CNI News

March 17, 2026

A spokesperson for the Ta'ang Women's Organization (TWO) told CNI News that while leaders from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) offered to negotiate, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) refused to meet.

She stated that an answer will likely only emerge if the leaders of the respective forces speak with one another at this time.

She said, "Leaders from the TNLA side reached out to negotiate with the military leaders on the other side. However, the leaders from the other side refused to meet. If they do not agree to negotiate, there are no other ways to find a path forward. I believe that if the leaders speak now, a solution will emerge. Currently, people are trapped in Kutkai and cannot leave yet. It is difficult for food and supplies to enter, and it is equally difficult for people to get out. Even for providing food and rations, the routes are impassable. Since the fighting hasn't ended, various routes in Kutkai are blocked. No one dares to travel—neither drivers nor the public. With the sound of drones and heavy artillery, everyone is in a state of anxiety. That is why they are trapped inside the town and cannot leave. There have also been civilian casualties."

Senior leadership of the MNDAA.

Tensions between the grassroots troops began on February 13, 2026, when TNLA members blocked MNDAA troops from installing CCTV surveillance cameras in Kutkai, northern Shan State. Regarding that incident, the MNDAA released a statement claiming that TNLA members raided and beat personnel at MNDAA administrative offices in Kutkai district on February 13, injuring some Kokang members. They also alleged that the TNLA has been conducting forced recruitment in the region and claimed that they reached out five times to resolve the recent conflicts, but were rejected.

From these tensions, the situation has escalated to the level of active combat between the TNLA and the MNDAA in the Kutkai township of northern Shan State. Following Operation 1027, the TNLA had controlled Kutkai, but it is reported that intense fighting broke out after the MNDAA began attacking on the morning of March 14. The MNDAA has been seizing TNLA camps, including those in the town area as well as Namphatka, Kyin San Kyawt, Tarmoenye, and Mong Si.

Dr. Hla Kyaw Zaw, an observer of China-Myanmar affairs, told CNI News that the MNDAA is likely focusing primarily on retaking Kutkai and will probably stop once they have secured the town.

Lieutenant General Tar Jock Jar of the TNLA.

She stated, "I think the MNDAA is focusing solely on getting Kutkai. Once they have it, I think they will stop. I haven't heard the TNLA say they will fight back; they seem to be talking about negotiating instead. They are speaking quite flexibly. So, it looks like they will eventually negotiate among themselves. Another thing I noticed is that a high-ranking Chinese official in charge of Myanmar affairs is currently in Nay Pyi Taw. I believe they will discuss a ceasefire. I don't think it will get too severe based on the TNLA's tone. Also, while the MNDAA is attacking with drones, I haven't heard of their ground troops being fully involved in the assault. Their strategy seems to be strictly focused on retaking Kutkai. The TNLA's strength has decreased significantly; they haven't been able to replenish their forces or finances since their operations. Early on during Operation 1027, it was the MNDAA that reinforced them. Therefore, I don't think this will escalate into a major war. There might be some clashes at the grassroots level, but it won't reach the stage of a full-scale battle."

Although the Kokang Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang Army (TNLA), and the Arakkha Army (AA) are formed as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, territorial disputes and frequent friction between the MNDAA and TNLA continue to occur in northern Shan State. Currently, local sources report that while the MNDAA has taken positions at TNLA camp sites in Kutkai, the town remains silent with no pedestrians, and residents are trapped inside, unable to leave.