Phyo/ Thet Paing(NP News)August 31
The Tatmadaw has regained control of Hpakant and Lawng Hkang village tract in Kachin State, locals told The Statesman.
A Hpakant resident said that the control began on August 25, and that the Tatmadaw has commenced clean-up operations in these areas.
“There were already troops, police battalion (30), as well as local police. They didn’t dare go out because they were weak. In the past few days, more backup forces arrived, so they started launching clearing operations. The KIA people who were there before have now retreated to Hsengtaung, Tarmahkan, and Waika. Hsengtaung is very close to Hpakant— less than one mile,” he explained.
A source on the ground said that there are currently clashes between the Tatmadaw and the KIA-PDF joint forces in Hpakant, and the Tatmadaw is seen taking steps to capture the remaining areas.
“Currently, the Tatmadaw has completely taken control of the Myitkyina-Hpakant road. There are no KIA checkpoints. We can see that the Tatmadaw is trying to regain control of the remaining areas. It is also conducting checks on those associated with the KIA in Hphakant,” he said.
In addition, it is reported that currently, nine jade mining sites in Hpakant Township, including Maw Si Sa, Kan Si, Maw Pon, San Kha, Maw Wan Gyi, Maw Wan Lay, Bala Kha, Taung Pyo, and Maw Maung Lian, have been brought under control.
The Tatmadaw re-entered the Hpakant region during the last week of May, and after some clashes with the KIA and PDF allied groups, it was reportedly regained control of Hpakant. –
