Kachin State Sees 13 Clashes in One Week

Pajau Media

May 18, 2026

According to a statement released by the Information and Public Relations Department of the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA), 13 clashes occurred within one week along the Bhamaw, Waimaw, and Hpakant frontlines in Kachin State, as well as in the areas of KIA Brigade (9), Brigade (2), Brigade (, and Brigade (11).

From May 10 to May 16, the military council forces reportedly carried out daily attacks on the Bhamaw, Waimaw, and Hpakant frontlines using airstrikes, drones, and heavy artillery. Within the week, there were more than 27 drone bombings, over 5 airstrikes, and more than 121 instances of artillery shelling, according to the statement.

Airstrikes and artillery attacks were reported to be most frequent in the Bhamaw frontline area. Due to offensive operations by the military council forces, three defensive engagements took place in the Bhamaw frontline, two clashes in the Hpakant area under Brigade 9, one clash in the Brigade 8 area, and seven clashes in the Brigade 11 area.

It was also reported that, in addition to ground offensives, the military council continued using drones and heavy weapons from the air, resulting in ongoing military tensions in the region.

In the previous week, nearly 20 total engagements-including contact battles and defensive clashes were recorded between the military council and combined KIA forces in Kachin region.

News: Htu Seng