The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allied forces have launched a counter-offensive in the battle for Banmaw City in Kachin State, resulting in intensified fighting. According to KIA military sources, the counter-offensive began on August 24, with particularly fierce battles taking place around Military Operations Command-21 (MOC-21) in Banmaw City. The military council forces have suffered significant casualties, and the resistance forces have captured substantial amounts of weapons and ammunition. The military council has responded with aerial attacks, conducting up to 12 airstrikes in a single day to defend their positions.
On August 20, around 1 PM, heavy fighting also erupted in Banmaw City between the military council forces and KIA allied forces, resulting in the destruction of one military council tank. The military council forces suffered heavy casualties during this engagement, forcing them to retreat from their positions in the city. The battle for Banmaw City has been ongoing since December 2024, now stretching into its ninth month of continuous conflict. The KIA and allied forces have been persistently attempting to gain control of the city, while the military council forces continue to resist primarily through air power.
The prolonged conflict has significantly impacted local civilians, with many forced to flee to safer areas. Military analysts suggest that the fighting may further intensify as tensions continue to escalate between the opposing forces. The KIA’s counter-offensive represents a significant development in the ongoing struggle for control of this strategically important city in Kachin State. The military council’s heavy reliance on airstrikes indicates their defensive position, while the resistance forces continue to maintain pressure through ground operations. The capture of military equipment and ammunition by resistance forces suggests successful tactical operations, though the situation remains fluid with both sides engaged in intense combat operations.
