Intense fighting continues between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)-led revolutionary forces and military council troops in Banmaw Township, Kachin State. KIA sources confirmed that revolutionary forces successfully shot down 7 military council drones on March 9. The offensive to capture Banmaw city has been ongoing since December 4, 2024, with KIA-led joint forces maintaining intense military pressure. The military council has increased its use of drones while continuing relentless airstrikes in the area. Sources indicate that fighting has reached unprecedented levels of intensity as revolutionary forces advance their positions.
A fuel station occupied by military council troops approximately three miles from Banmaw city caught fire today due to the ongoing fighting. Revolutionary forces led by the KIA are currently surrounding and attacking Strategic Operations Command-21 (SOC-21), the military council’s last remaining stronghold in the area. KIA sources confirmed that fighting has now reached inside the SOC-21 compound. In the battle for Banmaw, the revolutionary forces have already successfully captured Artillery Battalion 366, Armored Battalion 6007, Tank Battalion 5014, and Infantry Battalion 236. The systematic capture of these strategic positions has significantly weakened the military council’s defensive capabilities in the region.
As the fighting intensifies, the military council has escalated its air operations and increased drone deployment in response to territorial losses. However, revolutionary forces have demonstrated effective counter-measures, successfully neutralizing military council drones through coordinated anti-aircraft operations. The balance of power appears to be shifting in favor of the revolutionary forces as they maintain pressure on SOC-21. Current operations continue to focus on capturing this final military council stronghold while ensuring the safety and security of civilians in the city. The revolutionary forces have implemented careful strategies to minimize civilian casualties while advancing their military objectives in the urban environment.
