CNI News
3 December 2025
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has accumulated weapons debt amounting to more than one billion US dollars, according to its General Secretary, Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw, who wrote on his Facebook page on the night of December 1, 2025.
In June 2025, during Operation 1027, the TNLA captured Mogok City from the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw).
Later, on November 29, 2025, under China’s mediation, the group handed Mogok back to the Myanmar military — a move that drew criticism.
In response to that criticism, Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw posted under the title “The Mogok Tiga.”
Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw wrote: “Since thousands of years ago, the Ta’ang people have lived in Mogok (Mogu—‘the shining ruby’). We have always intended for Mogok to return to the hands of the Ta’ang people. But now, it feels like receiving a piece of cake only to have it knocked out of your hands before you can eat it. It is heartbreaking.
But I believe those who continue to strive will eventually see results. To those who said that we are betrays, I want them to reassess the revolution carefully and hold on to the true realities.”
He continued: “The Spring Revolution was supported with the best resources we had, accumulated over more than 10 years. We fed, trained, and built up the fighters who raised the three-finger salute.Within 3–4 years, we provided manpower in the thousands.Now we are burdened with weapons debt exceeding a billion US dollars.”
The TNLA did not specify to which armed organization it owes this large weapons debt.
However, other armed groups say that the TNLA’s weapons debt is owed to the UWSA (United Wa State Army).
Major General Tar Bhone Kyaw further stated that:“We threw ourselves headfirst at the wall of dictatorship.Our foreheads were blood-red and we nearly died.When the Bamar called D Day, we could not join them, but we tried to keep up with our momentum.When we actually carried out Operation 1027, no real D-Day came from them.In the end, we were left alone, and even our own relatives in the villages suffered airstrikes.”
He continued:“Our hearts ache.We have no ammunition, no budget, and there is in the decrease of people to die.So we had to give up Mogok and Momauk and agree to a ceasefire.The struggle is not over yet, but the insults are overwhelming.Oh dear… Those whom we fed and raised into capable people — I want to see whether they can retake Mogok.Lash out at us after taking a rest and fight against the military dictator after taking a rest.For revolutionaries, our doors remain open.If needed, come and take shelter.”
The TNLA launched Operation 1027 jointly with allied forces on October 27, 2023, and began the second phase in June 2024.
Although the group captured 12 townships, from June 2025 onward the Myanmar military gradually regained control over Naungcho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok, Momauk, and other areas.
