Myanmar’s junta has lost communications with senior officers at a major military base near the Chinese border, signaling a rare admission of battlefield failure after rebels took control of the regional army headquarters in Lashio. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) rebel group claimed victory at the base, posting photographs of their troops on social media. The junta has been unable to contact the besieged officers at the regional command, with some senior officials reportedly arrested. This defeat marks a significant setback for the ruling generals, who are already facing an armed rebellion against military rule and economic challenges.
The resistance movement in Myanmar was triggered by a violent crackdown on protests following the 2021 coup, leading to an alliance between young protesters and established ethnic rebel groups. This latest defeat in Lashio is the first of 14 regional military commands to fall to rebels, highlighting the weakening position of the junta. China, which intervened to help forge a fragile ceasefire after previous losses near the Chinese border, has urged dialogue and an end to hostilities.
Analysts suggest that the fall of Lashio could have existential implications for junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, as it demonstrates the weakening state of the Myanmar military. Three other anti-junta ethnic armies have congratulated the MNDAA and its allies for their successful offensive in Lashio, pledging to continue fighting until the military falls. The situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with armed conflicts continuing to escalate as rebel groups challenge the military’s stronghold.
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