In ongoing clashes in Banmaw City, Kachin State, combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces intercepted and attacked a military column advancing toward the Armored Battalion on September 9, resulting in the death of more than 10 military personnel, including a battalion commander. According to KIA military sources, daily battles continue in Banmaw city with the military conducting continuous airstrikes in the area.
The military column from Strategic Command Post 21 (SCP-21) was advancing toward Armored Battalion 7006 when clashes erupted with KIA joint forces on both September 8 and 9. In the September 9 battle, the military suffered heavy casualties, including the death of a battalion commander and more than 10 soldiers, forcing the military column to retreat back to SCP-21 headquarters. The military has been employing drones in their attacks on Banmaw, including sophisticated night-vision equipped drones for nighttime operations.
Revolutionary forces have also suffered casualties, primarily from drone attacks. The military has been using increasingly advanced drones equipped with night vision capabilities for both day and night operations. In the September 8 battle, the military suffered significant casualties, and revolutionary forces seized two machine guns and ammunition, along with recovering several military bodies from the battlefield. The battle for Banmaw began in December 2024 and has continued intensely for nearly 10 months through September of this year.
The military primarily operates from their SCP-21 headquarters, with battles occurring almost daily without respite. KIA military sources indicate that there is rarely a day without fighting in the Banmaw area. The military continues to conduct regular airstrikes while maintaining their offensive operations from SCP-21 headquarters. Despite the extended duration of the conflict, both sides remain engaged in intense combat operations, with the military continuing to suffer significant casualties while attempting to maintain control of their positions in the region.
