31 Civilians Killed in Hpakant as Military Offensive Intensifies

Pajau Media

June 18, 2025

According to a statement from Myanmar Now, following a renewed military offensive by the junta to fully retake Hpakant Township in Kachin State, around 31 local civilians were killed between May 27 and June 16.

Of the 31 civilian deaths, 23 were killed during battles in Hpakant town, while 8 others were reportedly executed without involvement in the fighting. Additionally, up to 18 people have been seriously injured.

The military council’s troops began their advance to retake Hpakant Township in the third week of April, marching along the Kamai road with around 600 soldiers. Due to ambushes and attacks by resistance forces along the way, the military only reached Hpakant Township on May 27 and began launching assaults.

Upon arrival, the junta forces reportedly targeted not only Hpakant town but also villages and jade mining areas. There have been reports of civilians being used as human shields, extrajudicial killings, artillery shelling, and the burning and destruction of homes and jade mining equipment.

Currently, intense clashes continue between KIA allied forces and the junta. Artillery shells fired by the military frequently land in residential areas, causing daily civilian casualties.

News – Hpring