Rebels continue to capture Myanmar border town

Clashes have erupted across Myanmar's northern Shan state since the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive in late October.

Members of the Myanmar National Democratic League Army stand in front of Kunlong Bridge in Kunlong township in Shan State, Myanmar on November 12, 2023. Photo: AP

Three allied groups - known as the Three Brothers Alliance - say they have captured several key military bases and border towns in Myanmar, posing what analysts say is the biggest military challenge to Myanmar's military junta since it took power in 2021.

On Thursday, China announced it had brokered a temporary ceasefire between the rebel group and the Myanmar military. There have been periods of peace in MNDAA-held areas, but clashes continue in TNLA and AA-controlled areas.

The TNLA said it captured Namhsan on Friday after launching an attack on the area more than two weeks ago. The TNLA posted video on Facebook showing group leaders visiting the town and talking to captured Myanmar army soldiers.

Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the Myanmar military, told state television MRTV on Friday that fighting continued around Namhsan.

According to TNLA commander Tar Bhone Kyaw, the Myanmar military also lost the 105-Mile Trade Zone, a major trade route on the border with China in Muse town, Shan State.

In total, the three-group alliance said it had seized 422 bases and seven towns from the Myanmar military since October 27.

The group's attacks have emboldened other rebel groups, and clashes have spread to eastern and western Myanmar. According to the United Nations, more than half a million people in Myanmar have been forced to flee their homes since the uprising began.

Mai Anh (according to AP, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/quan-noi-day-tiep-tuc-danh-chiem-thi-tran-o-bien-gioi-myanmar-post276932.html