During intense fighting, at least 16 civilians died.
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Fighting has restarted in northeastern Myanmar, ending a China-brokered cease-fire and putting pressure on the military regime amid attacks from multiple resistance forces in the civil war.
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army resumed attacking government positions last week in northeastern Shan state. This area borders China, Laos, Thailand, and the Mandalay region. Local forces are supporting the offensive.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army has also joined this offensive. By Friday, their combined forces reportedly encircled Lashio, the headquarters of the regime's northeastern military command.
"This marks the next stage of October's '1027' offensive," stated TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo. She mentioned that despite a cease-fire, the military's actions provoked retaliation with artillery and airstrikes.
"Our core objectives in phase two are to remove the military dictatorship and safeguard our local communities," she said.
Thet Swe, the spokesperson for the military regime that seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021, accused the militias of endangering civilians by restarting the fighting.
"The TNLA is breaking the cease-fire, so the Tatmadaw would safeguard the lives and property of ethnic people," he stated in an email to the AP with the use of the military's Burmese name.
The Arakan Army, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, hasn't joined the renewed fighting in Shan state. However, its troops continue fighting in Rakhine state, not covered by the Jan. 11 cease-fire.
The TNLA claims to have captured over 30 army outposts and now controls the lucrative ruby mines in western Mogok. Fighting also continues for Kyaukme, a key highway crossroads, and Nawnghkio to the southwest, which leads to the major military garrison town of Pyin Oo Lwin.
"That's where you need to block it to stop the military from sending reinforcements," said Morgan Michaels, an analyst based in Singapore with the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
In Mandalay, a local People's Defense Force joined the TNLA's offensive. These resistance groups support the underground National Unity Government, which considers itself Myanmar's legitimate administration.
Osmond, spokesperson for the Mandalay People's Defense Force, said his group and others have seized nearly 20 military outposts. He only gave his nom de guerre for safety reasons.
The October offensive by the Three Brotherhood Alliance quickly gained territory in the north and northeast, capturing key border crossings with China and major military bases.
The alliance has close ties to China, and it's believed Beijing tacitly approved the offensive due to frustration with the military regime's handling of the drug trade and cyber scam centers in Myanmar.
China helped broker a cease-fire in January, ending major fighting in the northeast. Meanwhile, other ethnic armed groups and PDF groups launched attacks on regime positions elsewhere in the country.
Amid renewed violence in the northeast, China's Foreign Ministry told the AP it stands ready to support peace talks. However, it did not confirm direct contact with the Three Brotherhood Alliance or the military State Administration Council.
"The Chinese Ministry urged all parties in Myanmar to honor the cease-fire, show restraint, disengage promptly, and ensure peace along the China-Myanmar border and safety of Chinese interests," the ministry said in a faxed response.
The Myanmar army seemed prepared for the TNLA attacks, having mobilized forces, prepared defenses, and set up checkpoints and patrols ahead of the renewed offensive, said Michaels.
"They weren't caught completely off guard, though they haven't launched a counter-offensive yet," he noted.
The TNLA's objectives are unclear. They might be aiming to expand gains and consolidate positions while the military is stretched thin by multiple conflicts and before new conscripts are trained.
Already, 5,000 new conscripts have joined the military, and another 10,000 are expected by the end of the year. Thet Swe said these conscripts would serve as sentries, freeing up better-trained soldiers for the front lines.
"If conscription continues and the military stops these attacks, there could be a counter-offensive next year," as per the Michaels declarations. He also added, "This is the final opportunity to achieve that."
Regarding the MNDAA, it's unclear if they plan to join the broader offensive, take Lashio by force, lay siege to it, or just tie up the trapped troops.
Michaels noted that compared to October 27th, the military isn't collapsing as quickly.
"They're still losing, but not as dramatically or swiftly." However, if the MNDAA fully joins, it could change the situation significantly."
