Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army takes full control in Shan State’s Kutkai

A source in the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) told DVB that its ally, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), carried out Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or drone, strikes on the 12-mile area under TNLA control between Kutkai and Namhkam townships on Monday – one day after the MNDAA seized TNLA-controlled parts of Kutkai town in northern Shan State.

An MNDAA source told DVB on the condition of anonymity that its forces will continue to seize territory up to 12 miles (19 km) north of Kutkai. The town, located 47 miles (75 km) north of the regional capital Lashio, sits on the road connecting Mandalay to the vital China-Myanmar border town of Ruili.

No casualties have been reported. But around 70 TNLA members were reportedly taken captive by the MNDAA.

The TNLA and the MNDAA seized Kutkai in 2024 after they united to launch “Operation 1027” against regime forces on Oct. 27, 2023. The TNLA seized Namhkam, located 53 miles (85 km) north of Kutkai, in 2023.

The MNDAA source told DVB that TNLA-controlled parts of Kutkai town were seized on March 15 – following two days of attacks. It also seized control of the road connecting Kutkai to the 105-mile checkpoint in Muse town, along the Myanmar-China border 55 miles (88 km) north of Kutkai.

A TNLA source told DVB on the condition of anonymity that members were given orders from commanding officers to withdraw from Kutkai to Namhkam and not to return fire at the MNDAA.

Lway Yay Oo, the TNLA spokesperson, told DVB they are trying to solve the conflict through dialogue, adding that the TNLA is only maintaining defensive positions.

The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), which is an advisory body to the National Unity Government (NUG) — a group representing lawmakers elected in 2020 but ousted in the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021 — requested the two ethnic armed groups settle their disputes peacefully.

The Spring Revolution Alliance (SRA), a coalition of 19 resistance groups outside of NUG command, echoed this statement.

A Kutkai resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity that the MNDAA launched its first drone strike on the TNLA March 14. The MNDAA has accused the TNLA of attempting to seize Hsenwi town on Feb. 17, and “sowing dissent” among different ethnic groups in northern Shan.

Hsenwi, located 16 miles (25 km) south of Kutkai and 31 miles (49 km) northeast of Lashio, was seized by the MNDAA in 2023. This territorial dispute between the two allies follows the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras by the MNDAA “without permission” from the TNLA on Feb. 13.