Myanmar junta violates ceasefire agreement, sparks clashes in northern Shan State

 The Myanmar military junta has violated the recently agreed-upon ceasefire by launching an offensive against the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Kyaukme township of northern Shan State.

A TNLA statement highlighted that an agreement stipulating an immediate ceasefire for both parties from 9 m on 11 January was signed, but at around 9 am on Saturday, the junta forces violated the agreement by launching an attack with a large force on the Peace Hill area.

The junta's 501st and 502nd battalions based in Kyaukme township initiated the  attack at

9:18 am on Peace Hill, where the PSLF/TNLA is stationed, with a substantial military force. After a skirmish lasting for two hours, the PSLF/TNLA at Peace Hill temporarily withdrew, driven by concerns over the effects on civilians and possible casualties, said the statement.

 It asserted that the junta has openly breached the recently signed ceasefire agreement and  initiated an offensive. This marks the junta's second violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The TNLA statement also added that the junta forces conducted artillery shell attacks in Mogok, Kyaukme, and Lashio townships, where the PSLF/TNLA is stationed.

Three Brotherhood Alliance in a statement on 12 January indicated that the day marks 'the day the Haigeng talks come into effect' as per 'the Haigeng agreement'. However, despite it, the junta has persisted in firing artillery shells. 

The statement also added that the junta forces conducted five airstrikes targeting the civilian population in Kunhei village under Namsan township in the brigade-2 military region of   Ta'ang State. These airstrikes occurred in the absence of any military action or fighting, resulting in damages to the Parami tea factory located in the village.

At approximately 4:30 pm, a jet fighter conducted airstrikes on Manli village under Namtu township, causing damage to three houses, including a school building.

The  junta forces in Kyaukme also fired artillery shells twice at Par Pote village, while the soldiers in Phyu Yaung village under Mogok township conducted two artillery shell attacks on Nyaung Kone (Upper) village. Furthermore, the junta forces in Hsipaw township launched one artillery shell at Manhei village.

The statement also added that the junta's Nampawng camp in Lashio fired six artillery shells at Konepawng village, while junta forces in Lashio township launched four artillery shells at Makhkinu village and another four at Einaing village.

Despite a ceasefire, brokered by Beijing between the junta forces and Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, local residents confirmed about the ongoing fighting as the junta forces launched an offensive against the PSLF/TNLA members in Kyaukme township.