The junta is intensifying its offensive to recapture rare earth mining areas and other strategically important territories in Kachin State that it previously lost, according to the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO).

After coup leader Min Aung Hlaing seized the presidency through a sham election, his successor as commander-in-chief, General Ye Win Oo, has launched a ‘100-day military initiative’ and mounted heavy offensives in at least five townships in Kachin State, KIO spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu said.

“The junta has already announced its 100-day military plan, and the new commander-in-chief has said it will launch operations in five townships in Kachin State: Sumprabum, N’Jang Yang, Chipwi, Tsawlaw, and Shwegu. It now appears that the junta has begun putting that plan into action,” he told NMG.

Clashes are occurring daily in Hpakant, Bhamo, and Shwegu townships in Kachin State, as well as along the border with Sagaing Region and the Mandalay–Myitkyina Highway, with the junta frequently carrying out artillery shelling and drone strikes, according to resistance sources.

“Fighting continues almost daily in Shwegu Township in Kachin State. In Hpakant, clashes are ongoing as the junta attempts to advance, although there has been no ground combat this week; it has instead been carrying out daily artillery and drone strikes. Fighting also continues along the border with Sagaing Region and around Katha and Maw Luu along the Mandalay–Myitkyina Road. Skirmishes are ongoing in Bhamo and Waingmaw townships. Overall, the military situation in Kachin State remains tense,” Colonel Naw Bu said.

The junta is deploying large numbers of troops in areas including Shwegu, Mabein, Tigyaing, and Myataung in an effort to recapture lost territory and regain control of strategically important rare earth mining sites.

The KIO has also urged locals in tense areas of Kachin State to remain vigilant and aware of the risks posed by artillery, drone strikes, and airstrikes.