For the past 10 days, intense clashes have engulfed downtown Momauk in Kachin State's Bhamo District, with many homes demolished by the Junta’s aerial bombing attacks.
Since May 7, clashes in Momauk have escalated alongside in Mansi, with the Junta employing two Y-12 twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft to conduct daily bombardments, averaging at least nine rounds per day, locals said.
On May 8, Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces successfully repelled Junta troops from residential areas in Momauk. Despite this victory, Junta’s 437th Light Infantry Battalion remains entrenched in the town, leading to ongoing intense fighting until May 15, as reported by a KIA frontline source.
"It is true that KIA has control over the downtown areas, but we have not secured the entire town yet. There are still enemy bases that need to be captured”, he said.
Conversely KIA's progress is hindered by the Junta's daily air raids aimed at thwarting its efforts to gain full control over Momauk.
"A lot of houses along Bhamo-Myitkyina Road were burnt down. completely. Many market restaurants were also destroyed by fire. Fires were spreading along the route to Lwegel too. It is safe to say that most parts of Momauk suffered severe damage from the Junta's bombings”, a local woman from Momauk said.
Since May 7, residents have been evacuating Momauk because of the ongoing clashes. While it can be confirmed that many homes in the downtown and market areas have been destroyed by aerial bombardments, the exact count remains unknown.
Considering the significant damage witnessed in Momauk and Mansi, locals anticipate that further battles for town capture could result in similar destruction of civilian properties.
In Momauk, home to tens of thousands residing in approximately 3,000 houses, the majority of residents have evacuated to villages like Dawthponeyan, Konelaw, and Myothit since March, following the commencement of KIA's operation to capture Momauk.Some locals are seeking temporary refuge in Bhamo.
Currently, war-displaced people are facing hardships accessing aid and connecting with each other, primarily due to disruptions in the communication networks caused by the ongoing clashes.
