YANGON: The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has declared Lashio city as a part of Special Region 1 and is reported to have begun administrative operations in the area.
The MNDAA, in a statement, said that they took control of the north-east command headquarters in Lashio on Aug 3, and subsequently started administrative activities in the city.
The Northern Alliance, which consists of three armed groups, launched Operation 1027 on Oct 27, 2023, attacking security posts in northern Shan State, leading to various battles.
After China urged for peace and dialogue, both the Northern Alliance and representatives of the military engaged in discussions and agreed to a ceasefire in January 2024, with the Northern Alliance maintaining control of the towns they had seized.
In late June 2024, the second phase of Operation 1027 was launched, with the TNLA (Ta'ang National Liberation Army) attacking in and around Mogok, Nawngkhio, and Hsipaw, while MDY PDF (Mandalay People's Defence Force) coordinated with them to attack security posts in Madaya-Singu.
On July 3, the MNDAA and its allied forces began attacking military posts near Lashio's North-East Command Headquarters.
Although the MNDAA had not yet captured the North-East Command Headquarters by July 25, they claimed to have done so and continued their attacks, eventually releasing photos on Aug 3 showing their capture of the headquarters.
Currently, most residents of Lashio have yet to return to their homes. However, administrative activities have begun, with medical services being provided to all, regardless of ethnicity, at Lashio People’s Hospital.
It was announced that Lashio People’s Hospital was renamed Special Region 1 People’s Hospital No. 1 and began operations on Aug 11. Health services in Special Region 1 are being provided by Civil Disobedience Movement healthcare workers, according to a video statement released by MNDAA.
Additionally, the MNDAA reported that about 500 healthcare workers are operating in Special Region 1, including Lashio City. - Eleven Media Group/ANN
