Ta’ang National Liberation Army on the retreat in northern Shan State

Sources in northern Shan State told DVB that the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has ordered the People’s Defence Force (PDF) to withdraw from Nawnghkio Township, which came under TNLA control on July 10 and is located 96 miles (154 km) south of the region’s capital Lashio.

“Given the situation, it seems the TNLA decided to return Nawnghkio to the regime,” a source close to the PDF told DVB on the condition of anonymity, adding that the PDF is stationed in nearby Kyaukme town, 32 miles (51 km) northeast of Nawnghkio.