Burma-Myanmar: Army deployed in northern Shan State, clashes with Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) rebels
Hundreds of Burma Army troops have reportedly been deployed to areas of northern Shan State where the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) operates, according to the armed group.
Tar Bang Hla, a communications officer with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), said up to 2,000 Burma Army troops were deployed in recent days in the wake of recent clashes between the TNLA and the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S).
“They have come since Feb. 23 and they are in our control area now. For us, we will not withdraw our troops. We will use our defensive forces [if necessary],” he said.
A clash was reported in Kutkai Township on Thursday between the Burma Army and the TNLA, according to a report issued by the Ta’ang armed group. Video footage posted online by residents of Lashio purports to show army trucks carrying troops and military provisions to Namhsan.