KIA Destroys Two Junta Support Ships in Latest River Attack in Kachin State

Forces from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) destroyed two vessels from a military junta reinforcement flotilla docked in Shwegu Town on Sept. 9, according to KIA officials and local sources, continuing a campaign targeting regime supply lines along the Ayeyarwady River. The attack targeted an advance group of nine vessels—comprising four riverine combat ships, four pusher tugboats, and an iron-clad barge—that arrived in Shwegu on Sept. 8. Local sources and initial photos indicate two tugboats caught fire and were destroyed as they prepared to depart upstream toward Bhamo. "We received information that the vessels had traveled from Katha to Shwegu and were docked there. Two of them caught fire in KIA attack," said KIA spokesperson Col. Naw Bu, adding that details regarding casualties and destroyed cargo remain under verification. This second flotilla left Mandalay earlier this month to resupply junta positions in northern Myanmar following severe losses suffered by a previous 15-vessel convoy in late August, in which KIA forces destroyed eight ships. The remaining 27 vessels of the current flotilla are currently docked and offloading cargo in Sagaing Region's Tigyaing Township.