The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) seized Kanpiketi, another Chinese border town, on Wednesday amid Chinese pressure to stop fighting Myanmar’s regime.
China has blocked border gates to Kachin State and has asked the KIA to stop attacking the regime.
Citing KIA troops, the Kachin media reported that the armed group attacked the town on Wednesday morning and took complete control by the evening.
Regime forces, their families and administration staff crossed into China, the media reported. The town had reportedly been under siege for weeks.
The Irrawaddy was unable to contact the KIA to confirm the news.
Kanpiketi, Chipwi, Tsawlaw, Pangwa and Waingmaw are in Kachin State Special Region One, which was controlled by Zahkung Tin Ying’s New Democratic Army, a pro-junta border force.
The KIA and its allies recently seized Chipwi, Tsalaw, Phimaw and Pangwa towns and several regime bases.
The KIA sealed off Zahkung Tin Ying’s empty house in Pangwa.
The KIA is coordinating with several resistance groups, including People’s Defense Forces under the command of the civilian National Unity Government, across Kachin State, northern Sagaing and Mandalay regions and northern Shan State.
The armed group has seized around 10 towns in Kachin State and six in northern Sagaing Region and Shan State.
During a recent meeting in China, KIA representatives said the group would continue to fight until the military dictatorship was defeated in Myanmar.
