The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is the military arm of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO); a political group composed of ethnic Kachins in northern Burma (Myanmar). In May 2012; the Associated Press reported that the rebel group had 8;000 troops.

From 1961 until 1994; the KIA fought a grueling and inconclusive war against the Burmese junta. Originally the KIA fought for independence; but now the official KIO policy goal is for autonomy within a federal union of Burma.

The Kachin are an ethnic minority group that is indigenous to Burma. The northernmost region of Myanmar is Kachin State where about 3 million Kachin people live. They are mostly Christian these days; and are renowned for their traditional herbal medicines. Pictures From History Hseng Noung Lintner