Resistance momentum building, report and observers note

By Admin 26 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
26 December 2024, Mrauk-U

With resistance forces across Myanmar ramping up offensive operations, the regime has lost control of 89 towns, according to a recent report by Burma News International (BNI).

In Kachin, they hold 13 towns; six towns in Kayah (Karenni) and southern Shan states; four towns in Kayin (Karen) State and eastern Bago Region; 15 towns in Chin State; five towns in Sagaing Region; four towns in Mandalay Region; 18 towns in Arakan State; and 24 in northern Shan State.

According to the report, 29% of the towns seized are township level, 51% are town level, 10% are district level, and 2% are sub-township level.

BNI’s analysis suggests that the resistance forces are maintaining their momentum and could launch more coordinated offensives across various states and regions.

“The current situation, with mutual recognition and celebration of military successes, indicates the potential for more coordinated operations that could exert significant pressure on the junta. The future looks promising for the resistance forces’ military operations and offensives,” said the head of BNI – Myanmar Peace Monitor.

December saw important military victories against the regime, especially in Arakan and Chin states, with the AA capturing Ann Township along with the Myanmar military’s Western Command headquarters and the whole of Taungup and Maungdaw townships in Arakan State, and the Chin Brotherhood capturing Mindat and Kanpetlet towns in Chin State.

Resistance forces’ military activities across the country include capturing both towns and junta bases, creating multifaceted pressure on the junta, the BNI report notes.

A ceasefire declared by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan due to Chinese pressure was initially thought to negatively impact the anti-regime movement, but the opposite is happening, some say.

“Groups like the Bamar People’s Liberation Army, which participated in Operation 1027 have moved [to central Myanmar],” said one observer. “China’s pressure did affect revolutionary groups [based near the Chinese border]. However, on the other hand, it has made resistance groups spread out over wider areas and launch coordinated offensives against the junta. I would say China’s pressure has unexpectedly given the Spring Revolution a significant push.”

The Myanmar military has suffered unprecedented military defeats this year, losing two regional commands in the span of a few months. Its ranks have been severely depleted by desertions, a recruitment crisis and almost daily clashes with resistance groups over the past three years.