A coalition of rebels and the military council in Myanmar indicated that "the coalition has taken control of an important town on the country’s troubled northern border with China after weeks of fierce fighting with the military council forces." The Triple Brotherhood Alliance announced yesterday, Friday, that "it has seized the town of Laukkai following the surrender of the military base there." The fall of Laukkai marks the latest victory for the rebels in a sweeping offensive that began in October, posing the greatest threat to the military government since it seized power in a coup in 2021.
A spokesperson for the military council stated today, Saturday, that the army decided to surrender after a "significant consideration." The alliance comprises three groups with extensive combat experience: the Arakan Army, the National Democratic Alliance Army of Myanmar, and the Taang National Liberation Army. The armed conflict between the army and the rebel groups in northern Myanmar has escalated since late October, prompting neighboring China, which has facilitated dialogue between the two sides, to call for a ceasefire.
