Junta chief accuses Northern Alliance of using instability to expand territory

By Admin 06 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
6 August 2024, Sittwe

Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing said the Northern Alliance is using the unrest across Myanmar as an opportunity to expand and occupy territories.

The junta chief said the Arakkha Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) rejected the regime’s offer to hold peace talks in April 2022, and on October 27, 2023, began attacking security camps and the town of Chinshwehaw near the Chinese border in northern Shan State.

“Since 2022, the three groups have been collecting manpower, weapons, and training troops to attack using drones. The Three Brotherhood Alliance worked to wreak havoc on the entire peaceful region,” the junta boss added.

Following the fall of the Northeastern Command in Lashio, which is the third largest military headquarters among the 14 regional commands, regime chief Min Aung Hlaing made a televised speech on August 5.

The military chief accused the Three Brotherhood Alliance — which consists of the TNLA, AA and MNDAA — of destroying roads, bridges, and economic and social facilities that are key to the development of the region during the operation.

“The regime agreed to a ceasefire with the Northern Alliance in January in order to stabilise the border region and restore peace in the border region. However, MNDAA and TNLA gave various reasons and attacked Hsipaw, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Momeik townships in northern Shan State and Mogok Township in Mandalay Region,” he said.

Min Aung Hlaing, who is also Myanmar’s self-appointed acting president and prime minister, alleged that the Northern Alliance also attacked Lashio city, targeted and destroyed towns, hospitals, schools and religious buildings, shot and killed patients and healthcare workers, and arrested some patients, including children, women and family members.

He went on to say that the Northern Alliance is currently attacking security camps in Kyaukme and Nawnghkio townships with massive force.

He urged the public to distinguish between the actions and statements of the Northern Alliance and oppose such actions.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance launched ‘Operation 1027’ in northern Shan State on October 27, 2023, to uproot the military dictatorship. The operation has had a significant impact on the armed groups that are rebelling against the military dictatorship and the entire anti-regime movement, and is putting pressure on the military council, which seized power in a 2021 coup.

The Northern Alliance has captured many junta bases, military camps and townships during the operation and is currently carrying out a second round of Operation 1027.