Mizzima
The National Unity Government (NUG) has issued an overview of military operations in Myanmar in the fourth week of January.
Below is the NUG overview.
In the fourth week of January 2024, significant developments occurred in Myanmar.
The Karen State’s Border Guard Force (13) declared independence, refusing to follow the Myanmar Military’s orders.
Pauktaw in Rakhine came under the control of the Arakan Army, and Hsihseng town in Shan State was captured by the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) and its allies.
Additionally, Namhpakka on the Chinese border trade route was occupied by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The ongoing trend indicates that the Myanmar Military is losing of control over cities and key areas, with reports of forces deserting.
Meanwhile, Colonel Saw Chit Thu, leader of the Karen Border Guard Battalion 13, stated they won’t accept the army’s support to avoid internal conflict between Kayin forces. Reports suggest the Border Guard Force, numbering in the thousands, aims for independence, accelerating the revolution in Kayin
In Rakhine, fighting intensified in Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, and Yathedaung townships. On 25 January, the PNLA and allies captured Hsihseng town a communication hub in the Shan Mountains.
Despite being a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), the PNLA resumed attacks on the Myanmar Military, increasing resistance in the Shan region.
The Kachin Independence Army took control of Namhpakka, near Muse, the Chinese trade gate in northern Shan, capturing the LIB-123 base battalion base and confiscating a significant amount of weaponry.
A notable incident occurred in Manweinggyi Village, Kachin State, where 57 individuals, including officers and militiamen, fled to China on 22 January.
They were handed over to the terrorist Myanmar Military by China. India is also handing junta military soldiers who fled into India back to the Myanmar military, along with their weapon.
