The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is reinforcing troops, ammunition and other supplies in the northern Shan State capital, Lashio, despite pressure from China to withdraw from the city.
The group seized Lashio and its Northeastern Command headquarters in early August and Beijing is apparently demanding a withdrawal from the city.
The regime established a new Northeastern Command in Mongyai, 96km east of Lashio and sent reinforcements from Kholam in southern Shan State to Mongyai, Namlan and Tangyan in apparent preparations to retake Lashio.
The MNDAA has fortified routes to Lashio and is bolstering its control of the city, a source told The Irrawaddy.
“More troops and food arrived recently. Both the MNDAA and People’s Defense Forces made a lot of sacrifices to occupy Lashio and they won’t give it up easily,” he said.
The junta and MNDAA have clashed at least twice near Hoya village in Mongyai Township, heightening tensions, said the source.
Junta troops reached around 50 meters from an MNDAA checkpoint near the village on the Mongyai-Lashio road about 8km from Mongyai town, he said.
“The two sides can see each other at Hoya. Tensions are high after recent clashes,” he said.
Hoya is also close to the Tangyan-Lashio road, making it crucial for Lashio’s defense.
Around 100 junta troops have been deployed near the junction and have blocked access to Lashio, according to residents.
A northern Shan State bus driver said: “The regime has blocked the roads from Mongyai, Namlan and Tangyan. Vehicles can now only leave Lashio. Some use the Kyaukme-Lashio road to southern Shan State and others use village roads to reach Lashio. It is tough for goods and passengers to reach Lashio.”
He added that the regime has restricted food and fuel supplies to Lashio since early November, and few people and goods have reached the city.
The MNDAA has warned Lashio residents to dig air raid shelters amid repeated junta airstrikes.
