July 25, 2024

The Kokang Army (MNDAA) has announced this morning the successful capture of the Northeastern Regional Military Headquarters in Lashio, Northern Shan State, declaring Lashio as fully liberated territory.

The Northeastern Regional Military Headquarters is one of the 14 military headquarters of the junta and is the first to be captured by ethnic armed groups.

“After 23 days of intense fighting, the MNDAA forces have successfully captured the Northeastern Regional Military Headquarters in Lashio at 4:00 AM on July 25. Lashio is now fully liberated,” stated the MNDAA’s frontline command. “The liberation of Lashio is a historic victory for the revolutionary movement.”

The battle to liberate Lashio commenced on July 3, with the Kokang Army and their allied forces launching coordinated attacks. The successful capture of the city and the regional military headquarters marks a significant milestone for the ethnic armed groups in their fight against the junta.

This victory represents the first time that ethnic armed groups have managed to capture one of the junta’s regional military headquarters, highlighting the strategic and symbolic importance of this achievement.