CNI News
19 July 2025

The Legal Aid Network (LAN) pointed out the reasons why the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) had to retreat from Naungcho and Taung Kham battles on July 18, 2025.

The reasons why the TNLA had to retreat from Naungcho and Taung Kham battles was (a) because ethnic alliances and PDFs' involvement in fighting with the TNLA  significantly decreased and (b) because the TNLA  designated the territories and towns it and its allies had captured as its own and established administration and invited long-term investments, pointed out the LAN.

In addition, (c) the TNLA did not achieve the effective support of the local people. And (d) the SAC not only used superior strength but also maximized its weapons capabilities.

Therefore, the Legal Aid Network pointed out that if the conditions in (a), (b), and (c) could be changed, adopted, and implemented as soon as possible politically, the condition (d) could be effectively eliminated.

The Myanmar Tatmadaw regained full control of TNLA-controlled Naungcho on July 16, 2025, and is continuing to pressure and attack TNLA-controlled areas such as Kyaukme, Mogok, Mong Ngor, and Hsipaw.

The TNLA has been holding talks with the Myanmar Tatmadaw in order to establish Palaung State after controlling areas such as Nam Kham, Man Tong, Nam San, Kutkai, Thibaw, Kyaukme, Naungcho, Mong Ngor, Namtu, Momeik, Mabein, and Mogok during Operation 1027.

“The TNLA has the right to implementation in order to achieve Palaung State they envision.  In implementing this, it needs to recognize the political rights and historical identities of other ethnic groups. The Ta'ang region is still legally part of Shan State. It is not yet recognized as a separate state. Therefore, the TNLA should consult with the main political and military forces in Shan State regarding the administration of all towns and villages it attacked and has seized (even temporarily),” said the LAN.

Locals say that Chinese businessmen are leaving Mogok, which is currently controlled by the TNLA. Similarly, fighting is also taking place between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the TNLA in Kyaukme Township.