Kachin Independence Organisation/ Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) |
| Founded – 5 February 1961 Headquarters – Laiza, Kachin State Active territories – Kachin State and Northern Shan State Size – Over 12,000 (8 brigades) Chair – General N’Ban La Vice Chair – General Gam Shawng General Secretary – Kumhtat Hting Nan KIO Chair N’Ban La said that the KIO stands for Dhamma following the military coup. Lt-Gen Gun Maw, vice-chair of the KIC said that the KIO/KIA is cooperating with the CRPH and the NUG with full understanding as well as is engaging in C3C to end the dictatorship. 1 On the 48th Kachin Martyrs’ Day observed on 10 August 2023, KIO Chair General N’Ban La said the current Spring Revolution is a struggle between the military and the public. The KIO/KIA decisively stands on the side of the public and other EROs. He warned individuals focused on their own interests to refrain from aiding the regime in finding a way out. 2 The KIO/KIA also acts as Chairman-2 of the FPNCC, which consists of seven EROs. The resistance forces working together under the leadership of KIO/ KIA – the Kachin Regional Defense Force (KPDF) in Kachin State and Mandalay Region, PDF under the NUG in Sagaing Region, ABSDF, ULA/AA and MNDAA in northern Shan State—are cooperating militarily and putting pressure on the military. On 6 November 2023, the joint operation of KIO/KIA and NUG- affiliated PDF battalions can be clearly evident during the battle to capture Kawlin town in Sagaing Region. The allied forces led by the KIA/ KIO captured six towns—Injangyang in Kachin State on 20 November 2023, Mawlu in Indaw Township in Sagaing Region on 13 December 2023, Mabein in Mansi Township on 20 January 2024, Sinbo in Myitkyina Township on 10 February 2024, Lweje on the China-Myanmar border on 29 March 2024 and Sumprabum in Kachin State on 5 May 2024. The KIO/KIA also takes a leading role in the C3C formed by the NUG Ministry of Defense (MOD) in cooperation with the four allied EROs. The KIO/KIA is leading the military operations in No.1 military region which includes Kachin, Sagaing, Chin, northern Shan, Magway and Mandalay. “Operation 0307” was launched by the KIO/KIA and allied forces on 7 March 2024. KIO/KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu said that the operation cleared all military camps in Kachin State. During that operation, the KIO/KIA and allied forces captured nearly 80 small and large military camps, including Sein Lon strategic camp and Yaw Yone camp, Lawmun, Lawdan, Shangtai, Hpalang Bum along Moemauk and Lwegel, Gi Don strategic camp in Waingmaw Township, Dawthponeyan- based Light Infantry Battalion-142 which threatens the KIO headquarters in Laiza, Ntap Bum, Shadan Pa, where a helipad is located, Hpun Pyen Bum and Masen Kawng. 3 The years 2023 and 2024 are considered the peak of military operations conducted by the KIO/KIA and allied forces against the military. Clashes with military There were 13 armed clash events with the military in 2019 and seven in 2020. Between January 2021 and 9 July 2024, the number of armed clash events between the military and the allied forces led by KIO/KIA, reached 602. Clashes with EROs There was one armed clash event with SNA in 2022 and one in 2023. 1 Lieutenant General Sumlut Gun Maw says junta forces are finding it difficult to sustain in long term
Contact Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thekachinnet Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2023 – 2024) |
