Fighting between the army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has intensified since the morning of April 26th, with the army carrying out airstrikes in Moemauk Township in Kachin State according to the locals. This is an ongoing army offensive to recapture the Alaw Bum base that was taken by the KIA on March 25th.

Since morning until afternoon, the army carried out at least five airstrikes. The army fired heavy and small weapons at the place between Myothit and Sihat village in Moemauk Township since the morning.

At least one airstrike had been reported as using Chinese airspace in mid –April based on a video of two Burma Army jet fighters attacking the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) based at  the strategic Alaw Bum (mountain) shared on the WeChat social media network.

Col Naw Bu, information officer of the KIA said” Tatmadaw is carrying out an offensive as it wants to recapture Alaw Bum base. This strategic base is very important for the Tatmadaw.”

Since the first week of April, the fights have intensified in those villages.

Locals need to flee to safer places as fights may intensify in those areas.

Armed clashes escalated between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) since mid - March, with almost 50 armed confrontations in Bhamo, Hpakant, Injangyang, Momauk, Myitkyina, Shwegu, Sumprabum and Waingmaw townships

Nearly 5,000 people have been displaced in Injangyang, Hpakant, Momauk, Myitkyina, Shwegu and Waingmaw townships.