Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military

Ethnic minority fighters battling Myanmar's junta said on Saturday (Dec 16) they seized a trading hub in Shan state, days after China said it had mediated a temporary ceasefire.

Ethnic minority fighters battling Myanmar's junta said on Saturday (Dec 16) they seized a trading hub in Shan state, days after China said it had mediated a temporary ceasefire.

Clashes have raged across Myanmar's northern Shan state since the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive in late October.

The three allied groups - known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance - say they have captured military positions and border hubs vital for trade with China, posing what analysts say is the biggest military challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021.

On Thursday, Beijing announced a temporary ceasefire between the alliance and the Myanmar military. There have been peaceful spells in MNDAA-held areas, but clashes have continued in areas controlled by the TNLA and the AA.

The TNLA said they captured Namhsan on Friday after launching an attack in the area more than two weeks ago.