The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allies this week said they recaptured Pinlebu Township in Sagaing Region after two months of fighting.
Colonel Naw Bu, the KIA’s spokesman, said the operation was commanded by the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) with the KIA’s coordination.
Junta supply lines to Pinlebu were cut last week, blocking reinforcements. The bodies of hundreds of junta troops and weapons were found and hundreds more surrendered, according to sources on the ground.
A NUG’s Ministry of Defense official said the situation is being supervised in coordination with the KIA in Pinlebu, Tigyaing, and Indaw townships in northern Sagaing Region bordering Kachin State.
Junta airstrikes are targeting Pinlebu town.
Pinlebu fell to anti-regime groups in November last year but the junta retook the town after a few days with heavy airstrikes.
Resistance groups attacked Pinlebu on August 15.
Former army captain Zin Yaw, who joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM), said Pinlebu is strategically important as a gateway to Chin State and other areas of Sagaing Region.
“With control over Pinlebu, other routes have opened up, exposing other areas to attack, Kawlin Township,” Zin Yaw said.
