Colonel Naw Bu, the KIO (Kachin Independence Organization) spokesman announced the seizure of the Gangdau Yang tactical operation base in Kachin State by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), their armed. This military base had been established by the Military Council along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road.
For over a decade, Gangdau Yang served as a camp where the Myanmar Military was stationed, but on the morning of October 31st, it was captured by KIA.
"The news regarding our capture of Gangdau Yang is accurate, and we received reports that six residential houses were destroyed by an airstrike carried out by the Military Council in Jar Hta village”, Colonel Naw Bu said.
At approximately 5:00 am on October 31st, KIA and its allies launched a simultaneous attack on Gangdau Yang and Maliyang Bases, with Gangdau Yang falling into their control just three hours later.Following the loss of a crucial base, the Military Council retaliated with airstrikes in the vicinity of Gangdau Yang and Jar Hta village.
"Air raids by the Military Council destroyed six houses. They're now conducting airstrikes in the Lailum Aungja area, too. Losing one of their bases might escalate the situation”, Colonel Naw Bu said.
Laiza residents also reported that the Military Council is shelling from Bum Re Bum near Namsangyang town to Mong Lai Khet village, which is at the entrance of Laiza town.
Since July 3rd, the Military Council has launched attacks in the vicinity of Namsangyang, near the KIO's headquarters in Laiza. These clashes have persisted for over three months, with the military situation remaining highly volatile.
Amid the ongoing military tension between the two sides, the Military Council has frequently subjected Laiza, the KIO's headquarters, to artillery bombardments. At the same time the KIA has periodically launched assaults on Military Council installations in the area, intercepting Military Council reinforcements en route from Myitkyina, Bhamo, and Namsangyang.
Colonel Naw Bu, in a media meeting in August, stated that over the three-month conflict, there were active skirmishes in the Dawthponeyan, Madeeyang, Aungja, and Kazu areas, resulting in over 70 casualties on the Military Council’s side.
On September 16th, the KIA successfully seized a Military Council outpost in Aunja village and, on October 20th, proceeded to gain control of another strategically vital base in close proximity to the same village.
In another significant triumph, KIA successfully seized the Gangdau Yang tactical operation base on October 31st, a well-fortified position along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road, marking their third military base capture within just two months.
According to frontline sources, KIA reportedly captured a battalion commander-level officer from the Military Council during the battle for the Gangdau Yang base.
