CNI News
April 17, 2026

Two junior officers from the joint Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) surrendered to the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) on April 15, 2026, bringing their weapons and ammunition with them.

The two individuals—a squad leader and a deputy squad leader from the joint KIA-PDF force—surrendered at a frontline outpost of the SNA's 891st Brigade, Battalion No. 2. They brought with them two UWSA "Wa"-made M-22 rifles, five magazines, over 200 rounds of ammunition, two sets of equipment, and related supplies.

One of the two men who surrendered stated that they had been forced into the revolutionary group through involuntary recruitment and chose to defect to the SNA because they disliked the oppressive behavior of their superiors.

While meeting SNA troops

"Since we arrived and finished training, we were sent immediately to the front lines. They forced us to sacrifice our lives at the front while they stayed behind giving orders. We asked for leave to visit our homes, but they never granted it. Furthermore, they have been unfairly collecting taxes from the public, and those funds are used by them (the KIA leaders) for their own personal gain. We didn't like these things, which is why we surrendered to the SNA," he said.

An SNA official stated that the two individuals are currently receiving medical care and will be returned to their families shortly.

The Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) operates within the Sagaing Region and Kachin State. According to local residents, the SNA is currently defending its controlled territories against territorial offensive battles initiated by the KIA-PDF.