CNI News
25 September 2025
Banmauk town in the northern part of Sagaing Region is currently being commented by military and political analysts regarding its importance for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
The coalition forces led by the KIA launched an assault on Banmauk town on September 15, 2025, at a time when they were suffering military setbacks in Bhamo, and succeeded in capturing it on September 20.
After Banmauk was seized by the joint forces of KIA, PDF, and Kadu groups, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes on September 21.
According to Myanmar political analyst Dr. Aung Myo, if the KIA can hold Banmauk, it will be strategically convenient for transporting supplies, troops, and weapons throughout the northern Sagaing Region.
SNA troops
He told CNI News: “In Bhamo, the KIA is already losing. To compensate for that defeat and save face, they captured Banmauk. But Banmauk is in a Shanni area—there are no Kachins there, only Shanni and Burmans. It’s located at the head of the Mu River valley. Controlling Banmauk gives the KIA a foothold to move men, weapons, and supplies across the northern Sagaing Region. Because of its location, the KIA will try to hold it. But in the long run, the Myanmar Tatmadaw will likely gain the upper hand.”
Previously, security in Banmauk Township had been handled by the Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) Brigade 614, while the Myanmar Tatmadaw’s 77th Division was responsible for the town itself.
At present, the SNA is stationed on the western side of Banmauk, preparing for further battles as well as a counteroffensive to recapture the town.
PDFs spotted at Banmauk entrance
Colonel Khun Okkar, Chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO-NCA/S), told CNI News that the Shanni forces lost Banmauk because reinforcements could not arrive in time:
“When the KIA attacked with overwhelming force, the forces defending Banmauk were insufficient, and reinforcements couldn’t come. That’s why the Shanni had to abandon the town. The KIA captured it to prevent large Myanmar Tatmadaw columns from entering their territory, because Banmauk is a gateway into KIA areas—it’s the edge of Sagaing Region that leads into their controlled zones. That’s why the KIA is determined to hold it. Bhamo, on the other hand, is being attacked for their dignity, I think.”, he said.
There is speculation that the KIA may continue its offensive against Htigyaing and Kawlin towns. Observers also note that it remains to be seen how long the KIA can actually hold Banmauk, and that by targeting Shanni territories, the KIA may also be attempting to cut off SNA strength.
Currently, the KIA is simultaneously launching town-seizing operations in Kachin State and Sagaing Region, while at the same time signaling openness to negotiations and peace talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw.
