Over one month of conflict leaves two-thirds of Bhamo city destroyed
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Phyo/ Thant Zin (NP News) - Jan 13
Bhamo, a city in Kachin State known for its good transportation and economic conditions, was about two-thirds destroyed during over a month of attacks initiated by the KIA (Kachin Independence Army), according to locals who spoke to The Statesman Journal.
Since December 4th, the KIA armed group has reportedly begun attacking Bhamo city, which is home to several military units, including the Operation Control Command (21), the Infantry Division (236), the Infantry Division (47), and large units such as artillery unit (336), (304), and armored unit 7006, along with the 5014-tank division and Infantry Unit 5, which are based in the city.
A local woman, who lost her home in the fighting, stated that as of now, fighting continues in Bhamo, with many residents fleeing to safer areas and becoming war refugees. She also mentioned that over 70 percent of the city has been destroyed due to the ongoing conflict, and much of it has been severely damaged by the war.
She said, "I think about two-thirds of Bhamo city has been destroyed. However, many are determined to return to their own wards and villages to rebuild. Since Bhamo is an economically active city, the locals will return. People from Bhamo have a strong spirit, and I believe there will be no one left without hope, even those who have lost everything."
It is reported that the main highway of Bhamo city has been severely damaged due to the fighting.
Furthermore, Bhamo city, being a region with good transportation and economic conditions within Kachin State, has seen local residents who have been displaced for over a month expressing a strong desire to return to their homes, according to the local resident mentioned above.
She said, "Everyone has lost everything. The people of Bhamo love their city, and that’s why they want to return to their homes. It’s a part of their identity and their connection to the place, so they want to go back to their own homes and their own land."
It is reported that due to the fighting initiated by the KIA armed group, numerous homes, markets, and public buildings within the city have been severely damaged. Additionally, significant losses have occurred as a result of looting and theft by insurgents.