Residents of Hpakant in Kachin State report that the military has been reinforcing its forces with air support. According to a Hpakant resident, since August 23, the military council has been using helicopters to bring in reinforcements after losing control of Lamaing Strategic Hill and Taung Mhaw military camp on August 15.

The resident told, “Two helicopters came to drop off troops at Hpakant Strategic Hill. Only one helicopter landed and dropped off soldiers, while the other stayed airborne, providing surveillance. KPDF (Kachin People’s Defense Force) fired small arms at them, but there was no return fire. After the helicopters left, they started shelling towards the town and nearby villages from the Strategic Hill with heavy artillery.”

Since August 23, military helicopters have been transporting around 30 soldiers daily to Hpakant Strategic Hill. After these helicopters dropped off troops and departed, the military council forces fired heavy artillery from the Strategic Hill, at least three times consecutively. As a result of the shelling, a civilian jade miner and a woman residing in the Saing Taung neighborhood were injured by artillery shrapnel.

“A few people were hit. A male jade miner and a woman have been admitted to Hpakant Hospital. There might be more casualties, but we are getting the news late due to disruptions in phone and internet services,” said a male resident of Hpakant.

Since the military takeover, Hpakant has frequently witnessed clashes between the military and KIA (Kachin Independence Army) joint forces, both inside and outside the town. It has become one of the most conflict-ridden areas, with continuous exchanges of gunfire and arrests between the two armed groups. Additionally, due to frequent attacks on military bases by KIA joint forces, most residents stay indoors, limiting movement within the town.

However, residents report that after August 23, groups of 5 to 10 soldiers have been seen going out for shopping.

Since the KIA joint forces launched their operations on March 7, they have taken control of areas along the Myitkyina-Hpakant road, including Nanya, Nantyin, Waikha, Sezin, and Tarmakhan. By August, they had also captured Lamaing Hill Camp and Taung Mhaw Camp.

Additionally, due to phone and internet service cuts, Hpakant residents are paying exorbitant fees, ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 kyats per hour, to access the internet.