Northern Shan State insurgents use jungle trails as supply route
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NP News - July 24
Amid escalating tension in the northern Shan State conflict, reports stated that the MNDAA (Kokang insurgents) and its allied forces are reportedly using the jungle routes for their supply of ammunition, equipment, food and personnel reinforcement. The reported jungle route passes Mongmao, Narwee, and Mongyaw.
The route, covered by thick forests with large trees, favours the insurgents carrying supplies and reinforced troops with confidence without being interfered with by air scouts or drones, a local source reported. In addition, Non-Governmental Organizations and mercenaries are reportedly involved in the supply chain process of the MNDAA troops heading to Lashio.
In Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, many residents are fleeing the town since the MNDAA and its allied forces, including PDF terrorists, attacked the town with rockets and launchers without setting definite targets. Due to such terroristic attacks, at least 50 civilians have lost their lives in the attack of MNDAA on Lashio.
On 11 July, approximately 3000 personnel of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) invaded the Tangyan – the town located in 135-kilometre south of Lashio and hasn’t yet been damaged by the armed conflict. The UWSA claimed to protect the un-infected land from the war as per consent with the Union government, “It is to protect Tangyan from extensive armed conflict happening in the northern Shan State; and it is true that we do this as per the consent of the government.”
Likewise, the armed wing of the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) also invaded Mongyal on 13 July claiming as an allied force of the State-troops.
On 14 July, Tatmadaw engaged air bombardment subjecting the building where the MNDAA office is located and a hotel where the MNDAA high level officials are reportedly residing. Although no official statement was released by the MNDAA with regard to the fatality in the strike, it released a four-day ceasefire announcement with Tatmadaw. The controversial suspension of military operation announcement claimed: “In order to actively respond to China’s concerns, on the occasion of the Third Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, all combat units were required to stop active attacks from after 14 to 18 July, adopt on-site defense, and retain the right to counterattack in self-defense.”
On the other hand, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) which based in southern Shan State, a town on the borderline with Thailand, is also involved in the logistic chain of ammo to the northern insurgents.