The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) announced that it will continue to pursue its military objectives against the junta army during 2025 and that it expects fighting in Kachin State to escalate.

Colonel Naw Bu, a spokesperson for the KIA and its political wing, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) said: “The fighting will continue into 2025, and we are determined to carry on until our goals are achieved. We anticipate the conflict will intensify further, but we will not stop until our objectives are realised.”

Tensions remain high around Bhamo and Mansi towns in Kachin State because of an ongoing KIA offensive that started on 4 December 2024 which aims to wrest control of the two towns from the junta by capturing its bases and military positions there. According to reports, there is no end to the fighting in sight.

Colonel Naw Bu said that the junta had been carrying out frequent airstrikes and both sides had been using artillery and drones  in the struggle for control of Bhamo and Mansi towns.

He said: “Clashes are happening nearly every day, with reports suggesting that those around Mansi Town are somewhat more intense [than those around Bhamo Town].”

In his New Year's speech on 1 January the KIO/KIA Chairman General N'Ban La said that the KIO and KIA would continue in their efforts to help liberate the country from the junta using experience they had gained during 2024.

At the invitation of the Chinese Government a KIO/KIA delegation led by General N'Ban La went to China on 8 December 2024, four days after the KIA started its Mansi and Bhamo offensives.

It held talks with the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The discussions covered topics such as a ceasefire, the implementation of peace along the border, and the reopening of border gates. Despite the talks fighting in Kachin State has continued as before.