Myanmar Ethnic Minority Fighters Seize Town Along China Trade Highway
Ethnic minority fighters in Myanmar have taken control of the town of Naungcho along a key trade highway to China, dealing another blow to the military. The clashes in Northern Shan state have intensified since late last month, as ethnic armed groups target the highway to China’s Yunnan province.
The capture of Naungcho by the alliance of the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta’ang National Liberation Army has shattered a truce brokered by Beijing earlier this year. General Tar Bhone Kyaw of the TNLA confirmed the town is now under their control.
The fighting has also spread to Lashio, where the military launched air strikes against the TNLA forces. The junta reported civilian casualties in Lashio, prompting residents to flee the area. The borderlands of Myanmar have long been plagued by conflict between ethnic armed groups and the military, with recent tensions fueled by the coup in 2021.