7-8-2024 (YANGON) In a surprising turn of events, Myanmar’s military junta has acknowledged a tactical withdrawal from key strongholds in the eastern Shan State, citing concerns for civilian safety. This admission comes in the wake of claims by ethnic armed groups of significant victories against government forces near the Chinese border.
General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military junta, addressed the nation in a rare public statement, saying, “Regarding the situation in Shan State, considering the safety of the local area and people, government troops have withdrawn from their strongholds.” He further pledged that “the government will continue to work hard to ensure peace and stability in Shan State and the country as a whole.”
The conflict in Shan State has intensified since late June when the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) launched a renewed offensive against government forces along a crucial trade route to China. The MNDAA, a powerful ethnic armed group, claimed a significant victory on Saturday, stating that its fighters had completely captured the headquarters of the Northeastern Military Command in Lashio.
This claim was indirectly corroborated by military government spokesman Sao Min Thong, who admitted on Monday that the military had lost contact with senior officers of the Northeast Command. “The last contact with these senior officers was at 6:30 pm on 3 August, and we have lost contact since then,” he stated. The spokesman also added, “According to reports that are yet to be confirmed, the insurgent terrorists are said to have captured some high-ranking military officers.”
The loss of the regional military headquarters, if confirmed, would represent a major blow to the junta’s control over the strategically important Shan State. This area, bordering China, has long been a hotbed of ethnic conflict and a key route for trade and illicit activities.
Analysts suggest that this admission of withdrawal by the junta could signal a significant shift in the balance of power in Myanmar’s complex ethnic conflict landscape. Dr. Aung Win, a Myanmar specialist at the Southeast Asian Studies Institute, commented, “This is an unprecedented acknowledgment of weakness from the junta. It could potentially embolden other ethnic armed groups across the country.”
