In a major shift within the northern Shan State theatre, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has seized full control of Kutkai after forcing the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) to relinquish its positions. The withdrawal, which occurred around midnight on 15 March, marks a critical fracturing of the Brotherhood Alliance.
Following the capture of Kutkai, the MNDAA immediately pushed forward, launching a large-scale offensive toward Namhkam on the morning of 16 March.
As of 17 March, MNDAA columns are using heavy drone strikes to target the 12-Mile Hill, a vital strategic point between Nam Hpat Kar and Namhkam.
“Kutkai has fallen. The TNLA withdrew from its last strategic position at midnight on 15 March. We can say the entire town is now under Kokang control. The MNDAA is planning to attack Namhkam and has already begun attacking the key 12-Mile Hill. There are also reports they may be advancing from the Muse side, but we cannot confirm that yet,” the source said.
The conflict stems from an incident on 14 March, when the MNDAA accused the TNLA of intercepting and attacking MNDAA troops during what it described as a routine patrol. The MNDAA released a statement on 14 March claiming that the TNLA would bear “full responsibility” for any consequences
Despite the TNLA’s public call for dialogue and negotiations on 15 March, the Kokang-led MNDAA has opted for a “full strength” military solution to consolidate its territory.
“The Kokang army is moving forward with full strength toward Namhkam and has begun attacking. They have been striking the hill with drones since 15 March, stopping briefly in the evening. This morning the fighting resumed. They are currently bombing military bases above Namhkam using drones,” a source told Mizzima.
At present, the MNDAA controls the entire Hsenwi–Kutkai–Muse section of the Pyidaungsu Highway, leaving Namhkam as the only major location in the area not yet under its control.
The MNDAA launched its offensive on Kutkai on 14 March using four separate columns and captured the town by 15 March. The TNLA subsequently announced that it would attempt to resolve the dispute with the MNDAA through dialogue and negotiations.
Regarding the TNLA withdrawal, a source close to the group said, “The town has been surrendered. There was no authorization for us to fire or engage from this side, and no orders to send reinforcements. Because of that, we had to withdraw. Some troops are still on the eastern side of the Pyidaungsu Road. The main reason for the retreat was the lack of permission to open fire.”
As of 10 am on 16 March, fighting in Kutkai had become calm, according to reports at the time of writing.
TNLA spokesperson Lway Ye Oo was contacted for comment regarding the surrender of Kutkai but had not responded.
Meanwhile, several organizations including the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the Special Region 1 Health Force, and the Mandalay Health Family have called for an immediate end to the armed conflict between the MNDAA and the TNLA, both members of the Brotherhood Alliance.
