Myanmar Junta Faces Major Setback as Rebels Seize Key Military Base

Myanmar's junta has lost communication with senior officers at a major military base near the Chinese border. Rebels from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) claim to have taken control of the Lashio military headquarters. This development signifies a crucial defeat for the junta amid intensifying armed rebellion and a faltering economy.

Myanmar's junta has lost contact with senior officers at a major military base near the Chinese border, marking a rare admission of battlefield failure. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) announced on July 25 that they had seized control of the regional army headquarters in Lashio town, posting photographs of their troops at the site.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed Monday that communication had been severed with officers at the besieged northeastern command. "It has been found that senior officials were arrested," he said via a Telegram message, noting efforts were ongoing to verify the situation. The junta has been under intense pressure since a 2021 coup and the subsequent armed rebellion.

The MNDAA's capture of Lashio, the first regional command to fall, represents a significant blow to the junta amid growing armed resistance. The loss follows Beijing's failed attempt to broker peace and signals the diminishing strength of Myanmar's military. Neighboring countries and resistance ranks are taking note, while allied rebel groups vow to continue their fight until the military falls.

(With inputs from agencies.)