Four prominent Mon revolutionary groups—the Mon Liberation Army (MLA), the Mon National Liberation Army—Anti-Dictatorship (MNLA-AD), the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), and the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF)—have all agreed to conduct joint military operations, according to a joint statement released today, December 19th.
The groups met in a revolutionary-controlled area on December 18th, to discuss military collaborations. According to Nai Gongsakar, spokesperson for the NMSP-AD, the groups aim to form a unified Mon army. As an initial step, they have agreed to coordinate their military actions.
“We share the same path to eliminate dictatorship. Our goals and objectives align—we must dismantle the military dictatorship to achieve autonomy and fulfill our aspirations as a people. Unity in our fight will make us stronger. Operating independently is far less effective than working collectively. This agreement is a step toward achieving unity,” said Nai Gongsakar.
The agreement for joint military operations emerged after discussions among the leaders of the four groups that began on December 3rd and concluded on December 18th.
The revolutionary groups plan to adopt coordinated strategies and tactics to combat the military regime. Additionally, they aspire to establish a unified Mon army, said Naing Din Pala Hong Sar, Defense Chief of the Mon State Federal Council’s Administrative Committee.
“We’ve achieved the first stage of unity, and the second stage is approaching. Initial missions are already underway at the township level. For instance, the MSRF and NMSP-AD are collaborating in northern Ye Phyu and other areas. Next, all four Mon groups will jointly launch military offensives. Eventually, we will merge into a single Mon army. Due to current conditions, we’re starting with one or two combined battalions before scaling up,” Naing Din Pala Hong Sar explained.
Following the military coup, at least six Mon revolutionary groups, including the MSRF, MSDF, NMSP-AD, and MLA, have emerged to resist the military council in the Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi regions using diverse strategies.
The Mon public and revolutionary groups believe a unified and strategically coordinated Mon army is essential for achieving significant victories, such as capturing towns and military bases, similar to other resistance forces.
Anticipating intensified battles, the revolutionary groups issued a warning in October urging civilians to avoid military areas, camps, and outposts, and to prepare for potential escalations in warfare.
