Is Mandalay Really Lost to the Resistance?

The formidable Operation 1027 launched by the Brotherhood Alliance in northern Myanmar was not the only significant resistance offensive to follow the 2021 coup. Others included Operation 1111 in Karenni (Kayah) State, the Arakan Army (AA)’s offensive in Rakhine State, and the Shan–Mandalay offensive. This last stood out for its significant deployment of heartland People’s Defense Forces (PDF).

PDF officially take their orders from the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), whose Defense Ministry announced the launch of Shan–Mandalay operations on June 27, 2024. Spearheaded by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)—a core member of the Brotherhood Alliance—the offensive mobilized a broad coalition of resistance groups including Mandalay PDF, Mogoke-based battalions 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224, Battalion 513, the Kyaukme District Special Attack Force, and regional PDF from Pyin Oo Lwin, Mogoke and Madaya.

This coalition successfully captured towns and villages across Singu, Thabeikkyin, and Madaya townships, overrunning key junta battalion headquarters and bases. Thei rapid momentum unnerved the military’s Central Command Headquarters in Mandalay, prompting observers to speculate that urban combat within Mandalay city was imminent.