Fighting eases in northern Shan State as TNLA broaches talks with Myanmar regime

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has reported a decrease in fighting in northern Shan State's Nawnghkio Township following its announcement that it is open to negotiations with Myanmar's military junta. In a statement released on Monday, the group expressed its willingness to negotiate a ceasefire to reduce military tensions in the region. “We haven’t heard any news about fighting for the past two days," said a TNLA spokesperson who spoke to Myanmar Now on Tuesday. The TNLA explained that its decision to pursue negotiations stemmed from concerns over the impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians, as well as pressure from the Chinese government to stabilise the situation along its border with Myanmar. “The primary aim is to alleviate the suffering of civilians. On the other hand, there is also pressure from China, and since it considers talks important, we are prioritising this as well,” the spokesperson said. The group confirmed that preparations for negotiations are underway, but added that no response has been received from the military regime. The TNLA is part of the tripartite Brotherhood Alliance, along with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA). In October of last year, the alliance launched its Operation 1027 offensive, inflicting heavy losses on the regime’s overstretched forces, which have been fighting an array of armed groups since the military seized power in February 2021. In the first phase of the conflict, the TNLA seized seven towns in northern Shan State—Namhsan, Namkham, Mangton, Namtu, Kutkai, Monglon, and Mongngawt—before entering into a Chinese-brokered ceasefire in January. After fighting resumed on June 25, it captured several other towns, including Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Mongmit, and Hsipaw in northern Shan State, as well as the ruby-mining town of Mogok in Mandalay Region. Earlier this month, junta chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing made his first visit to China since the coup. Soon after, the regime intensified its aerial assaults on towns held by the TNLA, resulting in heavy civilian casualties. The apply further pressure on the TNLA and the ethnic Kokang MNDAA, which has also seized a wide swathe of territory in northern Shan State, China has stopped the flow of goods through border crossings under their control. Meanwhile, intense fighting has continued in Rakhine State, where the AA is relatively free to pursue its own political and military objectives without interference from China. “The TNLA and MNDAA must comply with Chinese pressure, but the AA is not in the same position,” said a source close to the group. Over the past year, the AA has captured 10 of Rakhine State’s 17 townships and is continuing to launch attacks on junta bases in Ann, Gwa, and Maungdaw townships. Its stated aim is to force Myanmar’s military out of the state entirely.

Fighting eases in northern Shan State as TNLA broaches talks with Myanmar regime

While no new clashes have been reported in recent days, the group says it has yet to receive a response to its call for talks

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