 PM, artillery fired from the military base at Tapmakun in Hpakant struck Hmawmaunghlyan village, causing houses to catch fire. Local residents and relevant authorities worked together to extinguish the fires.
The terrorist military council forces have been conducting military operations in Hpakant since late May, nearly two months ago. During this period, fighting has occurred regularly, and military attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 50 civilians, with over 100 others injured. On July 12, intermittent fighting continued throughout the day in the areas of Hmyitpan and Lamaungkone. Local residents reported that the military fired artillery throughout the night from their base. The ongoing military operations have caused significant civilian casualties and destruction in the Hpakant area, highlighting the military’s continued use of violence against its own people.
