Joint resistance forces in Mon State have announced plans to escalate operations in 2024. Their strategic objective is to capture towns and the important military bases.
According to Naing Naga, spokesperson for MSRF, there is a potential for armed resistance operations in Mon State to increase significantly in 2024, possibly doubling or even tripling compared to previous years.
Various local resistance forces, including the Mon State Revolution Force (MSRF), Dor Na Military Column of the National Unity Government (NUG), Ye Guerrilla Force (YGF), 1st Battalion of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF), Mon State Revolution Organization (MSRO), and Ye Air Force (YAF), have pledged their commitment to overthrow the military dictatorship, and work towards the establishment of a democratic federal union in the future.
The MSRF spokesperson further emphasized that the resistance factions in Mon State are enthusiastic about collaborating with allied revolutionary forces and execute coordinated attacks to capture towns. "We plan to expand our resistance alliance forces and intensify operations. If the revolution forces can cooperate and carry out timely offensives, it is certain that we will be able to capture enemy bases and towns in Mon State”, he told IMNA.
"While we intended to accelerate operations from 2023, challenges and weaknesses have hindered our progress. In 2024, with the assistance of allies and the backing of the people, we anticipate a much greater expansion of operations compared to the previous year”, Naing Naga added.
On December 31st, resistance forces launched an operation welcoming the new year, utilizing drones and mortars to attack the Military Council's 591st and 583rd Light Infantry Battalions in Ye Township.
On December 11th, Naing Kaung Ywut, the Deputy Defense Minister of NUG, visited and engaged in discussions with the joint resistance forces in Mon State. During the discussions, the requirements of the local resistance forces were conveyed to NUG, and mutual agreement was reached to collaborate in the fight.
Ko Di Kar, the spokesperson for MSRO, said that upcoming operations in Mon State will incorporate activities affiliated with NUG. "Now the resistance forces in Mon State are undergoing training and executing operations in collaboration with columns under NUG's Ministry of Defence. Consequently, the operational efficiency is poised to be strengthened in the future, and NUG may become more deeply engaged in regional operations”, he remarked.
The resistance forces have cautioned civilians to stay far away from the Junta’s bases and outposts, emphasizing the heightened risk of potential conflicts at any time, as operations in Mon State gain momentum.
Furthermore, considering the potential for a violent retaliation from the Military Council including the risk of airstrikes, the resistance forces are advising the local population to pro-actively plan for potential displacement, establish bomb pits for those not easily moved, and acquaint themselves with the recommendations and guidelines provided by the Mon State Federal Council to mitigate the harms of airstrikes.
