Colonel Naw Bu, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) information officer reported that within 11 days of launching a heavy offensive against Junta forces, KIA successfully captured 24 Junta bases and camps of various sizes along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road.
Between March 7th -17th, KIA seized control of 10 significant Junta bases and 14 smaller military installations in the vicinity of Laiza, the headquarters of KIA. During the operation, we captured 10 large enemy bases and 14 smaller ones, for a total of 24”, Colonel Naw Bu said.
KIA succeeded in capturing not only fortified Junta bases like N Tap Bum Dap, Hpun Hpyen Bum, Nam Hpak Hka Mahkrai, Mali, Hkaya Bum, and Bumre Bum, but also dozens of small camps.
Among them, Hkaya Bum was retaken by KIA on March 9, after having been compelled to retreat from there approximately a decade ago. On the same day, KIA also seized control of the Masen Bum base near Laja Yang village in close proximity to Laiza.
On March 15, KIA forces also successfully captured Bumre Bum, another significant base located not far from Laiza.
Fighting between Junta troops and KIA is intensifying not only along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road but also in Hpakant and Sumprabum towns, with KIA expanding and seizing territories while the Junta desperately resists and relies on enlisting air support.
