Fierce clashes continue near Banmauk Town, Sagaing Region, near the Kachin State border, with the junta carrying out airstrikes, according to local sources familiar with the military situation in the area.

Since September 15, the coalition of the junta and the Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) has been fighting resistance forces near the town.

“The SNA has deployed heavy forces, and Banmauk is considered its stronghold. SNA troops are being backed by junta soldiers from Light Infantry Division 77. Fighting has already spread to some wards of the town, though it hasn’t yet reached the town center. The clashes began on September 15, and so far, the junta has carried out two airstrikes,” a source told KNG.

On the other hand, the People’s Defence Force – Indaw (PDF-Indaw) announced that, starting September 15, all routes connecting Indaw Town and Banmauk in Sagaing Region will be closed indefinitely, citing the necessity due to the military situation.

The SNA and junta, who control Banmauk Town, have also banned locals from leaving the area.

“Despite the fighting, the junta has blocked all routes out of Banmauk Town, preventing people from leaving,” another source said.

PDF-Indaw confirmed that clashes are ongoing and civilians are trapped, and told KNG it will provide further details later.

Casualties have reportedly occurred on both sides, as well as among civilians, during the current clashes.

The entire Banmauk Township, including Banmauk Town, is an SNA stronghold, with the SNA-junta alliance currently controlling most of the town’s central wards and northern areas. Meanwhile, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and resistance forces hold areas south of the town, along with several villages on its eastern, western, and southern outskirts, as well as other surrounding territories.