A Myanmar junta battalion commander has fled Mansi in Kachin State, according to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which is fighting to seize the town.
Light Infantry Battalions 319 and 601 and Artillery Battalion 523 are based in the town.
“The Light Infantry Battalion 319 commander has reportedly fled. We are still fighting in the town,” said KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu.
He reported repeated junta airstrikes, shelling and drone attacks to defend Mansi as the regime has reportedly been moving artillery guns from Mansi to its power hub in Bhamo, where the 21st Military Operations Command is based.
On December 4, the KIA and its allies launched simultaneous attacks on Mansi and Bhamo, displacing civilians. Junta shelling has killed civilians trapped in Bhamo.
Videos on social media show the KIA and its allies at Bhamo Technological University, which was previously occupied by junta troops, and other outposts around Bhamo.
The KIA has not yet confirmed its progress in Bhamo, a district-level town with the 88th Light Infantry Division, several infantry battalion headquarters and combat support units.
Banmaw Scout Team, which reports on Bhamo, said the KIA and its allies have besieged the operations command and are attacking other junta headquarters in the town. The group estimated that around 10,000 civilians remain in Bhamo and has reported casualties.
Tens of thousands of Bhamo and Mansi civilians have left their homes this month, with some reaching Mandalay Region.
Some Bhamo residents have left by boat to Shwegu Township where they have moved to safety with the help of aid organizations.
