Government troops launched fresh attacks against Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) troops stationed between Manmauk and Tan-tay village in Manton township in Shan state last Friday despite efforts by the Union level Peace-making Working Committee to court the ethnic armed group into a ceasefire and take part in a nationwide ceasefire scheme.
According to an anonymous TNLA officer, two government soldiers were killed and one injured after the offensives. No TNLA casualties have been reported.
Attacks have also taken place in Namhsan and Mantong townships, but the TNLA were ready, allowing them to launch a successful counter attack.
Several days before Friday’s clash government soldiers attacked TNLA troops at Tar Laet and Kalandang village in Namhsan township with heavy fire for about 40 minutes before they had to retreat. Fighting also took place in Manmauk and Tan-tay villages forcing TNLA troops to abandon their camp.
The TNLA recently rejected signing a ceasefire after government due to the ongoing offensives against them. Attacks on the Kachin Independence Army (KIO) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) forces in Palaung territory have also increased in the last several months.
