On Saturday, ethnic minority groups fighting against Myanmar’s military junta announced that they had taken control of a significant trading center in Shan state. This news came just a few days after China declared it had facilitated a temporary ceasefire.

Military battleground: Shan state

The northern part of Shan state has been a battleground since late October when the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) initiated a combined offensive. These three groups, collectively known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, claim to have seized military bases and crucial border trading points with China. Analysts believe this is the most significant military challenge to the junta since it took power in 2021.

Current situation

Despite Beijing’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire between the alliance and the Myanmar military, peace has been sporadic. While MNDAA-controlled areas have seen periods of calm, conflicts persist in regions under the control of the TNLA and the AA.

The TNLA reported that they had captured Namhsan( the capital of Tawngpeng District in northern Shan State of Myanmar) on Friday, following an attack launched more than two weeks ago. Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s army, confirmed on state-run TV channel MRTV that the fighting around Namhsan was ongoing.

In total, the three-group alliance says they have seized 422 bases and seven towns from Myanmar’s army since October 27.

Three Brotherhood Alliance Against Military:

The Three Brotherhood Alliance who is behind the recent seizure of town, is the critical force behind the fighting force against Junta since the coup in Feb 2021. Formed in the year 2019, the “Three Brotherhood” implies the amalgamation of these major rebellion groups:

• AA

The Arakan Army (AA) is a group that stands for the Arakanese people, mainly in Rakhine State. Established in 2009, it’s part of the United League of Arakan (ULA) and aims to regain the Arakan people’s sovereignty.

• MNDAA

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) represents the Kokang people in northern Myanmar. It’s been around since 1989 and was the first to sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government. The MNDAA is known for its stand against the drug trade.

• TNLA

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) is the military arm of the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF), representing the Palaung (or Ta’ang) people. The TNLA is recognized for its active opposition to the drug trade, including the destruction of poppy fields and drug labs.

United Nations Reports

The offensive led by the alliance has inspired other groups opposing the junta, leading to conflicts spreading to both the eastern and western regions of Myanmar. The United Nations reports that these clashes have resulted in over half a million people being displaced from their homes. This situation is a stark reminder of the human cost of such conflicts.

Democracy history in Myanmar

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, started as a democracy in 1948 after gaining independence from the British. However, the military took control in 1958 and solidified its rule in 1962 under Ne Win. This period, marked by the Burma Socialist Programme Party, lasted for 26 years. In 2011, the country began transitioning away from full military rule, but the military still held significant power and initiated a campaign against the Rohingya community.

The situation escalated in 2021 when the military detained Aung San Suu Kyi, the civilian leader, leading to a civil war and humanitarian crisis. Throughout these times, Myanmar has been embroiled in severe ethnic conflicts, making it one of the world’s longest ongoing civil wars. The United Nations and other organizations have consistently reported human rights abuses in the country. Today, Myanmar continues to grapple with these challenges.

When the military took over control of the town

Myanmar is currently in a state of turmoil. The military junta, which took power in 2021, is facing strong resistance from ethnic militias and other groups. These forces have launched coordinated attacks, taking control of key towns and routes. A significant offensive, known as Operation 1027, has intensified the conflict, causing civilian casualties and displacement. The military’s harsh response to peaceful protests has only fueled the resistance. Daily battles between the military and groups aligned with the National Unity Government are commonplace.

The military’s airstrikes and attacks have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and massive displacement. The people of Myanmar are fighting for a federal democracy, but the military’s refusal to back down threatens to plunge the country deeper into conflict. The international community needs to pay immediate attention to this crisis.