In a significant blow to the Myanmar junta, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allied forces have announced the capture of Infantry Battalion 237 headquarters after a week-long offensive in Bhamo District.

Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the KIA, disclosed that the base near Dasai village in Momauk Township was successfully seized on Thursday, marking the culmination of a series of attacks that saw over 20 regime outposts fall in the preceding days.

"Our forces meticulously secured the area by taking control of all surrounding bunkers before advancing to occupy the headquarters. Clearing operations are currently underway," stated Col Naw Bu.

Independent verification of these reports by The Irrawaddy remains pending.

The operation involved coordinated efforts from the KIA, Arakan Army, Kachin People’s Defense Force (PDF), and other allied groups. In response to the seizure, the junta initiated shelling and airstrikes around Laiza, near Momauk, where the KIA's headquarters are situated.

Following the fall of Battalion 237's base, the junta retaliated with airstrikes and artillery bombardment from other positions in Bhamo Township, as reported by a member of the PDF who claimed to have inflicted significant casualties on the regime's forces.

A video circulated on Kachin media showcases anti-regime forces within the captured battalion base, displaying a cache of seized light weapons.

Established in 2005, the 400-hectare Battalion 237 headquarters is strategically located on the road connecting Laiza to upper Bhamo District. This victory follows the relatively peaceful takeover of Infantry Battalion 142's headquarters in Dawthponeyan town on March 8, where junta troops surrendered without heavy resistance.

Former army captain turned civil disobedience advocate, U Htet Myat, interpreted the fall of Battalion 237 as indicative of the junta's increasing vulnerability. He emphasized that the battalion, a component of the 21st Military Operations Command (MOC) in Bhamo, was unable to provide reinforcements, underscoring the regime's weakening grip.

Meanwhile, KIA offensives persist along key routes, particularly targeting the jade-mining hub of Hpakant Township, where approximately 70% of the area is reportedly under KIA control. Additionally, KIA forces are engaged in conflict alongside PDFs in upper Sagaing Region, further challenging the junta's authority in the region.

BOB Post