Myanmar military withdraws from key city on Chinese border after ethnic alliance takes control
Myanmar's military government has officially acknowledged the withdrawal of its forces from a key city on the northeastern border with China, on January 6. The city, Laukkaing, fell to an alliance of ethnic armed groups after months of conflict, marking a significant defeat for the military government. The fall of Laukkaing, the capital of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone, is part of a series of setbacks for the military since the ethnic alliance initiated an offensive on October 27, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The alliance, known as the ‘Three Brotherhood Alliance’, consists of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army. The MNDAA represents the Kokang minority, who are ethnic Chinese, the report added. Also Read | '...We are ahead of China': Anand Mahindra on nations with largest road networks, says ‘ Nitin Gadkari can..' Myanmar government spokesperson Maj.
Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that the military and local commanders relinquished control of Laukkaing, considering various aspects, including the safety of soldiers' family members. The spokesperson highlighted the military's consideration of Myanmar's relationship with China, which is just across the border from Laukkaing.
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