The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has captured Lwegel

 The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has captured Lwegel, a border town located in southeastern part of Kachin state, along the trade route between China and Myanmar. The local residents are seen warmly greeting the KIA comrades, welcoming them as liberators.

Since the start of the operation on March 7th, the KIA has captured over 60 junta military outposts, both big and small. The victories include the capture of a strategic border town with a border cross-trade route, further strengthening their control over the area.

Amid the KIA capturing the junta regime's military outposts - one after another, unverified news has been circulating that the Chinese government has been calling on the Commander-In-Chief of the KIA and the Arakan Army, inviting them to a closed-door talks in China. It is believed that the purpose of the discussions is to address the current conflict in the country and to find a way towards a peaceful resolution.

The KIA's capture of Lwegel, as well as the ongoing operations against other junta military outposts, demonstrate how vulnerable the junta regime forces are in the ethnic armed groups' regions. 

Photo/Screenshot of the circulated video