CNI News
23 September 2025
Local residents say they are facing security concerns after Banmauk town in northern Sagaing Region fell under the control of a coalition force led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
The offensive to seize Banmauk was launched on September 15, 2025, by the KIA together with the Kadu armed group and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). By September 20, they managed to capture the town.
Sai Lin, a Banmauk resident, said: “Now Banmauk is controlled by the KIA, the Kadu armed group, and other PDFs. The Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) and the military have both retreated. But the locals are not happy—they are worried. That’s because the military is carrying out airstrikes and bombings. The longer the KIA stays, the more the town will be destroyed. People don’t trust the situation; arrests and killings could also happen. So, residents see this not as the liberation of the town but as its destruction. Their security is at risk.”
Until recently, security and stability in Banmauk had been primarily handled by the Brigade 614 of the SNA, while the Myanmar military’s 77th Division was stationed inside the town.
Following the takeover by the KIA, PDFs, and the Kadu group, the military launched airstrikes on September 21. With the Tatmadaw attacking by air and preparing counter offensives on the ground, the town has been facing destruction—validating residents’ fears, according to a military analyst monitoring the Sagaing conflict.
“The concerns of Bamauk residents are not baseless. We can see what happened in towns previously seized by the KIA-PDF alliance in Sagaing. Htigyaing was destroyed, Kawlin was destroyed—both towns fell back under military control, but by then they were already ruined and residents had lost homes and property. The same can be seen in Pinlebu. The resistance forces need to reassess this kind of town-capture strategy.”, he said.
Currently, SNA forces are holding the western part of Banmauk and preparing for renewed fighting, aiming to regain the town. The Myanmar military is also preparing further ground and air operations. Locals fear that if this continues, Banmauk will be devastated and they will be displaced as war refugees.
A local businessman commented: “Previously, when the SNA was responsible for security and the military was just stationed inside the town, there was no major conflict between the two. The town was stable, residents lived peacefully, businesses could operate, and people moved about freely. Now that resistance forces have taken the town, counterattacks are inevitable. That’s why locals are worried the town will be destroyed.”
Banmauk is a key entry point into Kachin State. Analysts suggest the KIA seized the town to cut off or block Myanmar military offensives into Kachin territory. They also warn that the KIA may soon expand operations to Hpakant and Kathar towns.
However, whether the KIA can hold onto Banmauk for long remains uncertain. Some observers believe the KIA’s attacks on Shanni areas aim to weaken SNA’s strength and influence.
While continuing town-capture offensives in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, the KIA is also simultaneously offering peace talks and negotiations with the Myanmar military.
