LAUKKAI, Myanmar: Ethnic alliance in Myanmar has claimed the capture of Laukkai, a northern town infamous for housing online scamming operations.
This marks another setback for the embattled junta, which has been facing heightened challenges to its authority since the coup in 2021. The alliance, known as the Brotherhood Alliance, consists of three ethnic armed groups: the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
Laukkai, situated in a district bordering China, has been witnessing an exodus of people due to its association with a military-aligned militia and its notoriety for activities such as gambling, prostitution, and online scams. The Brotherhood Alliance declared that all members of the Myanmar Army’s Military Operational Command in Laukkai were disarmed, effectively asserting control over the town. Scores of junta soldiers, including officers, were reportedly captured and disarmed during the operation.
ALSO READ: Myanmar Junta Grants Amnesty to Over 9,000 Prisoners on Independence Day
The junta has not officially commented on the situation in Laukkai, adding an air of uncertainty to the developments. This marks another strategic loss for the junta as Laukkai joins the list of towns falling under the control of the ethnic alliance. The impact extends beyond the military sphere, affecting trade with China, a crucial ally and arms supplier for the junta.
Tensions between the junta and China have been on the rise due to the junta’s failure to address online scam compounds targeting Chinese citizens. Additionally, Beijing recently urged its citizens to leave the contested region, citing heightened security risks.
This latest development underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by the Myanmar junta, involving not only internal resistance but also strained relations with key international partners. The situation remains fluid, and the implications of Laukkai’s capture will likely reverberate across the region, impacting geopolitical alliances and trade dynamics.
