Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 22February 2025 

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has taken control of the 236th Infantry Battalion in Bhamo, Kachin State, and is involved in fierce combat at the 21st Battalion, with the entire city anticipated to fall within days, KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu informed Narinjara News on February 21. 

"We aren't currently able to take complete control of Bhamo city, but we anticipate achieving that by tomorrow or the following day," Colonel Naw Bu stated. "On February 20, we seized the 236th Infantry Battalion, and we expect positive news in the coming days." 

On February 20, the KIA effectively took the 236th Infantry Battalion in Bhamo, capturing soldiers and confiscating arms and ammunition. 

“There will be captives from war, although we cannot confirm it definitely. Fierce clashes are taking place near the 21st Battalion, with the junta troops primarily carrying out airstrikes and drone assaults. The combat is intense," Colonel Naw Bu remarked. 

Colonel Naw Bu mentioned that although the KIA anticipates taking full control of Bhamo city soon, the junta forces are persistently carrying out airstrikes and drone assaults. 

"We intend to collaborate with the resistance factions to reach our objective. We haven't captured Bhamo in Kachin so far, and even if we succeed, it won't signify the removal of all junta troops. We have chosen to persist in our endeavors,” he stated. 

The KIA joint force seized the 21st Battalion, which included the junta’s 236th Battalion, at approximately 8:00 am on February 20, 2025.

As per military sources present in the area, the junta is launching daily assaults on Bhamo Township using helicopters, drones, and artillery rounds. The conflict in the region continues to be fierce. 

According to local news reports, more than 70 junta soldiers, including military officials, were taken as prisoners of war, and weapons and ammunition were confiscated during the assault on the 236th Infantry Battalion in Bhamo, Kachin State.

In their continuous struggle to seize Bhamo, resistance forces led by KIA have now taken control of the 366th Artillery Battalion, 6007th Armored Battalion, 5014th Tank Battalion, and the 236th Infantry Battalion. 

Numerous resistance organizations, such as the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), are fighting alongside the KIA in the conflict.

AA detains 2 Bangladeshi fishing vessels and 19 fishermen for unlawful fishing in Arakan waters near southern Maungdaw 

Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 21 February 2025 

On February 20, local residents reported that the Arakan Army (AA) coast guard detained 19 Bangladeshi fishermen and confiscated two fishing boats for illegally fishing in Arakan waters close to Ah Lel Than Kyaw Beach and Hna Gaung To, situated south of Maungdaw Township, which the AA controls. 

A witness named Ah Lel Than Kyaw reported, “The AA took two fishing boats from Bangladeshi fishermen engaged in illegal fishing. Nineteen fishermen were present on the boats, which were packed with fish. The fish were distributed by the AA to local villages, and the fishermen were taken into custody. “

Earlier, on the morning of February 11, the AA Coast Guard apprehended a vessel and four fishermen for unlawful fishing in Arakan waters close to the Naf River. At approximately 3:00 pm that day, six additional people were taken into custody along with a fishing vessel close to Ah Lel Than Kyaw Beach. 

Despite the AA not releasing a statement about the detention of the 19 fishermen along with two fishing vessels, Bangladeshi news sources, such as The Dhaka Tribune, have covered the event. 

The Dhaka Tribune stated that the AA apprehended four fishing vessels and 19 fishermen who were coming back from fishing on the afternoon of Thursday, February 20.

As reported by Bangladeshi media, two of the four fishing vessels originated from Kayukkhali in Teknaf, while the other two came from Shah Porir Dwip. 

Bangladeshi media additionally stated that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the AA are engaged in talks to arrange the release of 19 fishermen and four fishing boats. 

This event comes after multiple instances in which the AA has arrested Bangladeshi fishermen for unlawful fishing in Arakan waters. On October 15, 2024, the AA Coast Guard detained 16 Bangladeshi fishermen and transferred them to the BGB. 

In November 2024, the AA coast guard stopped around 60 Bangladeshi fishing vessels in Arakan waters, confiscating 15 boats—two equipped with engines and 13 without—and arresting 20 fishermen. 

Following the interrogation, the AA handed over the arrested fishermen to the BGB without any penalties. 

The AA also conveyed compassion for the families of Bangladeshi fishermen who often partake in illegal fishing, recognizing the economic difficulties they endure. 

---