Ta’ang National Liberation Army to ‘escort’ regime forces into Mogok in Mandalay Region

Residents of Mogok Township in Mandalay Region told DVB that the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) informed its allied resistance forces, including the People’s Defence Force (PDF), that it will escort regime forces into the town when it completes its withdrawal on Nov. 29. 

“The TNLA informed us that it’ll keep a liaison office with the regime in Mogok, and will withdraw from the town once regime forces are settled,” Soe Htay, a resident and pro-democracy activist in Mogok, told DVB. 

The decision was reportedly reached at a meeting between the TNLA and the regime in China on Nov. 15 following a Chinese-brokered ceasefire agreement with Naypyidaw reached on Oct. 29. DVB contacted Lway Yay Oo, the TNLA spokesperson, about the TNLA withdrawal plan but is awaiting a response. 

Soe Htay added that the situation is “difficult” for the PDF in Mogok and that they are still discussing how to protect the town. The PDF told DVB that it took over positions in Mogok from the TNLA on Oct. 30.

Mogok, 124 miles (200 km) north of Mandalay, is a source of revenue for both the regime and ethnic armed groups due to its lucrative ruby mining industry.

The TNLA agreed to relinquish control of Mogok, as well as Momeik in northern Shan State, as part of its ceasefire deal. Both towns were seized by TNLA-led resistance forces in July 2024.