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Insurgent forces say they've taken control of central Myanmar's Mogoke

The last 4 junta camps in the gem-mining center fell on Wednesday, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.24 -- Insurgent forces in Myanmar's Mandalay region have captured the gem-mining town of Mogoke from military junta forces, a Ta'ang National Liberation Army spokeswoman told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.

The TNLA is part of an alliance of three ethnic minority insurgent forces that ended a five-month ceasefire on June 25 following weeks of junta aerial attacks.

Since then, the group has been fighting for territory in Mogoke and in Shan state's Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Mongmit and Hsipaw townships.

The TNLA captured the west of Mogoke town on July 16, and has been fighting for control of the east since July 18.

On Wednesday, TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo confirmed to RFA that the TNLA and its allied forces have seized control of the last four military junta camps in Mogoke.

"We have completed the occupation today," she said.

Control of Mogoke allows the insurgents to effectively isolate Mongmit, which is just 45 km (27 miles) away.

The military junta has yet to issue any statements about the capture of Mogoke by TNLA and its allies. Attempts to reach the Mandalay region's junta spokesperson on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

Elsewhere, clashes between the junta forces and TNLA allies are reported to be intense in Mongmit and Nawnghkio townships. TNLA captured Nawnghkio town on July 10.

The alliance of the three ethnic minority insurgent forces - known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance - launched an offensive last October, codenamed Operation 1027, that pushed back junta forces in several regions, including along northeastern Myanmar's border with China.

Insurgent forces in other parts of the country have stepped up their attacks since then too, posing the biggest challenge the military has faced in years of conflict.

Translated by Thane Aung. Edited by Matt Reed.

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