Myanmar’s junta has lost communication with senior officers at a major military base near the Chinese border, admitting a significant battlefield defeat. This comes after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claimed control of the regional army headquarters in Lashio. The MNDAA, which announced the takeover on July 25, posted photographs of its troops at the military stronghold. Despite their claim, fighting continues as the group seeks full control.

Junta troops have been unable to contact an undisclosed number of officers at the besieged northeastern regional command, according to military spokesman Zaw Min Tun. “It has been found that senior officials were arrested,” he said in an audio message posted on Telegram, adding that the junta is working to verify the situation.

Myanmar’s ruling generals are facing unprecedented pressure three years after ousting a civilian government in a coup. The armed rebellion against military rule is gaining ground amid a faltering economy. The resistance movement began after a violent crackdown on protests following the February 2021 coup, with young protesters joining forces with ethnic rebel groups to fight the military.

The MNDAA declared a complete victory after destroying the remaining enemy troops and fully conquering the northeastern military headquarters. “MNDAA has gained complete victory after destroying remaining enemy troops and fully conquered the northeastern military headquarters,” the group said in a statement on social media, accompanied by photographs of its troops.

This loss marks a significant defeat for the junta, which previously suffered losses in the northern Shan state near the Chinese border. Last year’s rebel offensive, Operation 1027, ended with a fragile ceasefire brokered by Beijing, but fighting resumed in June.

China has urged dialogue and an end to hostilities. “The rapid fall of the Myanmar army’s Northeastern Command makes it fully clear to the ranks of the resistance and the neighbouring countries just how weak the Myanmar military has become,” said Jason Tower at the United States Institute of Peace. For junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, “the implications are existential.”

Three other anti-junta ethnic armies along the Thai and Indian borders have pledged continued resistance, congratulating the MNDAA and their allies for the Lashio offensive. “We will also continue to fight as allies until the military falls,” said the statement from the Kachin, Karen, and Chin groups.

Image source: Reuters