Myanmar Junta’s Grip Weakens As Ethnic Alliance Captures Key Town On China Highway

Fighters from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have seized control of Hsipaw, a significant town along a strategic highway leading to China, marking a major setback for Myanmar’s military junta. The TNLA captured the last military base in Hsipaw on Sunday after weeks of intense fighting, according to a spokesperson for the group.

The conflict in northern Shan state intensified this summer when an alliance of ethnic armed groups renewed their offensive against the military along the highway connecting Myanmar’s second city, Mandalay, to the border with China. Hsipaw, which typically has a population of around 20,000, is a crucial trade route where hundreds of millions of dollars flow annually.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that TNLA fighters had taken over the town, but expressed concern about potential military airstrikes. While residents are currently free to enter and exit the town, many remain hesitant to return.

The junta has not publicly commented on the situation in Hsipaw, and communication has been hampered due to internet outages in the area. The TNLA claims to have disarmed around 100 military soldiers since launching its offensive in August, although specifics on casualties from both sides remain undisclosed.

The TNLA is part of the “Three Brotherhood Alliance,” which includes the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). This alliance had previously launched an extensive offensive across northern Shan state, capturing significant territories and dealing a severe blow to the military following the 2021 coup.