Photo: Mizzima
Mizzima
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has successfully seized control of Namtu Town, located in Northern Shan State, at 4:00 am on 28 December.
A reliable source within the TNLA informed Mizzima that during the operation, substantial quantities of weaponry and ammunition were captured, including howitzers and anti-drone military equipment.
Namtu is famous as a world-famous mining town and is near to Lashio. Lashio is strategically significant as it houses the Myanmar junta’s Northeastern Military Command responsible for overseeing operations in Northern Shan State.
The victory in Namtu is part of the ongoing Operation 1027 under the Three Brotherhood Alliance that includes the TNLA.
The attack on the Light Infantry Battalion (324) camp commenced on 25 December, marking the final Military Council stronghold in Namtu. Four days later, on 28 December, TNLA achieved full control of the town, solidifying their successful operation.
A TNLA source said, “As of this morning (28 December), the town is under complete control. We have successfully apprehended junta soldiers, and our current focus is on conducting area clearance operations. Additionally, a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition has been seized.”
According to the same TNLA source, the battle yielded significant gains, including the capture of two howitzers, anti-drone military equipment, jammers, and ammunition from the Light Infantry Battalion (324) camp.
In the course of the conflict, TNLA forces successfully apprehended some Military Council personnel. The TNLA is actively engaged in the search for Military Council forces who managed to escape, and ongoing efforts are dedicated to clearing the area of any remaining threats.
Until approximately 1:00 pm on 28 December, the TNLA had refrained from providing updates to the media on the ongoing situation in Namtu.
Sources reveal that throughout the battles, the Military Council launched a series of assaults on the conflict zone. These included eight attacks using jet fighters, four with Mi-35 helicopters, and an additional eight strikes conducted by Y12 aircraft. The intensity of the engagement is underscored by reports of a total of 78 bombs being dropped during these aerial attacks.
Likewise, the Military Council has not released any official reports regarding the ongoing situation. As of now, specific details regarding the extent of damage incurred during the battle remain unconfirmed.
However, various Telegram channels affiliated with the Military Council are disseminating information indicating that Namtu experienced a “forceful attack”.
In the ongoing Operation 1027, now in its third month, the forces have successfully occupied and taken control of several key towns, including Mantong, Namhkam, Namhsan, and Namtu.
