Mizzima
Two days after a temporary ceasefire agreement between the Myanmar junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance intense clashes erupted in Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State.
The conflict unfolded around 9 am on 13 January near the vicinity of Palaung Nyeinchanyay Hill, situated near Ward No. (9) in Kyaukme.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance forces made an announcement at approximately 1:00 pm on 13 January, stating that the Military Council had openly disregarded the agreement that was signed on 11 January in Kunming, Yunnan in China.
According to a local source, the hostilities began when soldiers from the Military Council’s Battalions (501) and (502) based in Kyaukme launched an offensive on Palaung Nyeinchanyay Hill. This hill is also where the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and People’s Defense Forces (PDF) are stationed. The area has historical significance as it was previously occupied by the Military Council.
The skirmishes persisted for at least two hours, as reported by local residents.
“PDFs are present in that area too. The junta initiated artillery shelling, and one projectile landed dangerously close to our ward. I was hesitant to leave the trench due to the fear induced by the widespread shelling,” said a resident from Ward No. (9).
According to residents, people living in close proximity to Palaung Nyeinchanyay Hill in Kyaukme have reportedly fled due to the ongoing conflict. However, there are others who have chosen to remain and continue residing in the town.
Through the mediation of China, a ceasefire agreement was reached for the territories of the three northern allies during a meeting conducted in Kunming on 10 and 11 January.
Following the discussions, the Three Brotherhood Alliance agreed to a ceasefire, and in response, the Military cCuncil agreed to refrain from further hostilities. Additionally, it was agreed that the Military Council would abstain from employing their air force or artillery shelling.
Despite the Military Council’s call for a ceasefire, the Three Brotherhood Alliance revealed on 12 January that the Military Council conducted airstrikes on territories held and controlled by the TNLA in northern Shan State.
As outlined in the agreement, ground contact battles were not envisaged. However, on 12 January at noon, the junta conducted five airstrikes on Kwalhal village in Namhsan township, which was under the occupation of the TNLA, resulting in the destruction of a tea leaf factory. Additionally, on the same day around 4:30 pm, due to the junta’s airstrikes on Manli village in Namtu township, a school and three houses were reported to have been destroyed, the alliance reported.
Namhsan and Namtu townships are under the occupation and control of the TNLA.
Additionally, the junta conducted artillery shelling in Kyaukme, Mogok, and Hsipaw towns on 12 January.
In Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army (AA) operates, the junta initiated aerial attacks on Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Ann, and Kandaing townships on 12 January. The AA asserted that several houses were damaged, and there were reported civilian casualties resulting from the combined artillery and aerial assault.
