Escalating Military Tensions in Hpakant Region; Reports of Civilian Arrests and Intimidation

Pajau Media

April 21, 2026

Clashes continue in the Hpakant area as joint forces of the military council are reportedly advancing with large troop deployments, leading to ongoing armed engagements between the two sides.

According to reports, at around 8:30 AM on April 19, joint forces consisting of the military council troops, Lisu militia, and Warazup militia advanced toward Hpakant town. When they reached the Maw Si Sar area, they were reportedly ambushed and resisted by KIA allied forces, resulting in an armed clash.

Since then, fighting has continued. Significant casualties are reported on the side of the military council. Additional clashes have also been reported around Lone Khin and Malang villages, where the military council forces are said to have suffered further losses.

During these ongoing military operations, local residents in Lone Khin village have reportedly been stopped, questioned, and intimidated by military council troops.

According to local sources, civilians are being subjected to inspections and arrests while moving along roads.

It is also reported that during these checks, valuables such as money, jade, rings, and mobile phones have been confiscated. Civilians deemed suspicious have allegedly been detained and taken away.

Fighting between the military council forces and KIA allied troops has intensified again since early April in the Hpakant region. The military council is reportedly conducting continuous offensives with large-scale troop deployments in an attempt to regain control of the area.

News: Htu Seng