Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), warned that the risk of airstrikes and artillery shelling by the junta remains constant, urging people to steer clear of festivities and gatherings.
He emphasized that the junta can carry out bombings with aircraft and drones, as well as shelling with artillery at any time, so the people must remain constantly aware and vigilant of this danger.
“These days, the military situation in Myanmar is becoming more and more volatile. The junta is trying to expand its control ahead of the upcoming elections. As part of this, it is bombing populated areas with planes and drones and carrying out artillery attacks. People need to stay alert and take care of their families’ safety. That means, for example, digging bomb shelters in advance and avoiding gatherings for festivals and celebrations as much as possible, at least for now,” he told MNJ.
On September 22, two locals were killed when junta aircraft bombed the Lang Se gold mining area in Tsawlaw Township, a territory under KIA control in Kachin State. In addition, civilian casualties have been reported in Hpakant Township as a result of the junta’s artillery barrages and drone strikes.
Currently in Kachin State, military tensions are escalating in Hpakant Township, Indawgyi region of Monghnyin Township, Lang Se area in Tsawlaw Township, Lumyan area in Waingmaw Township, and Bhamo, the state’s second-largest town.
Colonel Naw Bu added that the situation on the Lumyan frontline has been extremely tense for about a month, but so far, the KIA has not been forced to abandon its positions or retreat.
The junta has been attacking Lumyan and Nan Zaw Yan villages in the Lumyan area with airstrikes and artillery shelling, while its ground troops carry out operations in the area, escalating tensions with the KIA.
In its September 14 television broadcast on the military situation in Waingmaw Township, the KIA also said that the junta was attacking KIA and allied forces’ positions in the region using aircraft, drones, and artillery.
In addition, the junta is conducting almost daily air and drone strikes on KIA positions around Bhamo Town, while its ground forces also carry out operations in the area.
