Exodus: Tens of Thousands Flee as Myanmar Junta Troops Face Last Stand in Kokang

Tens of thousands of people who were trapped in Laukkai Town as fighting raged in Kokang region are now fleeing to Lashio in northern Shan State after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) opened a route for the mainly migrant workers to return to their homes or at least find safety.

MNDAA units have encircled Laukkai as it prepares to retake the capital of Kokang Self-Administered Zone from the regime. Its goal is to regain complete control the zone, which is on the border with China.