Myanmar Rebels Claim Control of Lashio

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has claimed victory in capturing the Northeast Command of the Armed Forces in Lashio, Shan State, marking a significant setback for the ruling military junta amid ongoing clashes. After 23 days of intense fighting, this strategic loss for the military could hinder its control over contested regions. While the junta denies the capture, local reports and social media suggest that ethnic armed groups are gaining ground, notably in Lashio and Mogok, critical for military and economic reasons. The conflict has escalated since the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by China, with the military struggling to manage multiple fronts. Humanitarian concerns grow as over 2.6 million people are displaced, and civilian casualties mount amidst airstrikes and ground battles. The MNDAA and its allies continue to challenge the junta's authority, reflecting a deepening civil conflict in Myanmar.