Fierce fighting: Heavy losses for Myanmar's military
The military in Myanmar has come under severe pressure in several parts of the country due to armed resistance from ethnic groups.
Fighting has been particularly fierce since the end of October in eastern Shan State on the border with China. "Since the beginning of the operation, more than 154 bases and outposts of the Myanmar military have been occupied by the Brotherhood Alliance," a spokesperson for ISP Myanmar, a non-governmental think tank, told the German Press Agency.
The alliance includes three groups: the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA). All three are traditionally very close to China. According to its own statements and media reports, the Brother Alliance has also succeeded in capturing at least six small towns in the region.
Tens of thousands on the run
MNDAA spokesman Li Kyarwen told dpa that at least 150 soldiers of the ruling junta had been killed. The information could not initially be independently verified. According to the UN, tens of thousands of people are on the run in the border region alone. Many are trying to reach China.
For the junta, it is one of the biggest military challenges since it took power in February 2021. Since the generals' coup, the former Burma - a multi-ethnic state - has descended into chaos and violence. The ousted former head of government Aung San Suu Kyi is in prison.
Fighting in various parts of the country
Armed groups are also said to have risen up against the military in other federal states - such as Chin State on the border with India and Bangladesh, Karenni State in the far east and in the Sagaing region - and seized various towns and military posts. Almost 450 soldiers have already laid down their weapons in various parts of the country, reported the newspaper "The Irrawaddy". "The actual number could be higher, however, as more and more junta positions are being abandoned," the paper wrote.
In view of the success of the resistance groups, the junta-appointed president of the crisis state, Myint Swe, warned almost two weeks ago that the country could fall apart. "If the government does not deal effectively with the incidents in the border region, it will divide the country into different parts," he said.
The conflicts between the military and ethnic groups in Myanmar have led to significant military losses. The Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of three groups close to China, has successfully captured several bases and towns from the junta, causing heavy casualties.
The ongoing conflicts in various parts of the country have resulted in tens of thousands of people being displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries, particularly China.
Source: www.dpa.com
