An alliance of Myanmar ethnic armed groups, including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Arakan Army (AA), has accused the junta of repeatedly violating a China-brokered ceasefire in the north of the country this month and causing civilian casualties.
Beijing brokered a truce between the junta and the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” in January after months of fighting that displaced more than half a million people near China’s southern border. The ceasefire allowed the alliance to hold territory in northern Shan state.
Junta troops launched an air strike on TNLA-held territory near Mogok, resulting in one civilian killed and 3 wounded. A drone attack on Tuesday killed one TNLA member and wounded four others.
The junta has violated the ceasefire by shelling TNLA positions, cutting roads, and restricting the flow of goods to TNLA-controlled towns. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun accused the TNLA of being behind disturbances in Shan state.
The “Three Brotherhood Alliance” launched an offensive in October, seizing towns and border hubs vital for trade with China. Border trade with China was down by almost a third in April-May compared to last year.
China hosted peace talks between the military and the alliance, with no substantial progress made. Myanmar’s borderlands host numerous ethnic armed groups, battling the military for autonomy and resources since independence.
Fighting in Shan state has calmed, but the Arakan Army has launched an offensive in Rakhine state for more autonomy. The AA’s actions further pressure the junta as it faces opponents across the country.
