Fighting erupted in Momauk, Bhamo District, Kachin State, as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched a massive offensive against the Myanmar junta's 437th Light Infantry Battalion. The intense clashes have now spread toward Bhamo Town, escalating the conflict in the region.

After a month of relative calm, the KIA resumed its offensive against the 437th Light Infantry Battalion on July 24. On July 25, the clashes extended beyond the battalion's base to villages situated near Bhamo University, according to a KIA frontline source.

"At around 8:00 AM, heavy fighting restarted at the 437th Battalion in Momauk. So far, the battalion base has not been captured by the KIA. Additionally, there were clashes in Shwezi, Thazi, and nearby villages located on the rear side of Bhamo University, as well as fighting around Kawnggyaryang," the source stated.

On the same day, the fighting between the junta and the KIA expanded to multiple locations, indicating a widespread offensive.

Earlier, there were rumors that the KIA had taken control of the 437th Battalion, but the reality is that the KIA has continued its attacks without fully capturing the base.

"While fighting in Momauk continues, there are no significant developments at the moment. Clashes are ongoing along Momauk and Mansi," Colonel Naw Bu, KIA’s spokesperson, said on the evening of July 25.

The KIA has warned locals to be aware of the risk of junta airstrikes targeting KIA-controlled areas as clashes have reignited in Bhamo, Momauk, and Mansi. Colonel Naw Bu emphasized the importance of public vigilance, especially due to widespread disruptions in communication caused by the outage of mobile data networks throughout Kachin State.

"In Kachin State, there is currently no access to mobile internet networks, which may lead to interruptions in vital information reaching the public. People should remain vigilant, stay informed about military activities and news in their area, and exercise caution while traveling," he told KNG.

Military sources reported that the KIA launched the current offensive operation with the aim of capturing all remaining junta positions in Bhamo, Momauk, and Mansi. The KIA had initially launched offensives against the 437th Light Infantry Battalion in Momauk, as well as the 319th and 601st Light Infantry Battalions in Mansi starting in May, but the junta resisted using massive airstrikes to prevent the fortifications from falling.

Following a brief period of relative calm, the fighting in Momauk and Mansi resumed on July 24, marking the beginning of another wave of the KIA's offensive.