Fighting has resurged between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and the coalition of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) in Homalin Township, northern Sagaing Region, according to locals.
Fighting broke out on December 8 when the KIA–PDF coalition attempted to advance into the SNA-controlled Naungpoaung Village Tract. The SNA maintains warm ties with the junta.
The clashes then spread to the SNA-controlled villages of Nawngmaw, Narmaw, Paytayar, and Hlwasinkone in Homalin Township, locals reported.
Meanwhile, the junta is carrying out near-daily airstrikes in areas jointly controlled by the KIA and PDF.
“A few days ago, Myinthar Village was hit by an airstrike. And today, Hlwasinkone and Paytayar were bombed as well. We’re hearing about airstrikes almost every day now. The fighting around Nawngmaw and Narmaw is getting worse too. Everyone from Myinthar and Payitphanaing has already fled because of the clashes. The junta keeps launching air attacks on KIA and PDF positions without stopping,” said a Homalin Township resident.
Homalin Township had long been a focal point of tension between the SNA and the KIA–PDF coalition, but the situation had calmed in recent months. Now, however, fighting has erupted again since November.
