Clashes take place between Tatmadaw and TNLA for 14 times in August

Clashes take place between Tatmadaw and TNLA for 14 times in August
Published 14 August 2019
Hsan Moe Tun

The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw (Defence Services) and Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Kutkai Township in northern Shan State for 14 times during August, the information department of the TNLA reported on August 13.

The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and TNLA near Mawhan village, Tarmonye in Kutkai on the morning of August 13.

The main cause of the clashes between Tatmadaw and the TNLA is due to the offensive launched by the former from August 1 to 13 during 2019 and that the number of clashes during August totaled 14.

The causes of clashes are due to violation of rules agreed by both parties. The TNLA are active out of their controlled area, collects extortion money and recruits new members, said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.

“The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and the TNLA for 25 times during seven months. The TNLA were active out of the controlled area for 207 times. The number of violating the rules was many. When the TNLA were active out their area, they happened to Tatmadaw columns and that lead to the clashes. Extortion money was collected for seven times and new members were recruited for 16 times. These violations led to the clashes,” said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.

From June 16 to July 23 in 2019, there was no clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in the Northern Command, one of the five commands that Tatmadaw announced a ceasefire. There were no clashes between ethnic armed organizations, but EAOs were active out their-controlled area, collected extortion money and recruited new members, said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.

“The clashes broke out between Tatmadaw and the EAOs for 97 times within seven months. There were 45 times of clashes broke out between EAOs. The EAOs were active out of their-controlled area for 585 times. The EAOs collected extortion money for 66 times and recruited new members for 86 times.

“The review of the clashes broke out within seven months indicated that the clashes were decreasing in number, especially there were no severe ones. Our Tatmadaw welcomes such decreasing number of clashes and that it is a sign of positivity. The EAOs can politically discuss peace, stability, development for the country,” said Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo.  

Translated and Edited by Win Htut