Ta’ang fighters clash with former ally SSPP in northern Shan State

Despite their historical alliance, fighting broke out on Monday in Mongmit Township, northern Shan State between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the armed wing of the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), according to statements from both groups. According to a TNLA press release, the SSPP’s armed wing—the Shan State Army - North (SSPP/SSA)—attacked TNLA fighters patrolling the Moe Hauk village tract, some 14 miles west of Mongmit, at around 10am on Monday. There were more attacks later that day, according to a local Ta’ang man familiar with the state of battle, who said that SSPP/SSA forces used heavy artillery to fire on TNLA positions that afternoon. The SSPP released their own statement about the fighting on June 23, claiming they were forced to fire on the Ta’ang fighters in response to an unanticipated TNLA advance on their bases. A combined force of around 200 fighters from TNLA brigades 2, 3, and 9 began moving from the TNLA-held towns of Mogok and Monglon into Mongmit Township on June 19, the SSPP statement said, before three TNLA columns started to advance on an SSPP/SSA camp south of Moe Hauk village around 10:30am on Monday. Following the exchange of fire between the two armed groups on Monday, the TNLA sent two of its members to negotiate with the SSPP near Mongmit Township’s Man Hpwei village in the evening, according to TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo. However, the two TNLA fighters were arrested by the SSPP, he added. “When the two TNLA fighters went to meet and discuss, the SSPP confiscated their weapons and detained them. After that, they also went and detained our five soldiers who were stationed in Man Hpwei,” said Lway Yay Oo. In response to a letter from the TNLA demanding their release, the SSPP freed the two detained fighters on Tuesday morning. After multiple attempts, Myanmar Now has not yet been able to reach the SSPP/SSA’s spokesperson for comment on the clash. The TNLA has previously fought alongside the SSPP/SSA in attacks on the rival armed group Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), also known as the Shan State Army - South. However, disputes have emerged between the two former allies since the end of the major anti-junta offensive campaign Operation 1027, in which the TNLA was a leading participant. TNLA and SSPP/SSA fighters also clashed near Huson Mountain in northern Shan State’s Kyaukme Township on June 15, resulting in the deaths of three TNLA fighters, according to the TNLA. Attacks and harassment by the SSPP/SSA against the TNLA could hinder the revolution against the military dictatorship in Myanmar, Lway Yay Oo said, so the TNLA will do what is necessary to open negotiations with the SSPP.

Ta’ang fighters clash with former ally SSPP in northern Shan State

Since the end of the Operation 1027 offensive, disputes have emerged between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and other groups operating in and near areas under its control, including the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP)

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