Resistance sinks regime flotilla in Kachin

Myanmar’s military has suffered a major setback after resistance forces destroyed five vessels of a supply flotilla on the Irrawaddy River in southern Kachin State. The convoy, carrying rations and reinforcements from Mandalay to Bhamo, was intercepted near Shwegu on Wednesday by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied groups.

Frontline sources said three ships sank at Zinbon village, a tugboat was set ablaze and another vessel capsized near Sin Khan bridge. Videos released by the KIA show dozens of regime soldiers surrendering, alongside women and children, being escorted ashore by resistance fighters.

Colonel Naw Bu, KIA spokesperson, confirmed the flotilla was engaged after leaving Shwegu at dawn. He said several boats were destroyed as clashes intensified under heavy regime airstrikes, though full details from the ground remain unclear.

The military responded with eight fighter jets, two Y‑12 aircraft and surveillance drones. The flotilla of 15 vessels had departed Mandalay on 21 August, attempting to resupply bases in Bhamo that have been encircled by Kachin forces for over a year.

This marks the second failed attempt to break through at Zinbon in less than a week, underscoring the growing vulnerability of regime supply lines along the Irrawaddy.

-2026-09-03