MNDAA soldiers
Mizzima
A source with close ties to the MNDAA has disclosed that soldiers from the Myanmar junta, based at the last battalion under the Regional Operation Command in Laukkai Township, Northern Shan State, surrendered to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on the evening of 3 January.
According to local sources in Laukkai, the junta soldiers who surrendered are not expected to be held by the MNDAA and will be returned to the Military Council. The specific location for their return remains unknown.
Prominent figures among those who surrendered include high-ranking officers such as the division commander, lieutenant colonel, and regional operation commander.
“A number of junta soldiers are on the run. I believe they surrendered due to shortages in supplies and injuries among their ranks,” said a source close to the MNDAA.
On a Chinese social networking site, video files related to the surrender of the Regional Operation Command in Laukkai have gone viral. The footage depicts Military Council soldiers surrendering, with scenes showing them and their family members being loaded into MNDAA vehicles and driven away.
Local reports indicate that in the final week of December 2023, there was an offensive against the Regional Operation Command in Laukkai Township, with intense battles persisting until 3 January, 2024.
Mizzima is seeking to verify details with both the junta and MNDAA spokesmen.
The Regional Operation Command (Laukkai) encompasses seven battalions, consisting of seven Light Infantry Battalions and Infantry Battalions numbered 125, 129, 127, 128, 239, 312, and 322.
In November 2023, Battalion No. 125 and No. 129 willingly surrendered to the MNDAA. Battalion No. 127 and No. 312 were reportedly captured during the Kunlong battle. MNDAA also gained control of Battalion No. 128. In the current week, MNDAA successfully captured Battalion No. 322 and the remaining militia camps in Laukkai.
Mizzima has been unable to confirm information regarding Battalion No. 239 at this time.
Laukkai is identified as the primary military objective in the Kokang self-administered region, as per statements from the MNDAA. Sources suggest that negotiations between the Military Council and the MNDAA have taken place concerning the Regional Operation Command (Laukkai).
The MNDAA, along with its alliances, under Operation 1027, has successfully captured various areas in the Kokang self-administered region, including Chin Shwe Haw, Kunlong, Konkyan, Monekoe, Hpawnghseng, Pang Hseng, and Laukkai.
Additionally, the TNLA and its alliances have gained control of Namhkam, Namhsan, Namtu, Monglon, Mantong, and Minengaw.
In the townships of Kutkai, Muse, Lashio, Kyaukme, and Moemaik, the three northern alliances are actively engaging the military council army with force.
