Myanmar rebels agree to withdraw from two key towns under new China-brokered truce.
In a surprise move, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced on Tuesday that it had reached a truce with Myanmar's military-run government, effectively ending months of violent clashes in the country's north.
The agreement was brokered by China and will see the TNLA withdraw from Mogok, a ruby-mining centre in the upper Mandalay region, and its neighboring town of Momeik in northern Shan state. However, the group did not provide a timeline for the withdrawal.
Under the deal, both rebel forces and government troops will halt their advancement starting Wednesday, according to the TNLA. The military, which has yet to comment on the agreement, has also agreed to stop its air strikes.
The TNLA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army. These groups have been fighting for greater autonomy from Myanmar's central government since 2021.
Since October last year, the alliance has gained significant territory in northeastern and western Myanmar, capturing and controlling numerous towns. However, their advance slowed following a series of ceasefires brokered by China earlier this year.
China is seen as a major power broker in the conflict in Myanmar, with significant geopolitical and economic interests. Beijing has openly backed the military government this year as it battles to shore up territory before an election slated for December.
However, many observers believe that the polls are unlikely to be held in rebel-held areas, and international observers have dismissed them as a tactic to mask continuing military rule.
In a surprise move, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced on Tuesday that it had reached a truce with Myanmar's military-run government, effectively ending months of violent clashes in the country's north.
The agreement was brokered by China and will see the TNLA withdraw from Mogok, a ruby-mining centre in the upper Mandalay region, and its neighboring town of Momeik in northern Shan state. However, the group did not provide a timeline for the withdrawal.
Under the deal, both rebel forces and government troops will halt their advancement starting Wednesday, according to the TNLA. The military, which has yet to comment on the agreement, has also agreed to stop its air strikes.
The TNLA is part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army. These groups have been fighting for greater autonomy from Myanmar's central government since 2021.
Since October last year, the alliance has gained significant territory in northeastern and western Myanmar, capturing and controlling numerous towns. However, their advance slowed following a series of ceasefires brokered by China earlier this year.
China is seen as a major power broker in the conflict in Myanmar, with significant geopolitical and economic interests. Beijing has openly backed the military government this year as it battles to shore up territory before an election slated for December.
However, many observers believe that the polls are unlikely to be held in rebel-held areas, and international observers have dismissed them as a tactic to mask continuing military rule.
they gotta have interests somewhere right? anyway, it's cool that the rebels agreed to withdraw from those two towns... seems like a good step towards peace and all that 
but what about the other rebel groups tho? are they gonna follow suit or just keep fighting? 
. China brokered this truce and it's like music to my ears 
. Finally, some peace in the north! 
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army's decision to pull out of Mogok and Momeik is a huge deal 
. It shows that even the most hardened rebels can put aside their differences and work towards a peaceful resolution 
.
. The TNLA's withdrawal will likely lead to more instability in the region 
. And with the military government still in power, it's hard to see how genuine progress can be made 
. Fingers crossed that it leads to real and lasting change 
, just imagine if all these groups can put aside their differences and start working together towards peace... it's definitely a step in the right direction for Myanmar! The whole world is watching this situation unfold, and I'm sure there'll be many more twists and turns before we get to see what actually happens. 
anyway, i'm not surprised that the chinese are involved - they have a lot at stake in this region 
but still, it's a bit concerning when one country's got so much influence over another's politics 
and what about those rebels? are they just going to sit down and shut up now? 
I'm kinda surprised they agreed on something. Like, the rebels were just trying to take back land and stuff from the govt, but it seems like China came in and helped mediate... 
. But at the same time, I'm worried that the polls are just gonna be some farce to make the gov look good while they keep things under control 
. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 
.
idk what's going on in myanmar but if china can make peace happen then more power to them 
maybe they'll even invest in some ruby mines or something 