The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) is facing pressure to withdraw from towns it has captured and currently controls in northern Shan State.
On May 12 and 13, representatives of the military junta and the TNLA met in Kunming, China, under Chinese mediation. During the talks, the military demanded that the TNLA withdraw from the towns of Namkham, Namtu, Mong Long, and Mong Ngaw, which remain under TNLA control.
Political figures from northern Shan State said the TNLA is not only facing pressure from China but also from other ethnic armed organizations operating in the region.
One northern Shan politician said: “Now they have to withdraw. Militarily speaking, the TNLA does not have the large-scale resources to sustain such operations. They fought with the mindset that if they could seize territory, they would claim it as their own. The military was unable to withstand the offensives and had to retreat. During the fighting, the TNLA expanded its operations and launched major offensives, including in Nawnghkio, forcing the military to pull back after suffering defeats. But now the counterattacks are limited. China’s pressure is also involved. In addition, they owe significant debts to groups like the ‘Wa.’
During Operation 1027, the TNLA captured several towns in northern Shan State, including Namkham, Mantong, Namhsan, Namtu, Kutkai, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Mogok, Nawnghkio, Mong Long, and Mong Ngaw.
Due to pressure from China, the TNLA was forced to relinquish control of Mogok, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, and Hsipaw to the military junta. In addition, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), also known as the Kokang Army, reportedly retook Kutkai from the TNLA.
Mai Karng Hao from the Ta’ang Civil Society Network (TCSN) said the TNLA is currently facing three crises simultaneously.
“At the same time, I believe the TNLA is dealing with three major crises simultaneously. First, there is pressure from China. Second, there are military pressures. Third, there are tensions and problems among allied groups. The TNLA is facing all three pressures at once.”
After retaking Kutkai from the TNLA, the China-aligned MNDAA, which had previously controlled only the Chinshwehaw–Theinni–Lashio road, expanded its control in March to include the Muse–Kutkai–Theinni route.
