The Three Brotherhood Alliance acknowledged the United Wa State Army's (UWSA) right to control over Hopang and Panlong towns, which were seized by the Alliance during 'Operation 1027' in northern Shan State, and subsequently transferred them back.

On January 10th, the news of the Alliance voluntarily returning control of the two towns to UWSA was reported via the Wa Channel social network page.

Following over two months of 'Operation 1027,' Alliance forces successfully gained entry and established control over Hopang and Panlong towns on January 5th, following the fall of all nearby Military Council camps and outposts.

The handover ceremony of the two towns to the Wa People's Government took place at Hopang City Hall. It was attended by the Mongmao District Chief and other officials representing the Wa People's Government.

Hopang is positioned 11 miles east of Kunlong town and 9 miles west of Chinshwehaw town, both currently under the control of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), an ethnic Kokang armed organization, as well as a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.

Wa authorities have not responded to phone inquiries from Shan Herald regarding the transfer of the two towns back to UWSA.

As per the 2008 Constitution, crafted by the former Junta, Hopang and Panlong were designated within the Wa Self-Administered Division. However, in practice, they were under the control of the Military Council until the Three Brotherhood Alliance's triumph.

Earlier the UWSA had declared its non-participation in 'Operation 1027' but issued a stern warning, indicating strong retaliation for any encroachment on its territory. The UWSA has by far the largest and the best-equipped of all EAO’s thanks to steady supply of arms which have included a variety of anti- tank weapons. As they also share some of their arms and ammunition with the Three Brotherhood and the Northern Alliance this handover comes as no surprise.