TNLA signals restart of anti-regime Operation 1027

By Admin 25 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
25 June 2024, Sittwe

Renewed fighting has broken out between Myanmar's military regime and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State, effectively ending a China-brokered ceasefire.

Military tensions had been running high in the area for weeks as the regime was accused of violating the ceasefire and shelling TNLA bases, killing some of the ethnic armed group's troops.

The TNLA said renewed fighting broke out in Kyaukme and Nawnghkio townships in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region's Mogok Township at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, marking a restart of the anti-regime Operation 1027.

The TNLA said the fighting took place in Kyauk Kyan Village in Nawnghkio Township, at Nyein Chan Yay Hill in Kyaukme Township, and Pan Has Pe Village in Mogok Township.

The TNLA and allied MDY-PDF reportedly attacked Light Infantry Battalion No. 115 in Nawnghkio and the regime used jet fighters to repulse the attack.

One political analyst said: "The regime wants to retake northern Shan State. When it lost the Chinese border, it lost its political dignity and trade altogether. So, the regime has attacked the TNLA with drones, jet fighters and artillery [and violating the ceasefire in doing so]. This has resulted in fighting."

The TNLA has accused the regime of continuing to shell and bomb civilian populations in Nawnghkio, Mogok and Momeik townships after China brokered the ceasefire in mid-January.

"We are responsible for protecting the people if the regime continues to conduct bombing raids and artillery strikes thereby violating the ceasefire," TNLA Major-General Tar Phone Kyaw was quoted as saying by the TNLA information department.

The TNLA has warned people in the affected townships to prepare to protect themselves against air raids and artillery shellings.

The TNLA said three of its members were killed, and four other members and four civilians were injured in junta bombing raids and artillery strikes from June 9 to June 24, in violation of the ceasefire agreed in January.