In Waingmaw Township of Kachin State, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)-led joint resistance forces advance was held up by fierce resistance from the Junta's 321st Light Infantry Battalion defending the only remaining Shwe Nyaung Bin base, as the conflict's trajectory moves towards downtown Waingmaw.
In just two days, th KIA successfully seized control of strategically positioned Junta’s bases and outposts, including Bin Pu Kawng, Wuhtau Bum, Lai Hpawng, Ding Ga, Lung Zep Kadawng, Katsu, Aung Myay 1, Aung Myay 2, and Hka Shi in Waingmaw.
On May 18, KIA initiated offensives against the Junta's fortifications in Waingmaw, culminating on May 20 with the capture of the final Shwe Nyaung Bin base.
"We have secured all the Junta bases in the hilly region of Waingmaw. Our forces now hold control over key locations including Bin Pu Kawng, Wuhtau Bum, Lai Hpawng, Ding Ga, Lung Zep, and Katsu. While the village of Shwe Nyaung Bin is under our control, the Junta base there remains defiant. Our progress extends as far as Hka Shi village near Waingmaw”, a KIA frontline source told KNG.
Around 8:00 pm on May 19, the KIA had successfully seized control of the sizable Katsu base. Following this, some of the Junta troops fled and sought refuge in the vicinity of Ga Ra Yang village, prompting KIA to undertake clearance operations in the surrounding areas.
As of 5:00 am on May 20, the situation remains intense around Shwe Nyaung Bin. While the KIA has secured control over nearly all areas of the village, its efforts to capture the Junta base continue amidst the ongoing conflict.
At Katsu and Shwe Nyaung bin bases, approximately 200 Junta soldiers were deployed, with some soldiers seeking safety by taking cover within the villages, actively resisting and impeding the progress of KIA's advance.
Currently KIA forces dominate a significant stretch of territory spanning from Katsu to Hka Shi in the vicinity of Waingmaw, with Shwe Nyaung Bin standing as the sole stronghold under Junta control in the region.
According to a resident of Waingmaw, the clashes have intensified towards the town, with skirmishes reported at Khat Cho intersection on May 19, not far from Waingmaw.
"Clashes might reach downtown Waingmaw within days. The KIA seems to have anticipated this, as they have given warnings to the public ahead of time. San Kar, Nawng Chain, and Khat Con villagers have evacuated due to these warnings. Waingmaw residents are also advised to leave if they can. We expect the clashes to reach downtown this week”, he said.
The Junta has stationed a significant number of forces around the Khat Cho intersection to halt the advance of KIA troops, according to frontline sources.
During the night of May 19, shootouts erupted around Khat Cho, prompting residents from nearby villages to evacuate their homes.
Shells exploded near the refugee camp in Mongnar village on the night of May 19 and into the early morning of May 20 as the Junta continued to bombard the combat zones in Waingmaw Township with artillery.
The Junta maintains artillery support for its troops entrenched in Waingmaw, unleashing relentless barrages from nearby battalions and the Northern Regional Military Command headquarters in Myitkyina to prevent the town from falling into KIA's control. The Junta Air Force also conducts daily bombing raids on the combat zones in Waingmaw, utilizing jet fighters and Y-12 type utility aircraft.
Following KIA's coordinated offensive on May 18 against long standing Junta bases in Waingmaw, nearly 10 bases and outposts were swiftly captured within a day. Presently, only the Junta's 58th Battalion in Waingmaw and the militia camp in Wuyang village remain unaffected by KIA’s attacks.
