The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has urged residents of Waingmaw, Bhamo, Hpakant, Indawgyi, Putao and Nogmung townships in Kachin State to remain alert to military developments, warning that the junta’s ongoing operations in these areas could trigger clashes at any time.

KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu advised residents to monitor military updates before traveling and to avoid crowded areas as much as possible.

“The junta is currently launching offensives in Bhamo, Waingmaw, Hpakant, Indawgyi, Putao and Nogmung. Fighting could break out in these areas at any time. The coup regime is stepping up efforts to retake towns, villages and bases it lost last year. Therefore, we urge locals to closely monitor military updates before traveling and to avoid social and religious gatherings as much as possible during this period,” he told MNJ.

Bhamo Township has become an area where clashes occur daily. Fighting is ongoing in Bhamo as junta troops operate near 3-Mile and Tarmonglong villages, a logistics battalion and the Infantry Battalion 47 (IB 47) base, while KIA forces conduct defensive operations to prevent the sites from falling. Colonel Naw Bu added that the junta has also carried out airstrikes and drone attacks in Bhamo.

In Waingmaw Township, the junta is conducting operations to secure its IB 58 base, starting from Warshawng Village. Frequent clashes have erupted as junta forces attempt to infiltrate KIA and allied positions.

In Hpakant Township, known as the land of jade, the junta has been conducting operations from Hsengtaung, Lone Khin, and Mashikatong villages, with skirmishes continuing. Colonel Naw Bu urged residents to remain vigilant against the threat of airstrikes.

According to KIA figures, 26 armed clashes took place in the first two weeks of February across the Bhamo, Hpakant, and Waingmaw frontlines, as well as in areas where KIA Brigade 1 is primarily active.

During that period, Bhamo Township bore the brunt of the junta’s airstrikes and artillery shelling.