The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) resumed Operation 1027 against Myanmar’s junta in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region on Tuesday.
The armed group said it was responding to numerous junta airstrikes and artillery attacks, violating the January 10 China-brokered ceasefire deal with the regime.
At least two towns and over 25 junta strongholds have fallen, including battalion headquarters and police stations, in Nawnghkio and Kyaukme townships in northern Shan State and Madaya and Mogoke townships in northern Mandalay Region.
The TNLA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance which launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State on October 27 last year. The alliance swiftly captured 24 junta battalion headquarters and command centers and hundreds of frontline bases, as well as about 20 towns and vital trade routes with China.
The Irrawaddy on Friday asked TNLA spokeswoman Nway Yay Oo about the resumption of Operation 1027.
Why did the TNLA resume Operation 1027?
The operation was halted for about five months but it is ongoing in Rakhine State. We have resumed the operation to eradicate the dictatorship and to protect the people.
The junta media accused the TNLA of violating the ceasefire. How do you respond?
It is wrong. The regime violated the ceasefire (also known as the Haigeng Agreement). While we complied with the agreement, the junta bombarded our territory with artillery and aircraft. The junta is also making the people face hardships. They stop and inspect people and raise tax rates. They destroyed bridges and roads, breaching the ceasefire deal. The junta first committed these violations.
Which armed groups are now involved in Operation 1027?
Operation 1027 is the same as before. Besides the Brotherhood Alliance, there are resistance groups, including Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF), PDFs in Mogoke and ethnic Danu resistance forces. The Arkan Army is fighting in Rakhine State. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army is joining the fight against the junta in Nawnghkio.
During Operation 1027, the junta suffered heavy defeats. What are your aims this time?
The ambition is to eradicate the dictatorship. But I can’t say how long it will take or how far it will go.
The TNLA is also fighting in Mogoke, northern Mandalay Region, and allied groups are attacking junta strongholds in Madaya. Does the TNLA plan to expand into Mandalay Region?
It is too early to say. We wouldn’t reveal our strategy.
Why have you had such huge victories in three days?
The junta suffered many defeats during Operation 1027. The soldiers fled instead of fighting and many defected.
On multiple frontlines, the soldiers realize they cannot win so they surrender or are defeated quickly. That is why our operation is achieving rapid success.
How many civilians have been killed since Tuesday?
More than 10 civilians have been killed and over 30 injured. Most of the deaths are caused by junta airstrikes and shelling of civilian targets. The junta bombs religious buildings where residents shelter.
How many combatants have been killed?
We found over 20 dead junta troops, most in Nawnghkio. Seventeen regime troops have surrendered. We can’t reveal our casualty numbers.
Has there been any intervention from China?
I haven’t received any reports.
Do you have a message to the people?
The Brotherhood Alliance is conducting Operation 1027 alongside revolutionary groups. We will keep going ahead until we reach our goals. We want people to be aware of the fighting and have bomb shelters.
