Tensions prevail in northern Myanmar as attacks, displacements continue

By Alperen Aktas and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tensions in conflict-hit northern Myanmar continue amid reports of civilian deaths and displacements.

Several ethnic groups are fighting to take control of the administration in the northern Shan State, which borders China. Beijing launched five-day military drills on its side of the border on the weekend to test the “mobility, border control abilities, and firepower capabilities” of its forces.

At least three ethnic armed groups, which have united under the so-called “Brotherhood Alliance,” are fighting the junta regime to take control of the region while China has sought an immediate halt to attacks.

The groups are attacking junta-forces which rule the Buddhist-majority Southeast Asian nation. They have captured half a dozen towns and are now controlling more than 170 junta outposts.

Reports emerging on Tuesday said explosions continued today which targeted three junta-affiliated sites in the Mandalay area.

The latest UN data shows almost 200 civilians have been killed and 263 others injured in armed attacks in the last month.

In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday called on all involved parties in the conflict to “promptly” halt fighting and seek peaceful resolutions to their differences.

It called on the junta regime to “implement tangible measures to maintain security and stability” along the China-Myanmar border.

More than 355,000 people have been displaced in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, Matupi Township in Chin State, and Kale and Taze townships in Sagaing Region, the UN data showed.

The ruling junta on Tuesday alerted all local administrative units against attacks by armed groups.

According to the Myanmar Now news website, the junta is not only “losing its grip over the border” but its ties with China “also show signs of slipping.”

“On November 19, regime-backed nationalists took to the streets of Yangon to condemn Beijing’s perceived support for anti-regime forces — the first time China had been named openly in public protests under the junta,” it said.