Junta River Vessel Carrying Military Families and Officials Surrenders to KIA Near Bhamo

A junta river vessel carrying military personnel, police, civil servants, and families of regime troops surrendered to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) after coming under heavy attack along the Ayeyarwady River on September 2, according to resistance sources. The vessel was part of a 15-ship military flotilla transporting troops, equipment, and administrative staff from Mandalay to Bhamo Township in Kachin State. As the convoy approached Hsinhkan Bridge, KIA and allied resistance forces ambushed the ships, forcing one vessel to raise a white flag. Resistance fighters who inspected the surrendered ship reported finding military families, police, and civil servants intended to help restore the junta's local administrative machinery in Bhamo alongside displaced residents. “Military families, police officers, soldiers, and civil servants were on the vessel,” a local resistance fighter told the Kachin News Group (KNG). “The junta seems confident it can restart its administration in Bhamo, which is likely why they brought along the required staff.” Video footage obtained by KNG and shared on social media confirmed the presence of women and children among those who surrendered to resistance forces. The flotilla—which left Mandalay on August 21 comprising riverine combat ships, bulk carriers, tugboats, and a sand dredger—had previously docked in Shwegu Township for five days before attempting the final leg to Bhamo. Despite several vessels sustaining damage during sustained KIA ambushes along the Ayeyarwady River, resistance sources acknowledge that around seven intact ships from the convoy are expected to reach Bhamo soon.