Tensions between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Kokang armed group, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), have been rising since TNLA forces stormed an MNDAA office in Kutkai Town, Shan State.

On February 13 at around 9:00 p.m., the TNLA removed and confiscated solar panels and security cameras installed by the MNDAA along the main Union Road in Kutkai.

A large number of TNLA fighters then stormed the MNDAA office, taking down the MNDAA flag and detaining the MNDAA troops on night watch. According to a Kutkai resident, physical altercations also broke out at an MNDAA office branch near the town’s main market, where warning shots were fired.

“The TNLA troops, all in full uniform and fully equipped, started by taking down the security cameras. Then they stormed the Kokang office, causing chaos, and even took away the Kokang soldiers,” the source said.

Kutkai residents fear that armed clashes could break out between the two formerly allied groups, after tensions escalated to the point of warning shots being fired and violent brawls.

“The TNLA raided the Kokang office near the market, and then we heard gunshots—probably just warning shots fired into the air. It wasn’t a shootout between the two sides. Videos on social media even show some of the troops getting beaten,” he said.

On February 14, the TNLA patrolled downtown Kutkai with hundreds of troops, while the MNDAA mobilized additional forces nearby, raising concerns among locals. However, the town remained calm throughout the day.

It remains unclear how the two sides will respond to the TNLA raid on the MNDAA office in Kutkai. Shan Herald has contacted both groups for comment but has not yet received a response.

The TNLA and MNDAA, both members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, each control roughly half of Kutkai Town, separated by Union Road. However, disputes over territorial control between the two groups have been frequent.