CNI News
18 August 2025

Since the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched an offensive on the Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, battles are breaking out between the KIA and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), said locals.

The fighting reportedly began on August 16, 2025, after the KIA launched an offensive on the villages of Ma Mohn Kaing and Maing Naung in the Indawgyi region.

" The clashes are taking place in the hills of Maing Naung and Ma Mohn Kaing, as well as in the village of Ingyin Kone. A combined force of KIA/KPDF troops has arrived in the east bank of and in the village of Nant Yin, with the intention of attacking Hopin." said a local resident.

Reports suggest that the KIA and KPDF have deployed a combined force of around 200 troops to take control of the Indawgyi region and the villages of Ma Mohn Kaing and Maing Naung. The Indawgyi region is primarily inhabited by the Shanni ethnic group.

Local residents claim that when the KIA previously controlled the area, they often arrested locals from their homes, recruited, and collected money.

They also said that the KIA granted businessmen permission to mine for gold on the school grounds and football stadium in Ma Mohn Kaing village. When locals protested these actions, some were reportedly arrested.

The Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) began operating in Kachin State to protect the Shanni ethnic group and other Shan communities. In July 2025, the SNA advanced into the Indawgyi region and subsequently took control of Nam Mon and Ma Mohn Kaing villages. The current KIA-PDF offensive is to regain control of this territory.