KIA and Allies Capture Key Junta Positions in Northern Myanmar

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces have captured several military junta positions across northern Myanmar, overrunning bases in Momeik (Mongmit) Township in Shan State as well as Bhamo and Mohnyin townships in Kachin State.

Expanding its offensive from Kachin State into neighboring northern Shan State, the KIA-led coalition captured a strategic junta hilltop camp near Shwemintin Pagoda, outside Momeik Town, around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 28.

Frontline resistance sources reported seizing a large cache of weapons and ammunition.

Local residents reported heavy fighting throughout the day, with regime forces launching airstrikes using fighter jets, helicopters, and drones alongside heavy artillery fire to defend the site.

Clashes had already forced the closure of a section of the Momeik-Manton Road near Nyaungni Village in August following junta ground offensives.

Momeik Town was previously captured by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) before being handed back to junta control in late 2025.

However, the KIA and its allies have continued active military operations throughout the township.

Also on the morning of Sept. 28, coalition forces overran a joint position occupied by junta troops and the allied Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) near Nammun Village in Mohnyin Township. The post—a former KIA camp—was recaptured after the SNA suffered heavy casualties despite receiving junta air support.

Frontline sources noted that newly trained SNA recruits participated in the battle, following a controversial military graduation ceremony held on Sept. 23 at a Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) church in Nammun Village that the SNA had converted into a training facility.

Earlier on Sept. 26, resistance forces captured another junta post in Namhpa Village, Bhamo Township. Heavy fighting persists near Bhamo Town, where the KIA launched a major offensive in December 2024 to seize the strategic hub.

Resistance forces have already captured several major positions there, including armored and tank battalion headquarters.

Military analysts note that despite persistent junta airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments, the KIA and its allies continue to hold the military upper hand across the region.