Junta acknowledges MNDAA assault on Lashio

By Admin 10 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
10 July 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime said Tuesday that a significant contingent of soldiers from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and allied forces are attacking Lashio Town in northern Shan State, where the military’s Northeastern Command is based. 

The MNDAA has attacked daily as of July 3, said junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun. 

“MNDAA and allied troops have been attacking Lashio Town and its vicinity with homemade rockets and drones. When they launched the attacks on Chin Shwe Haw and Kokang, they said the combat targeted online gambling and scams. However, they have established Kokang Special Region 1.” 

The MNDAA is not only holding talks with the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) but also expanding its territory beyond Kokang, said Zaw Min Tun. 

Eighteen civilians were killed, 24 others were injured, and a Chinese temple near Lashio Airport was damaged in the MNDAA’s attacks on Lashio, according to the regime. 

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allied troops have been attacking junta positions in Nawnghkio and Kyaukme townships since June 25, said the regime. 

The TNLA and allies have seized more than 40 junta positions in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme and Mogoke townships on the border of Shan State and Mandalay Region.

One military analyst said: “The regime has violated the China-brokered ceasefire by attacking the MNDAA and the TNLA first [with airstrikes and shelling]. It is blaming them for fighting back.” 

Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the renewed fighting in northern Shan State.