Kachin Independence Army (KIA) opens a new front near Myanmar-China border, raising Beijing’s concerns
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| Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldiers [File Photo] |
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), alongside its allies, has announced the capture of a militia base in Khaunglanhpu Township, opening a new battlefront in Putao District near the Myanmar-China border. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising alarm in Beijing.
The Lahisen camp, located between Tsawlaw and about 96 kilometers from Khaunglanhpu town, fell to the KIA and the Kagabu People’s Force (KPF). The camp, previously occupied by around 70 junta troops, was known as “Lahisen Ma Sote Tan,” meaning “no retreat.” The KPF spokesman, Saw Nwe Khun Hseng Kham, confirmed that some junta soldiers were detained while others are being pursued after fleeing the area.
According to Saw Nwe Khun Hseng Kham, efforts to negotiate with the militia stationed at Lahisen were met with resistance. He explained that following the capture of Lansel village in early November, which had been under the control of Khaunglanhpu militias, attempts to persuade the remaining forces at Lahisen to surrender proved futile. Instead, the junta forces retaliated with shelling, forcing the KPF and KIA to launch an offensive.
The spokesman emphasized that while they do not wish to fight fellow ethnic groups in Putao, they remain committed to removing the military regime and will not hesitate to confront those who align with it. Khaunglanhpu, located on the Mali River, is separated from China to the north by 3,000-meter-high mountains, and from the west by Machanbaw and Nawngmun townships.
The KIA has made significant territorial gains, capturing key areas such as Chipwe, Tsawlaw, and Kanpiketi towns, collectively known as Kachin State Special Region 1. Saw Nwe Khun Hseng Kham stated their determination to expel junta forces from Kachin State entirely, underscoring their ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the region.
The township of Khaunglanhpu, with a population of around 14,304 as per the 2018-19 census, is primarily home to Kachin, Rawang, and Lisu communities, along with smaller Bamar and Shan populations. Despite promises of development by successive military regimes, the area remains underdeveloped and has become a focal point of the KIA's operations.
Seven junta battalions, including Infantry Battalions 137, 128, and 46, along with the Rawang People’s Militia led by Tang Gu Tan, remain active in the region. Tang Gu Tan, who previously broke away from the KIA, formed the pro-military Rebellion Resistance Force, later renamed the Khaunglanhpu People’s Militia in 2009. After the 2021 coup, his militia reportedly engaged in forced recruitment, citing the KIA and KPF as threats.
KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu revealed that they had urged Tang Gu Tan and his militia to defect and work together for regional development but were met with resistance. As a result, military action was deemed necessary. Naw Bu reiterated that the KIA is focused on driving out junta forces while seeking the support of local ethnic communities to strengthen their position.
The strategic location of Putao District, bordering China to the east and India to the west, adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. The KIA has steadily expanded its operations in the area, aiming to consolidate its control over the district and secure key territories.
The escalating situation has drawn attention from China, which has supported the Myanmar military junta since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Meanwhile, India has historically maintained strong ties with Aung San Suu Kyi and the civilian political leadership in Myanmar. Rebel groups such as the KIA in northern Myanmar and the Arakan Army in the south reportedly maintain indirect contacts with Indian authorities and have supported Indian infrastructure projects in the region.
This dynamic suggests a geopolitical tug-of-war between China and India, with both nations backing opposing sides in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict. While both countries have attempted to mediate peace through diplomatic efforts, these initiatives have so far failed, leaving Myanmar entrenched in a prolonged and volatile civil war.
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