KIA says escalating fighting in Bhamo, no signs of abating

Reports spread that fighting in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, had eased following talks between Chinese authorities and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), but the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the KIO's armed wing, claimed clashes were still ongoing.

Fierce fighting between the junta and the KIA continues at the Bhamo University compound on the road from Bhamo Town to Momauk, in the 3-Mile area, and at the junta’s Infantry Battalion 47 base, KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu said.

“Clashes are happening every day in Bhamo. The junta has been shelling Tarmonglong and Nampha villages near Bhamo University and carrying out ground offensives, which keeps the fighting going. There are daily clashes in the 3-Mile area and along the route to the IB 47 base. The junta’s forces have tried to break through, but they haven’t been able to breach our defensive positions. We haven’t captured any new territory, but we haven’t lost any of our current positions either,” he told KNG.

In the second week of October, a KIO delegation met with Chinese authorities in Kunming City, China. Following the meeting, speculation began circulating on social media that fighting in Bhamo Township had eased.

However, daily clashes continue in three areas around Bhamo Town, as the junta’s ground offensives, which began on October 3, show no signs of slowing, KIA frontline sources said.