Territorial disputes are intensifying among ethnic armed groups based in Shan State, namely the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
On June 16th, clashes broke out after SSPP forces entered and occupied a TNLA outpost in Hu Hseng village, Kyaukme township. According to local reports, two TNLA soldiers were killed and three others injured during the incident. SSPP troops remain stationed at the site.
TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo explained, “During our troop rotation, we temporarily lost coordination. SSPP took advantage of that and moved into the outpost. SSPP already has a checkpoint at the entrance to Kyaukme town. The newly occupied checkpoint is also near their position. When our troops returned to the camp, SSPP opened fire, resulting in two deaths and three injuries.”
The outpost previously belonged to the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS). In 2021, TNLA and SSPP seized it in a joint operation.
TNLA said efforts are underway to resolve the dispute as soon as possible.
“In the past our alliances included the SSPP and the RCSS, joining forces to fight alongside us. Since this is an issue between allies, we’ve already sent a letter to the relevant parties to seek a resolution. Although we haven’t received a response, we have instructed our lower-ranking troops not to retaliate with weapons. That said, because this camp belongs to us, we will strive to reclaim it as it originally was,” said Mai Lway Yay Oo.
In a separate development, tensions flared between SSPP and MNDAA after SSPP forces were reportedly ordered to withdraw from Nam Ma village in Hsipaw township. This led to clashes on June 1st, in which eight MNDAA soldiers were allegedly killed, according to an SSPP statement.
However, MNDAA announced on June 19 that both parties had successfully met and held discussions on June 17 to ease tensions.
The Independent Mon News Agency attempted to contact both MNDAA and SSPP officials for further comment but received no response.
These incidents highlight ongoing conflicts amongst armed groups, raising fears among civilians of escalating armed conflict.
The United Wa State Army (UWSA)-led Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) is currently mediating to resolve internal territorial disputes.
The disputed areas—such as Kyaukme and Hsipaw in northern Shan State—are regions controlled by these armed groups following the military coup in Myanmar.
