Myanmar Spring Chronicle – May 23 Scenes
MoeMaKa, May 24, 2024
KIA Captures Infantry Battalion 321 in Waingmaw, Kachin State; Bridge Connecting Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi Blown Up
It was reported that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) recently captured Light Infantry Battalion 321, also known as the Garrison Battalion of Waingmaw, which is near Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. Following a cease-fire in January among the 3 Northern Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, the KIA began attacking the Namhpatkar areas in northern Shan State. Subsequently, the KIA captured military and strategic camps along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road, Shwe Nyaungpin near Waingmaw, and later the road to Laiza, although it has not yet captured large cities like Myitkyina and Bhamo.
The capture of the Waingmaw garrison battalion, located across the bank from Myitkyina, led to speculation that Myitkyina might be attacked next. The KIA is likely aiming to control the Hpakant region, rich in jade resources, and the northern Kachin State, known for producing rare earth metals. Predicting when and under what conditions Myitkyina might be attacked is difficult, especially given that the military council is expected to fiercely defend the state capitals.
An example of such defense is the military council’s six-month effort to prevent Loikaw in Karenni State from falling. Similarly, in Rakhine State, the AA has not yet attacked Sittwe. Capturing state capitals like Myitkyina, Sittwe, and Loikaw would be a significant achievement, but the destruction resulting from such battles could erode public support. In Loikaw, the destruction of residential houses and the loss of property have led to a lack of support for city capture battles.
In Rakhine State, the AA has not shown intentions to attack Sittwe, focusing instead on villages near Thandwe in southern Rakhine State. Similarly, in Kachin State, the KIA may aim to attack Myitkyina only after securing other regions and towns.
In other news, the KNU and joint forces blew up a bridge near Kyaik Kaw on the Yangon-Bago-Kyaikhto-Bilin-Thaton Road, connecting Karen State, Mon State, and Tanintharyi Division with Bago Division and Yangon Division. Although the KNU has not officially commented, it recently destroyed the Kyon Ait Bridge near Shwe Yaung Pya Village, forcing vehicles on the Yangon-Mawlamyine-Thaton road to detour. The recent bridge damage appears more extensive than that of the Kyon Ait Bridge, complicating the construction of a temporary bridge.
The destruction of the “Masaw” Bridge may impact Thailand-Myanmar border trade, which currently relies on the land route. While small cars might use village bypass roads, large trucks carrying goods could face difficulties.
The fighting between the military council and the joint forces of KNU and PDF in the area of KNU Brigade 6 of Karen State has been ongoing since before April. The military council aims to regain full control of Myawaddy. The KNU’s destruction of bridges could be an attempt to disrupt road travel between Karen State and Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, but this action will likely increase costs and hardship for the people of Karen, Mon, and Tanintharyi regions.