Military tensions have intensified across three townships in Kachin State following a series of ground clashes and junta airstrikes, frontline sources from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) said.

In Kawnglanghpu Township, fighting near Amatgyon Village escalated sharply from July 12 onward, following a week of mounting friction between the military junta and the KIA-led resistance coalition.

Frontline sources stated that KIA forces successfully captured several junta defense outposts and detained several prisoners of war (PoWs) during the engagements.

Concurrently, heavy fighting broke out in Shwegu Township on July 13.

According to a resistance fighter, the clashes were triggered when a remaining junta column attempted an offensive toward Ngaroe Village.

The junta has been launching offensives along the KIA-controlled Shwegu-Bhamo and Shwegu-Ngaroe roads since June.

However, sustained resistance counterattacks had previously forced most regime troops to retreat toward Shwegu town, leaving only a single column positioned between Mannarlay and Hkathkon villages.

Meanwhile, in Hpakant Township, the junta executed three rounds of airstrikes on July 14 in an area operated by KIA Brigade 6.

Residents confirmed that while no casualties were reported, one house was damaged.

"There haven't been ground clashes over the past few days, but the military situation remains highly tense around Sezin Village due to the ongoing air raids," a Hpakant resident told KNG.

The military junta has steadily reinforced its troop strength and supply lines across Kachin State since April 20, driving up tensions across six distinct areas within KIA Brigade 12’s territory, according to a recent KIA statement.

Armed conflict in Kachin State has surged significantly since the 2021 military coup. The crisis deepened further in 2024 after the KIA-led coalition seized several key strategic locations, prompting the junta to ramp up counteroffensives.

Both sides continue active military operations along the Myitkyina-Bhamo-Shwe highway and in Hpakant and Putao townships.