[ad_1]
Myanmar’s military leader said the country’s troops had withdrawn from some positions near the Chinese border to prioritize “people’s security,” days after an alliance of ethnic armed groups said it had routed government forces in the region.
Shan State in eastern Myanmar has been in the grip of fighting since late June when the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) renewed its offensive against the Myanmar military along a key trade road to China.
“Taking into account the situation in Shan State, the security forces withdrew from their positions to ensure the security of the current area and the safety of the people,” Min Aung Hlaing said in a speech on state television late Monday.
He added: “The government will continue to work hard to ensure peace and stability — not only in Shan State but across the country.”
Just days ago, Myanmar’s National Democratic Alliance Army announced that it had seized the regional military command after weeks of conflict, dealing a major blow to the military junta.
The group said in a statement on Saturday that coalition fighters had “completely captured the Northeastern Military Command headquarters in Lashio.”
Junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun acknowledged on Monday that the military had lost contact with senior officers at the command level after fierce fighting.
“The last time we had contact with senior officers was at 6.30pm on August 3 and we have lost contact with them until now,” he said in a statement.
“According to reports that are still being verified, it is known that the terrorist insurgents have arrested some senior military officers.”
The recent fighting has left dozens of civilians dead or injured, according to the military junta and local aid groups.
Myanmar’s border regions are home to numerous ethnic armed groups, who have been battling the Myanmar military for autonomy and control of its rich resources since independence from Britain in 1948.
Some provide shelter and training to the newer “People’s Defense Forces,” forces formed to fight the military after it overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in a 2021 coup.
China is a major ally and arms supplier to Myanmar’s military junta, but analysts say it also maintains ties with Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups that control territory in border areas.
Min Aung Hlaing said on Monday that NATO was acquiring weapons, including drones and short-range missiles, from “foreign” sources, but he did not identify them.
“It is necessary to analyze the sources of monetary and technological power,” the military leader said.
[ad_2]
Source link
