Tensions are escalating between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) near Longton Village in the Indawgyi area of Monghnyin Township, Kachin State.
The situation between the two rival ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) has become more volatile following attacks on junta frontline guard outposts in Longton Village, with the SNA aligned with the junta, according to local residents.
On March 12 and 13, the KIA used drones and artillery to strike junta outposts and positions in Longton Village along the highway to Hpakant Township in Kachin State.
Both the KIA and SNA have now deployed forces around Longton Village, with small-scale shootouts reported, according to a woman from nearby Mongnawng Village.
“In the past few days, the KIA has been using drones and artillery to hit some of the hilltop outposts where SNA and junta troops are stationed in Longton. Rumors said there were a few casualties on the SNA side during the clashes on March 13,” she told KNG.
After the attacks, the KIA has reportedly taken control of three junta defensive outposts and seized weapons and ammunition. The outposts captured by the KIA were located along the route from Longton to Hepang and near the Manpoke area.
Locals reported that the KIA appears to be planning an offensive on Longton, aiming to take full control of Sanwinkone and Inthar villages near Nammun Town and the surrounding eastern Indawgyi area. Longton also serves as a key logistical hub for junta and SNA bases along the road connecting Nammun with Mamonkaing and Mongnawng villages. The military camps in the village also hold significant strategic value.
“There’s been occasional fighting in the area before, but Longton itself has never been attacked. These strikes by the KIA are probably the first steps in an effort to take over the bases there. Until now, the KIA hasn’t attacked Longton directly. It had only blocked the routes leading to it,” the aforementioned woman added.
Nammun Town, Mamonkaing, and Mongnawng villages in the Indawgyi region were under KIA control until June of last year. However, in July, the KIA was forced to withdraw from Mamonkaing and Mongnawng following a joint offensive by the junta and SNA.
In August, the KIA launched a counteroffensive to retake the two villages and briefly captured them. However, heavy junta airstrikes prevented the KIA from holding them permanently. Since then, the area has become a hotspot for frequent clashes between the two sides.
Currently, the junta, its allied militias, and the SNA have deployed large forces to control the two villages and nearby areas, while the KIA is closely watching for an opportunity to retake Nammun, Mamonkaing, and Mongnawng.
