CNI News

14 September 2025

The Myanmar Tatmadaw announced on September 11, 2025, that it had regained control of key command posts, wards, villages, and hilltop camps around Bhamo, Kachin State.

In December 2024, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) launched joint offensives to seize control of Bhamo. During these operations, they captured the airport, Bhamo University, and several Tatmadaw military bases.

The Tatmadaw then fought defensive battles for eight consecutive months, from December 2024 until July 2025. Starting on August 4, it reinforced its forces and launched counter offensives with seven military columns.

As a result, between August 4 and September 11, 2025, the Tatmadaw recaptured all command posts, wards, villages, and hilltop positions around Bhamo that had been under KIA-AA-PDF control.

From December 4, 2024, to September 11, 2025, there were 16 major battles and 490 skirmishes between the Tatmadaw and the KIA-AA-PDF alliance. According to the Tatmadaw, 163 enemy bodies, 178 assorted weapons, and related equipment were seized, while some of its own officers and soldiers were also killed in action.

Bhamo is a strategically important town located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River and serves as a vital hub for cross-border trade.

The key trade routes are: Bhamo–Tarsai–Myothit–Laiza road, Bhamo–Momauk–Tarsai–Laiza road, Bhamo–Momauk–Lweje road.

The KIA-AA-PDF forces had sought to take control of these trade routes.