Myanmar Army Retakes Strategic Town Nawnghkio from TNLA

Bangkok, Jul 17 (AP) Myanmar's military has successfully regained control over Nawnghkio, a strategic gateway town, marking a significant victory in the nation's northeast. This comes almost a year after the town fell under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, during an offensive that started in late 2023. State media reported the recapture Thursday.

The town of Nawnghkio, strategically positioned on a major highway that links central Myanmar to China, and leading to Pyin Oo Lwin, a major military garrison, has been under TNLA control since July of the previous year. It was successfully recaptured by the Myanmar army at noon on Wednesday following a nearly 11-month-long operation.

As per the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper, more than 500 armed engagements, including 20 significant clashes, were part of the effort to reclaim the town. Reportedly, bodies of 171 TNLA members and allies were recovered, and their ammunition supplies captured. The military is now actively working to reestablish administrative operations within the town, clear land mines, and facilitate the safe return of residents who fled due to the conflict.

The newspaper accompanied its report with photographs depicting soldiers in front of key government buildings, hospitals, and markets. The TNLA has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the recapture.

Little opposition has emerged against the military's claims, yet independent confirmation is hindered by reporting restrictions. However, the TNLA announced via Telegram on Wednesday that they had moved their civil administration and service offices to safer locations due to the intensive military offensives.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance, including the TNLA, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Arakan Army, has long fought for increased autonomy from Myanmar's central government. They have loose ties with the People's Defense Force, a pro-democracy resistance formed after the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021.

Since October 2023, these alliance members have captured substantial territories in northeastern Myanmar near the Chinese border and in the western regions, boosting the strategic position and morale of resistance forces. The army's retake of Nawnghkio occurs more than two months after the TNLA rejected demands to withdraw from five towns under its control in talks brokered by China.

Amid concerns over regional stability, China maintains relationships with both Myanmar's military and the Three Brotherhood Alliance, seeing Myanmar as a vital Southeast Asian partner with significant Chinese investments. Nawnghkio's recapture follows the reclaiming of Mobye in southern Shan State, another strategic town under ethnic armed organization control since late 2023.

Myanmar continues to experience turmoil since the 2021 military coup, leading to civil conflict from initially peaceful protests. Nay Phone Latt, opposition's National Unity Government spokesperson, stated the military is trying to reclaim areas ahead of a general election planned for later this year.

This election is widely seen as an effort to legitimize the military's power grab through the ballot, ensuring continued dominance. (AP)

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