In Burma, ethnic minority fighters announced that they had captured the town of Namhsan

Fighters from ethnic minorities opposing the ruling military junta in Burma announced on Saturday, December 16, that they had taken control of the town of Namhsan in the north of the country, two days after China announced a ceasefire thanks to its mediation.

Fighting has raged near the Sino-Myanmar border since the Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Tang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive against the central military force.

This coalition’s seizure of military sites and border points vital for trade with China, according to analysts, constitutes the biggest military challenge facing the junta since it took power in 2021, through the overthrow of the democratically elected government by Aung San Suu Kyi. .

On Thursday, Beijing announced a ceasefire between the three-group coalition and the Burmese army. The TNLA announced the capture of Namhsan on Friday after launching an attack in the area more than two weeks ago.

Seven towns have been taken from the army since the end of October

“We took the city”The TNLA posted video footage on Facebook showing the group’s leaders visiting the town and speaking to captured junta soldiers, Brigadier General Tar Boon Kyaw told AFP.

Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun told state television MRTV on Friday that fighting was continuing around Namhsan.

According to TNLA Brigadier General Tar Bhun Kyaw, the Myanmar military has also lost an important trade corridor in Meuse (Shan State), on the border with China.

In total, the alliance of three ethnic groups claims to have captured 422 bases and 7 towns from the Burmese army since 27 October. Their attack galvanized other opponents of the military junta, and clashes also occurred in the east and west of the country. More than half a million people were forced to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.