In a significant development, the Brotherhood Alliance, consisting of the Arakan Army (AA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), declared that it has successfully gained full control over two additional towns in northern Shan State. The strategic move occurred at midnight on Sunday following the takeover of a major junta outpost in Kutkai Township and the 16th Military Operations Command in Hseni.

The alliance, which had already occupied Hseni in November, faced resistance from the military command. However, the recent seizure of Kutkai and Hseni marks the group's control over a total of 16 towns in northern Shan State since launching Operation 1027 on October 27.

Kutkai and Hseni are situated on a vital trade route with China and have direct connections to Lashio, a core junta command center in northern Shan. The Brotherhood Alliance's success in capturing these junta bases follows the MNDAA's declaration on January 5, designating Shan State’s Kokang region, bordering China, as a “regime-free zone.”

The 16th Military Operations Command in Hseni was seized by the MNDAA around 10 am on Sunday, while the TNLA captured the Kutkai strategic outpost at approximately 11 pm.

A spokesperson for the TNLA stated, “Both towns are now under our full control. The MNDAA has taken over in Hseni, while we are controlling Kutkai. We don’t have detailed information on those [junta troops] who surrendered.”

It's worth noting that the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is also active in Kutkai Township, and at least eight junta-allied militias have been operating in the same area.

Reports suggest that junta troops surrendered to the TNLA in Kutkai, with witnesses stating that they left the town under a white flag and were ordered to reach Lashio by morning. The TNLA has not confirmed whether the surrendering troops were detained or allowed to retreat to the junta’s Northeastern Command in Lashio.

The Brotherhood Alliance affirmed its commitment to continue fighting against junta military targets where its troops have not surrendered to the resistance. Although the TNLA has taken control of Kutkai town, clashes persisted in the surrounding township on Monday. Fierce fighting was also reported in Nawnghkio, Mongmit, and Kyaukme townships.

As the junta's military strength appears to be weakening on all fronts, the Brotherhood Alliance, in a statement released on Monday, asserted, "Junta forces are being depleted both in terms of combatants and weapons." Operation 1027, bolstered by coordinated action from various resistance groups, including the People’s Defense Force under the civilian National Unity Government, has now seized a total of 14 towns in Kachin, Kayah, and Chin states and Sagaing Region. The overall count of towns seized by the resistance over the past two months stands at 30.

BOB Post