Burma Independence Army

The Burma Independence Army (BIA) was formed in December 1941 by Aung San, with the promise of independence for Burma from the Japanese government. When Japanese troops invaded Burma, the BIA assisted them in occupying the country by the end of 1942. Subsequently, the Japanese disbanded the BIA and established a smaller Burma Defense Army, with Aung San remaining in command.12

Later in the war, Aung San contacted the Allied commander in Southeast Asia, Lord Louis Mountbatten, to offer cooperation. In March 1945, Aung San and his forces, then known as the Burma National Army (BNA), joined the British side. Following the war, Aung San led the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL), which advocated for Burma's independence. Despite initial British attempts to try Aung San for treason, negotiations led to an agreement for Burma's independence in January 1947. Tragically, Aung San and his cabinet were assassinated in July 1947, but Burma ultimately became a sovereign republic on January 4, 1948.12