Loije Town, in a gripping turn of events, stands at the brink of a major shift in control as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) intensifies its grip on the last stronghold of the military junta in the region. The last remaining unit of the Burmese military, identified as HKLY-142, faces a stark ultimatum: surrender or face attack. This warning comes amidst the KIA’s steady advance since late March, dramatically reshaping the town’s fate.
Residents of Loije, under the shadow of conflict, said that “ the KIA’s deadline for surrender is set for April 8, 2024. The KIA’s stern warning has also been accompanied by a directive to locals, urging them to close all businesses and seek shelter, highlighting the escalating tension and the potential for conflict.”
This military standoff follows a series of strategic offensives by the KIA, beginning March 27, 2024, where they successfully overran junta forces between Man Maw and Loije. Notably, on March 28, KIA forces seized control of key military sites including Yaw Yung and MadaBum army camps, pivotal for the defense of Loije Town. By March 29, KIA troops began their occupation of Loije, effectively displacing the junta’s authority.
As the KIA establishes control, Loije Town finds itself under a new order, with the KIA demanding junta troops to retreat towards the Chinese border. Amidst these developments, the Chinese government has maintained a closed-border policy, although discussions to prevent border clashes are reportedly underway.
In a significant blow to junta’s presence, over 100 military personnel, including high-ranking officers, have reportedly fled to the HKLY-142 camp, seeking refuge after deserting key positions in the region. The KIA’s dominance in Loije is further underscored as they take over various government infrastructures, including the Immigration Office and hospital, marking them with warning signs and effectively bringing all governmental activities to a halt.
The current situation in Loije remains tense as the KIA closely monitors the encircled junta forces, assessing their movements and strategizing their next course of action in what may be a critical turning point in the region’s history.
