Frequent Shelling and Landmine Explosions Reported in Hpakant Region

Pajau Media

July 14, 2025

In Hpakant, a jade-mining area in Kachin State, there have been frequent incidents of landmine or bomb explosions and gunfire in residential neighborhoods in recent days.

At around 1 a.m. on July 12, a mine exploded near the Diamond shop in Ward 2, Lone Khin. The blast caused property damage to nearby homes, but no casualties were reported.

“It wasn’t artillery fire. Either a landmine was planted or a bomb was thrown, something like that. The only things damaged were the fence of the house where the explosion occurred, the nearby water pump, and some pipes. Fortunately, no one was hurt,” said a resident of Lone Khin.

On the same day, around 11 p.m., there were also incidents of heavy artillery shelling. Artillery shells landed and exploded in residential areas, and the entire town of Hpakant was reportedly filled with the sounds of shellfire.

“You could clearly hear the artillery from the direction of Seng Tawng. The explosions were very loud. Friends from the Yuma area said debris or earth was scattered by the blasts, and a shell even landed on someone’s roof. The explosions were very intense,” the same resident added.

Additionally, on July 13, around 5 p.m., the military conducted at least five airstrikes, which damaged a school in Maw Mau Bum (also known as Maw Mau Hill).

“There were five or six airstrikes. For now, the school in Maw Mau Hill has lost its roof. We haven’t heard of other damages yet. Luckily, there were no casualties because it was a school holiday. If it had been a school day, it would have been unthinkable,” said another local.

Furthermore, around 7 p.m. the same evening, military council troops reportedly entered a monastery in Maw Wan, questioning and searching monks and nuns, including the abbot.

Since late May, when military council troops advanced into Hpakant, daily incidents of shelling, civilian deaths, and disappearances have been reported in residential areas.

News – Andy