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Myanmar: 30,000 People Displaced after new offensive by armed groups

News Update
Myanmar: 30,000 People Displaced after new offensive by armed groups
Source:
The Guardian
11/7/2023
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Myanmar’s military is facing its biggest military challenge since it seized power in a coup more than two years ago, after an alliance of opponents cut off key trading routes and seized towns and dozens of outposts near the Chinese border. The offensive in northern Shan state, which was launched by an alliance of ethnic armed groups in coordination with newer anti-coup groups, is a significant blow for the military, analysts say, and could be exploited by the wider pro-democracy resistance movement. Their offensive has been met with airstrikes by the military, according to reports, with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing vowing to counter their advances. It remains to be seen if the groups can retain the territory taken. On Monday, the UN warned the heavy fighting had caused civilian casualties and displaced more than 30,000 people. Tar Parn La, a spokesperson and deputy general of Ta’ang National Liberation Army, one of three groups forming the Brotherhood Alliance, which led the operation, told the Guardian it had taken more than 100 military outposts. It is not possible to verify this claim. The military conceded last week that it had lost several towns, including the strategic town Chinshwehaw, which borders China’s Yunnan province. Between April and September this year, more than a quarter of Myanmar’s $1.8bn worth of border trade with China passed through the town. The escalation in fighting has underlined Myanmar’s strained relations with Beijing, one of its few remaining allies. China has called for stability on the border and has for months been signalling its desire for Myanmar to crack down on criminal scam operations targeting its nationals, which are booming in the area. Analysts say the military has failed to take action, but the Brotherhood Alliance has now promised to do so.

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