Myanmar Spring Chronicle – December 12 Developments
MoeMaKa, December 13, 2023
Ongoing Turmoil: Striking Events in Sagaing and Northern Shan
Reports emerge of the military council’s Air Force bombarding a court building under the National Unity Government (NUG) in Pale Township, Sagaing Division, resulting in the tragic death of at least 6 individuals, including a judicial officer, and causing injuries to several others. The village of Min Taing Pin, where the airstrike occurred, is notably the hometown of General Kyaw San, a key figure during the previous military regime. Sources indicate that some residents were unaware of the building’s current use as a judicial court under the NUG, suggesting that the military council had precise information on its target, a pattern noted in recent airstrikes.
Similar incidents, such as the bombing of Pazigyi Village, where the military council accurately targeted the PaKaFa office building, indicate a consistent strategy of attacking locations associated with the NUG based on detailed information. Simultaneously with the aerial assault on Min Taing Pin Village, ground forces from the military council are reported to be advancing towards neighboring villages, according to local residents.
Despite intense resistance battles in northeastern Shan State, Kachin State, Karen State, and Bago Division, military council columns remain active in Sagaing Division. The central Myanmar regions, including Sagaing Division, Mandalay Division, and areas along the Chindwin and Irrawaddy Rivers, are deemed strategically important by the military council, evident in their persistent presence.
Recent talks between the military council and the 3 Northern Brotherhood Alliances in China have been acknowledged, with China expressing satisfaction with the outcomes. However, the conflict between the military council and the TNLA Ta’ang armed group continues unabated in Namhkam Town on the border of Northern Shan and Kachin states. The TNLA has been relentlessly attacking a significant military camp, referred to as the new camp of the military council, and the military council is fiercely defending it.
The ongoing clashes in Namhkam involve air strikes over areas predominantly inhabited by the Ta’ang and Palaung people, with the military council targeting TNLA bases to exert pressure. Simultaneously, the fighting between the Kokang armed group MNDAA and the military council appears to be slowing down. The MNDAA has been besieging Laukkaing, the headquarters of the Kokang Autonomous Region, for weeks. The group has been gradually gaining control of the camp hills near the town, urging military council troops to surrender.
The recent peace talks in Kunming, China, focused on humanitarian aid to war-affected populations and ending indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-combatants. While the accuracy of reports claiming China’s blockade of food and medicine transport remains unconfirmed, it is evident that China desires an end to the ongoing conflict on its border. The talks have achieved some success, aligning with China’s interests in preventing further armed conflicts that could be detrimental.