Civilian casualties continue to rise in battle for Kachin jade hub

By Admin 02 Sep 2025

DMG Newsroom

2 September 2025, Hpakant, Kachin State

Fighting between the Myanmar military and a coalition force led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in the jade mining hub of Hpakant Township, Kachin State, is intensifying, with the number of local civilians killed and captured on the rise.

According to local residents, fighting between the two sides has intensified since the last week of August, and the fighting has reached downtown Hpakant.

On September 1, fierce fighting broke out between the military and the KIA in Ma Shi Ka Htaung Ward, Hpakant Township, resulting in the killing of one man and the capture of four men from Ayethayar Ward by the military.

"Fighting erupts in Hpakant town on a daily basis," said a local man. "There is intense fighting between the two sides in Ma Shi Ka Htaung Ward in Hpakant. There are continuous casualties and arrests of civilians. The fighting, which previously took place in rural areas, has now spread to downtown Hpakant, so the locals are becoming increasingly concerned."

According to residents, 10 people were arrested in Hpakant on August 28, seven on August 29, 10 on August 30, four on August 31, and four on September 1, bringing the total number of people arrested by the military regime over the period to 35.

An artillery shell fired by a junta base exploded in Hnetpyawtaw Ward in Hpakant, injuring three civilians on September 1, residents said.

Schools and departmental offices in Hpakant were closed as of Tuesday due to the fighting.

Another woman from Hpakant said: "Schools and government offices have been closed since today. Schools and government offices have reportedly been closed for a week. The main reason for the closure is the ongoing fighting in downtown Hpakant. If the fighting becomes more intense, the closure of schools and government offices may last longer."

Anti-regime forces have also warned residents of Ma Shi Ka Htaung Ward in Hpakant, where fighting is taking place, to evacuate in advance.

According to local aid workers, more than 70 civilians have been killed in clashes, artillery fire, airstrikes, and drone strikes since junta columns entered Hpakant Township in May.