6-1-2024 (YANGON) The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a Myanmar rebel coalition, announced on January 5 that it has successfully captured Laukkai, a crucial town along the volatile northern border with China. The town fell into the hands of the alliance after the surrender of the military’s regional headquarters, following weeks of intense clashes with junta forces.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance, consisting of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), has been engaged in a sweeping offensive since October 2023. This coordinated effort poses a significant challenge to Myanmar’s military government, which seized power in a coup in 2021.
The statement released by the alliance declared, “All Kokang (Laukkai) region has become a land with no Myanmar military council anymore.”
Despite repeated attempts, junta spokespersons have not responded to Reuters’ requests for comments on the situation.
The alliance’s offensive has seen increased coordination and planning, with support from the loosely organized People’s Defence Force and backing from Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG).
The conflict between the military and rebel groups in Myanmar’s northern regions has escalated since late October 2023. Neighbouring China, facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties, has urged a ceasefire to address the growing tensions.
Laukkai, the capital of Myanmar’s restive Kokang region, is not only known for its strategic importance but also for its reputation as a gambling hub and a center for online scam operations. China, a key ally of the junta, has expressed frustration over the junta’s inaction in shutting down these scam centers.
At the onset of their October offensive, the Three Brotherhood Alliance emphasized their goal of dismantling the scam centers. In response to rising security concerns, China advised its nationals to evacuate the Laukkai area in late December.
Laukkai, once the headquarters of the MNDAA, has now become a focal point in the ongoing conflict. Analysts note that the surrender of Laukkai marks the first Regional Operation Command to fall, highlighting the strategic significance of the town in the broader military landscape. Myanmar’s military operates over a dozen regional operation commands across the country.
