Clashes Break Out Between MNDAA and TNLA in Kutkai

Fighting broke out on March 14 in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, after the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) attacked Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) positions, according to local residents.

Sources said MNDAA used artillery and drones to strike TNLA camps, triggering exchanges of fire between the two sides. Vehicles heading toward Kutkai reportedly turned back toward Lashio as the fighting intensified.

Kutkai is one of the towns captured during Operation 1027 by northern alliance forces. Both MNDAA and TNLA had been jointly running administrative operations in the area. However, tensions escalated earlier this year after disputes over administrative control, including MNDAA’s plan to install CCTV cameras in the town.

The dispute led to arrests and office closures by both sides, worsening relations and eventually escalating into armed confrontation.

Local media reports say MNDAA troops have advanced toward Kutkai town and fighting is ongoing. There are also reports that MNDAA detained TNLA members at a joint-controlled border gate in Muse.

In a statement released on March 14, MNDAA accused TNLA of initiating earlier attacks on its administrative offices in February and said its forces were responding in self-defense after TNLA ambushed a routine MNDAA patrol.