Mizzima
According to residents, on 7 February, troops belonging to the Myanmar junta reportedly set fire to Maubinyekartar village along the Myitkyina-Hpakant road in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, resulting in extensive destruction of residential properties.
Allegedly, the incident occurred following a clash between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Military Council army in the vicinity of Maubinyekartar village. Subsequently, at approximately 10:30 am, troops from the Military Council allegedly conducted a raid on the village, setting fire to numerous houses.
The junta assault reportedly began with an attack on a KIA outpost near Maubinyekartar Village, initiated with three vehicles departing from Kahtanyang Village around 10:00 am. Upon the retreat of KIA troops from the outpost, it is claimed that the junta forces proceeded to raid the nearby village and ignite residential structures.
A local resident of Maubinyekartar said, “The village has been situated near a Kachin Independence Army (KIA) outpost for an extended period. The conflict erupted when Military Council soldiers engaged in combat at the KIA outpost, leading to gunfire directed towards the village area. This instilled fear among the villagers, prompting them to flee and seek shelter wherever possible.”
The resident further revealed that as a result of the Military Council army’s actions, 12 out of 20 houses in Maubinyekartar were engulfed in flames.
Meanwhile, residents of Kamine village reported that the strategic Kamine Hill outpost, controlled by the Military Council, provided artillery support to the area surrounding Maubinyekartar during the clashes with the KIA.
After the Military Council forces withdrew following the torching of Maubinyekartar village, there are unverified reports suggesting that Kachin Baptist Church pastor Lahitulwan and three villagers were taken to the Kamine Hill outpost by the Military Council forces.
