The Military Council has damaged over 100 homes and the market in Momauk where it has been attacking with airstrikes and artillery after resistance forces nearly captured the town in Kachin State.

“The situation remains unstable in the town,” a Momauk man said, explaining that some residents have fled to a Buddhist monastery in the Nam Tein area. Thousands have been forced to flee, and they’re staying in various locations, including Bhamo and Myitkyina.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been attacking the regime’s camp in the town since early May. A junta airstrike targeted the market on May 16.

Col Naw Bu, the spokesperson of the KIA’s political wing, the Kachin Independence Organisation, confirmed that fighting is continuing in Momauk.

Artillery shells and ‘fire bombs’ have also burnt many homes in the village of Mang Pon situated on the Momauk – Loije road in Momauk Township. The village is close to the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 437 in the town.

Clashes are also breaking out with LIB 319 and 601 in Mansi Township, where the regime has reportedly suffered many casualties.

“Fighting is happening in Mansi, Weing Kham, Momauk, and Han Htet area where many ethnic Shan people are living, causing some of them to flee to the China border” where they need food support, the first source said.

Since March 7, the KIA has been waging a massive offensive, capturing about 100 camps and outposts from the enemy and now determined to seize Momauk and Mansi.