KIA Hpakant Offensive Continues — Civilian Shelling Injuries, Multiple Roads Blocked in Kachin State

Intense fighting continued in Hpakant Township, Kachin State into April 8 following the KIA's April 2 capture of six SAC frontline positions near Maw Wan Gyi. SAC forces attempting to dislodge KIA fighters from captured positions conducted artillery and mortar bombardments, injuring six civilians including children during indiscriminate shelling of residential areas. Multiple roads were closed due to the fighting: the Hpakant–Hparein road, Nammahpyit road, San Kywel road, and Maw Win Gyi road all remained impassable as combat operations continued. Local residents received instructions to shelter in place as KIA and SAC forces contested control of jade-mining infrastructure. Hpakant Township generates critical jade revenue for the SAC — one of the junta's primary remaining economic lifelines — making KIA's sustained offensive a significant strategic threat beyond its military dimensions.