CNI News
May 16, 2026
Information from northern Shan State residents indicates that rumors are circulating that the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) will have to withdraw from Namhkam Township in northern Shan State.
Currently, Namhkam Township is under the control of the Ta'ang forces (TNLA). However, local residents reported that Kokang forces (MNDAA) have entered the town and hoisted their flag.
Furthermore, a political analyst from northern Shan State told CNI News that rumors suggest these groups will have to withdraw from the territories they captured and controlled during Operation 1027—including Namhkam—and will only be allowed ownership up to their previously designated Self-Administered Zones and Special Regions.
The analyst stated:
"According to the news coming out of Namhkam right now, it is worse than the issue of rare earth mining. The Kokang forces are already closing in on Namhkam. We are hearing that the TNLA will soon have to withdraw from Namhkam. Additionally, we hear that the Kokang forces will also have to withdraw back to their original territory, Special Region 1. It remains to be seen what will happen next."
The entrance to Namhkam Town.
Under the 2008 Constitution, Konkyan and Laukkai townships in northern Shan State are designated as the Kokang Self-Administered Zone. Similarly, Namsang and Mantong townships are designated as the Palaung (Ta'ang) Self-Administered Zone.
However, during Operation 1027, which began on October 27, 2023, the TNLA and MNDAA attacked and took control of nearly all townships in northern Shan State. Subsequently, with China's assistance, the MNDAA handed Lashio back to the Military, while the Military launched an offensive against the TNLA and regained control of Kyaukme and Naungcho.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that China currently wishes to reopen border trade, which is likely why it is pressuring the MNDAA and TNLA to withdraw from townships along the border trade route, including Namhkam.
The MNDAA leader reading a book by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He stated:
"Townships like Kunlong, Hopang, Namhkam, Hsenwi, and Kutkai have historically been Shan regions continuously since the King Anawrahta era. There are provisions for this in the Constitution. This [occupation by MNDAA or TNLA] is unacceptable both historically and constitutionally. Therefore, even if a government were to permit it, it would lead to resentment among nationalist groups. No public would accept it. So, if China wants to conduct trade, the people of Myanmar would rather starve from a lack of trade than accept not getting this territory back. They will not tolerate this point. It appears China has realized this after it was widely spoken about. That is why China seems to be pressuring everyone, including the MNDAA and TNLA, in order to reopen this trade route."
Reports have also emerged that the Ta'ang forces (TNLA) met for talks with General Ko Ko Oo, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy, Air), in Kunming, China, on May 12 and 13, 2026. Following this, meetings are reportedly scheduled to continue with the Kokang forces (MNDAA) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
