In a significant development, an entire battalion of the Myanmar army stationed near the Chinese border has reportedly surrendered to an alliance of ethnic armed groups. The surprise offensive, launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprised the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.
The surrender involved 261 individuals, including 127 soldiers and 134 of their family members from the infantry battalion situated in northeastern Shan state. This marks a substantial capitulation by regular army forces and is deemed one of the most significant surrenders since the outbreak of armed conflict in Myanmar in 2021.
While the military government has not officially announced the surrender, the alliance anticipates capturing Laukkaing, a major city in the region, in the near future. Laukkaing is recognized for hosting various organized criminal activities, including cyberscam operations orchestrated by Chinese investors in collaboration with local Myanmar figures.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance, in their coordinated offensive launched on October 27, has claimed victories, prompting a rare admission by the military government on November 2 that it had lost control of three towns, one of which serves as a crucial border crossing for trade with China.
Le Kyar Wai, a spokesperson for the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, revealed that each surrendered soldier, including the commander, was awarded 1 million kyat (about $480), while their family members received 100,000 kyat ($48) each. The alliance aims to launch an operation to seize Laukkaing after surrounding the city.
This surrender follows a pattern in Shan state, where, on October 30, 41 soldiers from another infantry battalion in Kunlong township had also surrendered to the alliance. Overall, since October 31, more than 200 soldiers and police have reportedly surrendered to these ethnic armed groups, highlighting the escalating challenges faced by the Myanmar military. The alliance’s offensive has not only triggered surrenders in Shan state but also in Karen, Kayah, Rakhine, Chin states, and Sagaing region.
As the conflict unfolds, the international community closely watches Myanmar’s internal strife, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution and stability in the region.
