Rebels may have seized Myanmar's border gate with China

The MNDAA separatist group appears to have taken control of a border crossing in Myanmar's Shan state, on the border with China.

Myanmar's Kokang news site on November 26 quoted a well-informed source as saying that gunmen from the separatist group Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) had taken control of the Kyin San Kyawt border gate in Muse district, Shan state, in the east of the country.

A Myanmar security source told AFP that the MNDAA had planted its flag in the area to assert control. Local media said the MNDAA, supported by two other separatist groups, the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), had gained ground in the area since launching the offensive on November 24.

Shan State shares borders with China, Laos and Thailand. However, the fighting in recent days has been concentrated in the Kokang autonomous region, near China's Yunnan province.

Weapons and ammunition seized by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) forces from government troops in Kokang on November 24. Photo: MNDAA — Weapons and ammunition seized by Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) forces from government troops in Kokang on November 24. Photo: *MNDAA*

Myanmar military government spokesman Zaw Min Tun on November 24 accused rebel groups of setting fire to a warehouse near the border gate, burning 120 trucks.

Clashes between Myanmar government forces and rebels have recently escalated as these groups launched coordinated attacks on military bases and police stations. Myanmar rebels have taken control of several towns and outposts in the country's northeast.

The United Nations says about two million people in Myanmar have been displaced by the escalating fighting. A UN spokesman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned by the escalation of conflict in Myanmar" and called on all sides to protect civilians.

Myanmar media reported earlier this week that at least 10 people were killed when a rocket hit a vehicle carrying civilians for evacuation in Shan State. Spokesmen for Myanmar’s military government and a rebel group operating in the area both condemned the attack and denied involvement.

The Chinese military on November 25 began military exercises near the Myanmar border, without announcing an end date. The Southern Theater Command said the training activities would focus on border security.

Over the past month, Beijing has also continuously called on all parties involved in the war in Myanmar to exercise restraint, work towards a ceasefire, and ensure border stability.