Min Zay Thant Militia Group Occupies Warazup Village, Sets Fire to Civilian Homes

Pajau Media

April 7, 2025

Warazup, Kachin State — Armed units of the Min Zay Thant Militia have been actively stationed in Warazup village, located along the Tanai-Lido road, since April 4. Reports indicate that the forces, operating in the Hpakant area, have established a presence inside the village and are allegedly setting fire to civilian homes.

“There's no one left in Warazup anymore. After the fighting started on April 3, Min Zay Thant forces entered the village by the afternoon of April 4 and have been stationed there since. Around six houses have been torched. People can't return to the village, and even the road that passes through Warazup is now inaccessible,” said a local resident.

Previously, no armed groups were stationed in Warazup. However, on March 2, KIA (Kachin Independence Army) forces set up a checkpoint at the entrance of the village. Following this, the Militia launched attacks, escalating military tensions in the area.

In addition, KIA forces reportedly launched an assault in early April against joint military council troops stationed in Lawa village, also along the Myitkyina–Lido road. These joint troops had occupied the village since March 31.

Currently, junta forces continue to conduct daily aerial bombardments across several parts of Kachin State, including the Bhamo and Indaw regions. Meanwhile, in Sagaing Region’s Katha area near the border with Kachin State, junta troops are also ramping up their military presence and activities. Frequent heavy artillery attacks have caused growing concern among Katha residents that fighting may soon erupt in the town.

News - Pilan U