The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied rebel groups have captured an area rich in gold and precious amber mines in Myanmar's Kachin state. Following a six-day assault, the rebels secured the Tanai city region last Thursday.

The KIA, the military wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), confirmed the capture in a statement, as reported by The Irrawaddy. The offensive began on May 11 when KIA forces and their allies attacked the junta’s Nambiu outpost in Nambiu village, which was manned by approximately 70 soldiers from the 297th and 260th infantry battalions.

KIA spokesperson Colonel Nau Bu confirmed the takeover, noting that this is the fourth military post captured by KIA and allied forces in Tanai city since their significant offensive began on March 7. He emphasized that the Nambiu outpost was critical for controlling the region’s gold and amber mining operations. Despite this victory, the junta still holds four military posts in the area.

The major offensive launched by the KIA on March 7 included coordinated attacks with the Kachin State People’s Defense Force and the Arakan Army (AA) from Rakhine State. These attacks targeted the towns of Sumprabum and Tanai, as well as the road connecting Bhamo to the state capital, Mitkina.

The Nambyu military post, established by the military in 2017 after seizing control from the KIA, is strategically significant due to its rich natural resources. Tanai town in northern Kachin State is also a crucial location for the junta, serving as the headquarters for the Regional Offensive Command-2 and other battalions.

The ongoing conflict highlights the region's strategic and economic importance, with control over lucrative mining areas at stake. The capture of these areas by the KIA and allied groups marks a significant shift in control and poses challenges for the junta’s hold on Kachin State.