Myanmar Junta Offensive Seeks to Secure Kachin’s Jade Mining Hub

The regime has launched a major offensive on the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied troops besieging the jade mining hub of Hpakant in Kachin State.

As many as 1,000 junta troops are advancing on the mountain town from Kamaing to the east and Mohnyin to the south, KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu told The Irrawaddy.

“There were clashes in Indawgyi on Wednesday,” he said. “Junta troops first carried out air raids to clear the route for their ground troops.”