Battle of Bhamo (2024)

Battle of Bhamo
Part of Kachin Theatre in the Myanmar civil war
Date 4 December – ongoing Location Bhamo, Bhamo Township and Mansi Township Result ongoing
Belligerents
Tatmadaw	Kachin Independence Army All Burma Students' Democratic Front
Casualties and losses
Tatmadaw at least 100 injured many captured seven armoured vehicles captured	Kachin Independence Army Unknown

On 4 December 2024 the Kachin Independence Army, All Burma Students Democratic Front and others Kachin-based resistance groups, launched an operation to capture Bhamo. The operation has targeted also Bhamo Township and Mansi Township. While losses seem heavy on both sides, thousands civilians are trapped in the town under constant airstrikes, artillery and drone bombardment.

Background

Bhamo is a city in Kachin State in northern Myanmar. It is on the Ayeyarwady River. It is the administrative center of Bhamo District and Bhamo Township. Bhamo is the location for the Myanmar military Junta’s Military Operation Command-21, Light Infantry Battalion 47, 121, 236, and 237, along with one artillery battalion, armored corps, signal corps, military equipment unit, logistics unit, military engineering corps, and military medical corps. In Bhamo there is also an airport.

Battle

The Kachin Independence Army and its allies launched a military operation to capture Bhamo on December 4. By 25 December KIA captured Bhamo Technological University and a hilltop junta position. Many residents start fleeing the city by boat.

By December 27 the fighting for the town continues. 10,000 civilians are trapped in the town, while local sources report casualties on both KIA and Junta sides.

On January 8 the KIA captured all three battalion headquarters in neighboring Mansi Township: Light Infantry Battalion 319, Light Infantry Battalion 601, and Artillery Battalion 523. The commander of LIB 601 was also killed. Many junta soldiers surrendered, leading to the seizure of large piles of weapons and ammunition, according to local monitors. After the capture of Mansi by KIA and its allies, Bhamo is completely encircled: fierce fighting occurs around 21st Military Operations Command, Bhamo Airport, Tar Mong Lone ward, Infantry Battalion 47, and the university. The regime bombs the city daily with airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and drone.

After seizing the Mansi township on January 8, the KIA together with All Burma Students Democratic Front and other groups attacked hundreds of troops retreating from Mansi to Bhamo. Local sources estimate at least 100 retreating troops are injured, numerous Junta soldiers detained, and large amounts of arms and ammunition seized. On 16 January Bhamo residents reported that junta forces are limited to Military Operations Command 21 and Infantry Battalion 47, which are apparently being encircled by anti-regime forces.

By 21 January, ongoing fighting in Bhamo consistently resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Only during December, at least 30 civilians had been killed, according to the Kachin Human Rights Watch (KHRW).

On 25 January the Kachin Independence Army and allied resistance forces seized the base of junta’s Armored Battalion 7006, while also surrounding the headquarters of an artillery battalion. Seven armored vehicles were captured by resistance forces. On 26 January KIA and allied forces seized Bhamo Airport. Meanwhile junta daily airstrikes continue. On 2 February, KIA forces captured Artillery Battalion 366, an advance which brings KIA forces closer to the MOC-21 base.

See also

• 2024 Kachin offensive