Junta Bombs Northern Myanmar After Rebels Reject Peace Negotiations

Despite a ceasefire extension valid until May 31, junta bombs killed 4 civilians, including a child.

By RFA Burmese

Myanmar’s military launched attacks on four villages in northern Myanmar controlled by an insurgent group, according to a statement published by rebels on Friday, despite both armies agreeing to a ceasefire extension only days earlier.

A junta plane attacked villages in Shan state’s Nawnghkio township, bombing Ya Pyin and Tha Yet Cho from Monday to Thursday, according to a statement from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, which controls the area.

International rights groups and insurgents have criticized junta forces for repeatedly violating their own ceasefire declared on April 2 and extended until May 31 to aid in earthquake recovery. The junta troops have reportedly killed more than 200 civilians and destroyed homes and a hospital since the March 28 quake.

While the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the TNLA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, and Arakan Army, also declared a ceasefire until May 31, each has individual tensions with junta forces over contested territories.

The MNDAA agreed to transfer the city of Lashio in Shan state back to the military, but the TNLA has staunchly refused pressure from both the military regime and China during peace talks on April 28 and 29 to return territories acquired after the 2021 coup, including Nawnghkio and several parts of Mandalay region.

The move will severely cost TNLA, as junta attacks seem to be increasing, said a military analyst, who declined to be named for security reasons.

“They will be under less pressure if they accept the junta’s demands. If they don’t accept them now, they will suffer more. The [junta] military has a high chance of success,” the analyst said.

Heavy artillery targeted a wedding ceremony in Tha Yet Cho village on Thursday, killing 4 civilians including a five-year-old child, and injuring seven more. During a battle between TNLA forces and junta soldiers in nearby Nawng Len village, the junta used drones to drop eight bombs and five gas bombs, and fired 31 explosives into residential areas.

Junta soldiers also targeted Ong Ma Ti and Taung Hla villages, where TNLA troops were stationed.

The TNLA did not release any information on the gas bomb attacks, and Radio Free Asia could not confirm their effects on residents.

Junta forces also targeted Mandaaly region’s Thabeikkyin township, bombing TNLA-controlled Hpawt Taw village with a fighter jet.

The TNLA has urged the public to be vigilant and protect themselves against airstrikes.

RFA tried to contact junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for more information on the release, but he did not respond.

The next round of peace talks between China, Myanmar’s military junta and the TNLA will be in August.

“They [the junta] want to pressure the TNLA before the August discussions,” Thailand-based political analyst Sai Kyi Zin Soe told RFA.

“The military wants to reclaim the territories they lost in 2023.”

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.