Following the military coup, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the Communist Party of Burma has re-emerged alongside the people’s Spring Revolution. While the PLA has been active in the Sagaing region since the beginning of the Spring Revolution, it has now strengthened its organization and is conducting military operations in the upper region, achieving successes including shooting down a military council jet fighter.
PLA General Secretary Comrade Ni Ni Kyaw stated that their group is operating in Pale, Kantaung area, and more than 10 townships in Sagaing Region including Tanze and Khin-U. They are also engaged in battles in Tanintharyi Region, Momeik, Twinngye, Mogok, and along the Kyaukse road. In the Mogok strategic battles, they are cooperating with Mandalay PDF and TNLA forces. The PLA began its first training batch in Laiza on March 15, 2021, continuing through batches 3 and 4. They then organized the trainees into a commando unit and began deploying to the Sagaing region before the end of 2021. With local support and assistance, they established a foothold and gradually increased their strength.
The PLA has demonstrated its commitment to working with the people, treating civilians with respect and helping with agricultural work during planting and harvest seasons. This approach has earned them strong public support and trust. After initial operations in Sagaing, their forces regrouped and received training and weapons in Kokang territory, participating in Operation 1027. This has enabled them to return to Sagaing with increased military capabilities and engage in the Kantaung offensive. Throughout their operations, they have maintained close cooperation with various revolutionary forces while building strong relationships with local communities.
