Myanmar’s military is gearing up for counterattacks as it faces significant territorial losses in northern Shan state, where ethnic minority armed groups and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) have taken control of key areas. These losses, including a regional military command post and lucrative border trade crossings, have sparked public criticism, even from within the junta’s own supporters.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, speaking in the Shan state capital of Taunggyi, warned civilians in these recently captured areas to brace themselves for military action. “We will launch counterattacks,” he declared, as reported by The Global New Light of Myanmar on Wednesday. He accused the opposition forces of using "administrative buildings and innocent civilians as human shields," further urging residents to stay alert and avoid exploitation.
The junta’s territory losses near the Chinese border have intensified, particularly after alliances of ethnic minority groups—namely the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)—teamed up with the PDF to resist the regime. As fighting continues, these groups were officially declared "terrorist" organizations by the junta this week, a move that allows the military to take legal action against anyone found supporting or contacting these factions.
The threat isn’t limited to Shan state. The fighting is inching dangerously close to Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, which houses around 1.5 million people. On Tuesday, a rocket attack on Mandalay wounded one person and damaged buildings, according to local media reports. This rare strike on an urban area has shaken the military’s confidence.
Public frustration is starting to show. In an unusual opinion piece in The Global New Light of Myanmar, concerns were raised about the fall of Lashio, a Shan town of 150,000 people, which was captured by the armed groups last month. "Who would have thought that Lashio would fall?" the piece questioned. It went on to ask, "Who can guarantee that Mandalay will not be next? Once the artillery shells start raining down, it will be too late to leave in an orderly manner."
 

BOB Post