
The Myanmar military has blocked routes into northern Shan State from Mandalay Region over the past week while fighting to contain Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and resistance forces near the regional border.
Osmond, a spokesperson for the Mandalay Region People's Defence Forces (MDY-PDF) confirmed that fighting has resumed in villages between Nawnghkio, northern Shan State and Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region.
The TNLA, an ethnic armed group that has participated in coordinated offensives against the Myanmar military along with its allies since last year, has captured and held de facto control of several towns in northern Shan State including Nawnghkio.
A source associated with the TNLA confirmed the recent escalation of clashes in the area, adding that the junta’s ground offensive had recently extended past the Nawnghkio Township villages of Ohn Ma Thee and Ong Ma Hkar.
“The epicentre of the fighting is. . .