Armed insurgents have taken control of a strategically important border post in Myanmar near China. This post is crucial for trade and human movement between China and Myanmar.
A local news source and a military source confirmed this on Sunday, revealing another area lost by Myanmar’s politically weakened junta.
Recently, armed clashes erupted between the military junta forces and armed ethnic groups in the northern Shan state of Myanmar, along the border with China. Since October 27, three armed ethnic groups collectively launched attacks against the junta forces, leading to violence between the two sides.
This coalition, named the ‘Brotherhood Alliance,’ comprising three armed groups, has gained control over another important town, controlling trade and commerce with China. The loss of control over this vital town poses a significant economic setback for the junta.
One of the groups in the alliance is the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). According to a local news report, MNDAA has taken control of the border post at Kin San Kyun near the northern Shan state, along with several dozen security checkpoints and a small town crucial for trade with China.
The rebel coalition’s control extends to additional areas along the border, impacting more territories of the important commercial region.
On the other hand, according to a source in Myanmar’s defense forces, the Tatmadaw, the alliance, led by the MNDAA, raised its flag after gaining control of the Kin San Kyun border post.
The Kin San Kyun border post is one of Myanmar’s vital pathways for trade with China. This border crossing was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened in 2022.
A few days ago, the junta government’s spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, revealed that at least 120 cargo trucks had been set on fire in front of this border post. He held the armed groups responsible for this act of sabotage.
Due to military rule and internal conflicts, Myanmar’s economy is already under severe strain. Losing control over this crucial border post will further reduce revenue from taxes and foreign currency earnings, particularly from trade with China.
