A mid-ranking military officer, Major Zarni Aung, was reportedly killed alongside dozens of soldiers during fierce clashes between Myanmar’s military junta and a coalition of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defence Forces (PDF) in Hpakant Township.
The fighting, which escalated significantly around 2 February, cantered on the Mashi Kahtaung Ward and surrounding areas, resulting in the surrender of several junta soldiers and the reported death of approximately 35 junta troops. The casualties included Major Zarni Aung, column commander of Battalion 381.
A 13-year-old boy was killed during the violence and four others injured by junta artillery shelling, local residents reported.
“We have captured several soldiers in the fighting and have not disclosed their details. This morning, five surrendered, and another the previous day. Their column leader is also dead. The fighting continues, but all who return to the legal fold are safe,” a revolution military source said.
On that day, a junta member surrendered with weapons, followed by five more on the morning of 3 February.
Regarding the matter, KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu said, “No one has officially confirmed it. However, public reports suggest that a major-level officer may have been killed. Official confirmation has not been announced yet.”
A source close to the Kachin People’s Defence Force (KPDF) said a reward of 300,000 kyats will be offered to those who surrender with weapons to Battalion 6 in the KIA Brigade 9 area. Colonel Naw Bu added that the amount will vary depending on the type of weapon surrendered.
A local resident reported that around 12:20 noon on 2 February, a large-calibre shell fell and exploded in Kalachaung, Myoma Ward, killing a 13-year-old boy and injuring a woman. Earlier, at about 5 am, a mortar shell struck a house in A Mite Pone village, injuring a two-year-old child and his parents. On 2 February, a mortar shell hit a school in Hpakant, injuring two 10-year-old students.
Fighting in Hpakant has been intense since 31 January, when junta troops based at Strategic Hill (Byuha Gone) launched a military operation in the area. The clashes have left several civilians injured.
The forces advanced through Mashi Kahtaung Ward and Htone Bo village, targeting Seikmu (Saing Taung) village, which remains under KIA and KPDF control.
Exchanges of heavy weapons fire continue this morning in Mashi Kahtaung Ward and A Mite Pone village, local sources reported.
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