Since the beginning of March the Burma Army has launched 15 offensives, many with jet fighters and helicopter gunships, against the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Kyaukme District, northern Shan State.
The TNLA Information Department said that the Burma Army launched four airstrikes on 6 March, four on 8 March and three on 10 March, all involved the use of fighter jets. Fighting also broke out on other days.
There was also an alleged airstrike on the hill where the TNLA’s command base is located in Kyaukme District.
The TNLA Information Officer Tar Pan Hla said that the Burma Army had sent thousands of troops to reinforce their seven Light Infantry Divisions (LIDs), seven Military Operation Commands (MOCs) and Regional Operations Commands (ROCs) in northern Shan State and that they had subsequently launched offensives against the TNLA.
According to residents in the area of the fighting both sides have suffered many casualties.
On 24 February the Ministry of Defence made an announcement in the Myanmar Alin newspaper. It said that the Burma Army intends to remove armed groups that harm public interests, in accordance with a decision made by the Shan State Hluttaw (parliament) and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (Union Parliament) on 17 February.
Since the 24 February announcement the Burma Army has been launching many offensives with large numbers of troops in northern Shan State.
There has also been daily fighting in Namhkan, Mangtong, Kyaukme, Namhsan, Kutkai, and Muse townships.
The fighting has bought hardship and suffering to thousands of people who live in the areas where fighting has occurred.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
