CNI News
2 December 2025
As the United Wa State Army (UWSA/“Wa” group) is no longer supplying weapons, People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) are shifting their supply route and establishing links with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to military and political analysts who spoke to CNI News.
Previously, PDFs operating in eastern Myanmar were connected through the TNLA, receiving weapons from the “Wa” group. However, since the Wa group is no longer providing arms—and the TNLA has also entered a ceasefire with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw)—PDF and allied forces are now required to withdraw from Mogok and Momeik.
Regarding the withdrawal from Mogok and Momeik, tensions have reportedly risen between the TNLA and the PDFs. While PDFs are now establishing links with the KIA, this makes the withdrawal process more complicated, said political analyst Saing Mein, speaking to CNI News.
He said:“If the PDF and TNLA do not have clear discussions, clear understanding, and fair negotiations, it won’t be smooth—just like when MNDAA handed Lashio over to the Myanmar military.Also, before TNLA captured Momeik, KIA had already entered and controlled it for more than two weeks.Since Momeik is adjacent to the territories the KIA has controlled, unless pressure is placed on the KIA, and unless KIA decides on a ceasefire like TNLA, things won’t easily settle.Previously in the east, PDFs connected through TNLA. But now the Wa group has announced it will no longer supply weapons to other armed groups and even executed people involved in transporting weaponry.With this situation, PDFs are rerouting and connecting with the strong KIA forces in northern Myanmar. So it’s unlikely that this issue will be resolved easily.”
Lt-Gen Gun Maw with other armed groups
KIA has expanded its strength and operations across northern Shan State, Kachin State, and into Sagaing Region, standing as one of the most powerful ethnic armed organizations.
KIA is also one of the armed groups in Myanmar capable of producing its own ammunition, and it remains a militarily strong organization.
Following the political changes caused by the February 1, 2021 military coup that ousted the NLD government, the KIA was able to further expand its military capacity and widen its controlled territories.
Since the political crisis of 2021, KIA has been providing military training, weapons, ammunition, joint operations, and the sale of ammunition to PDFs and local defense forces (LDFs) in Sagaing Region.
According to Col. Khun Okkar, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO–NCA/S), the KIA is currently cooperating with revolutionary forces based on political needs, but in the future—like the MNDAA and TNLA—it may take different actions if its political situation requires it.
Chin Brotherhood delegation meeting with Lt-Gen Gun Maw
He said:“PDFs need weapons, ammunition, and logistics. If they cannot obtain them elsewhere, they will turn to the KIA, which already has arms factories and can produce weapons and fuel.This means connecting with the KIO can also be for supply routes.
If someday the KIA needs a political settlement, it could change its stance.The KIA is not participating in talks yet. With fighting on the ground, PDFs will naturally try to benefit from the KIA.But if a political solution emerges later, the KIA will consider its own interests regarding the PDFs.For now, they are cooperating out of current needs. If those needs change, the situation may resemble Kokang or Palaung (TNLA). It likely won’t be very different.”
The KIA has been coordinating with PDFs, KNA-Burma (Kuki), Naga armed groups such as ENDA/ENNO and NPDF, ABSDF, AA, and CNDF to strengthen control over multiple areas in Sagaing Region, including Hkamti, Banmauk, Tigyaing, Tamu, Hkam Pat, Phaung Byin, Shwe Pyi Aye, Mawlike, Katha, Kawlin, Pinlebu, and Indaw, as well as across Naga territories.
Furthermore, in August, representatives of Chin organizations—including the Chin National Council (Mindtat), Chin National Front (CNO/CNDF), Zomi Federal Union (ZFU), Chin Defense Force (Kanpetlet), Chinland Defense Force (Matupi Brigade 1), and Mara Territory Council (MTC/MDF)—visited Laiza at the invitation of KIA Vice Chairman Lt-Gen Gun Maw.
