The Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP) reportedly sent a letter to the United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA) on July 6, requesting their assistance in restraining the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
Although SSPP has not officially released this letter, it has been circulating on social media.
The letter from SSPP was addressed to UWSA/UWSP Chief of Staff Zhao Zhongtang by the SSPP Vice Chairman.
According to the letter, SSPP/SSA forces had to engage in defensive battles because TNLA troops attacked them four times in an organized manner on July 5. The letter expressed that the relationship between TNLA and SSPP should be based on mutual respect and cooperation, similar to the relationship between UWSP and SSPP. It asked for the assistance of UWSP leaders to help maintain this relationship.
The letter requested the UWSP leaders' knowledge and assistance to resolve the issues between SSPP and TNLA.
Both SSPP and TNLA are members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC) led by the Wa group. In recent days, clashes between SSPP and TNLA in northern Shan State have resulted in casualties and heightened tensions.
Following SSPP’s appeal to the Wa group, TNLA issued a statement on July 8 accusing SSPP of interfering with the 1027 Campaign Part (2). TNLA said they were waiting for FPNCC’s mediation in resolving their issues with SSPP.
The Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), along with their northern allies (MNDAA, AA), has been conducting the 1027 Campaign Part (2) since June 25, 2024. TNLA strongly condemned SSPP’s lower-ranking soldiers' continuous interference, allegedly ordered by SSPP central leaders, and demanded an end to these actions.
TNLA reported that on the morning of July 5, their troops were ambushed and attacked by SSPP forces near Naung Pin junction while inspecting the base at the foot of the mountain near Naungpein in Kyaukme township. During the ambush, SSPP forces shot and killed their first-in-command and officers from Battalion 434 and Battalion 577. TNLA accused SSPP of executing this ambush following a directive to "eliminate anyone with this name."
Additionally, TNLA reported that in the afternoon of July 5, their vehicle transporting captured soldiers was attacked by SSPP forces near Kyangin-Yepu village in Hsipaw Township. This ambush resulted in the immediate death of the Hsipaw Township Chief and a captured soldier, while another soldier was captured by SSPP forces. TNLA stated that during the second phase of the 1027 Campaign, they encountered situations where SSPP transferred military camps to the military before they could be captured, assisted in transporting military personnel, and provided escape routes. Despite multiple meetings and attempts to cooperate for the campaign, SSPP leaders had previously stated their unpreparedness to participate due to various circumstances.
TNLA announced that they would continue their military operations with their northern allies to end the military dictatorship and seek mediation for the current issues through FPNCC.
The FPNCC includes UWSA, TNLA, SSPP, AA, MNDAA, KIA, and NDAA (Mongla).
