Sixteen clashes of varying intensity occurred over the past week in the Kachin State townships of Bhamo, Waingmaw, and Hpakant, as well as in areas where Brigade 7 of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) operates.

The junta unleashed airstrikes, drone attacks, and artillery bombardments on the Bhamo, Waingmaw, and Hpakant fronts during fighting between March 2 and 7, according to a KIA statement on March 9.

The Bhamo battlefront, where KIA Brigade 3 operates; the Waingmaw battlefront, which belongs to Brigade 5; and areas under Brigades 7 and 11 all witnessed the junta’s drone, artillery, and air assaults during that period.

The KIA stated that the junta conducted 20 airstrikes, 20 drone attacks, and 377 artillery shellings in Kachin State in a single week. 

During this period, Bhamo Township was the hardest hit by airstrikes and artillery attacks. The junta’s offensive also sparked three skirmishes near Bhamo’s Computer Technology University and around Hante Ward.

There were seven clashes between KIA Brigade 7 and the junta in the Putao and Kawnglanghpu townships of Putao District in Kachin State. Six additional clashes occurred around Longton Village and Mashi Kahtaung Ward in Hpakant Township, where Brigade 9 operates.

Fighting continues in Kachin State as the junta carries out ground offensives alongside air raids, artillery strikes, and airstrikes.

On March 7, a junta airstrike struck Tarmahkan Village in Hpakant Township, resulting in civilian casualties.

In Bhamo Township, where KIA Brigade 3 operates, clashes between the KIA-led coalition and the junta intensified on March 6, especially around the junta’s Military Operations Command 21 (MOC 21) base.

In the last week of February, 16 clashes took place in Bhamo and Hpakant townships, as well as in Brigade 7 areas.