Four Mon armed groups have announced the formation of the “Ramanya Joint Forces” to coordinate military operations against Myanmar’s junta.
The Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), New Mon State Party (MNLA-AD), and Mon Liberation Army (MLA) declared their alliance in a joint statement released on the evening of January 19.
On January 17, the four Mon revolutionary armed groups—MSRF, MSDF, MNLA-AD, and MLA—convened in a liberated area and officially formed the Ramanya Joint Forces.
According to Nai Marga, deputy spokesperson for the Ramanya Joint Forces, the alliance was established to accelerate the creation of a unified Mon armed force that would include all Mon revolutionary groups.
“This formation was established to create a unified Mon armed force that all Mon revolutionary groups could join in the future. Our first step is military coordination. As a force, we will carry out military operations in these Mon regions,” Nai Marga stated.
Dr. Thiri Mon Chan, spokesperson for the Ramanya Joint Forces, emphasized that future operations will be conducted collectively rather than by individual groups, with the aim of intensifying military actions.
“Members from four battalions will join the Ramanya Joint Forces. While the force is substantial, we cannot disclose specific details due to military secrecy. It will include operational commanders and strategists. Unlike before, we will no longer operate separately; instead, we will act under a unified command. Through this alliance, we will intensify military operations in Mon regions,” said Dr. Thiri Mon Chan.
The MSRF, MSDF, MNLA-AD, and MLA initially agreed to establish a unified Mon armed force during a meeting held on December 19, 2024.
According to a source within the Ramanya Joint Forces, military plans have already been drafted to carry out operations across various Mon regions.