CNI News

18 September 2025

It is reported that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) have jointly launched an offensive since September 15, 2025, aiming to capture Banmauk town, located at the gateway between the northern Sagaing Region and Kachin State.

KIA–PDF forces attacked in the direction of the Aung Kanbaw Thein Hotel in Banmauk, resulting in clashes with the Shan Nationalities Army (SNA).

“There is fighting going on in Banmauk. KIA and PDF are attacking together. Rumors say the KIA troops have orders to capture Banmauk within three days; if not, then within a week. Since Banmauk is a strategic point for reinforcements between Indaw and Bhamo, the Tatmadaw is sending troops there. Maybe that’s why they are trying to cut the route. It’s also an entry point into Kachin State, I think.”, said a local resident of Banmauk.

Map showing areas under KIA–PDF control and current battles for town capture.

Banmauk town, located at the border of upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State, is militarily strategic. It is also a market hub for illegal logging. Similarly, the town plays an important role in Mandalay–Banmauk–Kachin State trade.

Alongside the offensive on Banmauk, the Indaw PDF announced on September 15 that it had closed the Indaw–Banmauk strategic road and all other routes indefinitely.

Currently, KIA–PDF forces have already captured nearby Indaw town on April 7, 2025, and they are also attacking Bhamo town.

SNA troops

If KIA–PDF successfully captures Banmauk, observers note that they are likely to move on to seize Homalin town.

At present, KIA–PDF joint forces control areas around Banmauk and Homalin, including Indaw, Pinlebu, Phaungbyin, and Shwe Pyi Aye. If they also secure Banmauk and Homalin, they could gain control over the central and northern Sagaing Region.

After that, they would also be in a position to dominate the Myanmar–India border areas.