A rebel group in Myanmar has reportedly taken control of a major military headquarters in Lashio, near the Chinese border, dealing a blow to the country’s military junta.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claimed in a statement on Facebook that they had seized the Northeastern Regional Command headquarters after 23 days of fighting, declaring it a historic victory.
The group also asserted their control over the city of Lashio and urged the public to remain calm and follow their administration.
Reports suggest that the situation in Lashio is still unfolding, with conflicting accounts about the extent of the MNDAA’s control over the city.
This development follows the MNDAA’s ally, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), taking control of Mogok, a ruby-mining town in the region.
The MNDAA and TNLA are part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which has been carrying out attacks on junta forces across Shan State and Mandalay Region.
If confirmed, the fall of the Northeastern Regional Command would be a significant defeat for the Myanmar military and could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing civil war in the country.
With uncertainties remaining, the capture of Lashio presents various challenges for the MNDAA, including potential tensions with the city’s population and other ethnic armed groups in the region.
The situation in Lashio underscores the complex ethnic dynamics at play in Shan State and the broader conflict in Myanmar.