Local residents and military sources have confirmed that the military council is conducting intense offensive operations with multiple columns targeting Naung Cho town in northern Shan State, which is currently under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The military council forces are advancing from multiple directions, including from Kan Gyi village in the Taung Khan region, from Pyin Oo Lwin’s Ban Bwe area, and from the Naung Cho Gyi area of Taung Khan region, with reinforced troops conducting daily attacks. However, TNLA and allied forces have been mounting resistance, forcing the military council troops to retreat in some instances.
Within Naung Cho Township, when TNLA and revolutionary forces counter-attacked from their defensive positions, the military council forces were forced to withdraw and are now attempting to regroup with reinforcements and resupply ammunition for renewed offensives. Local sources indicate that the military council is specifically focusing on recapturing Naung Cho town at any cost. On June 16, intense fighting broke out between military council forces and TNLA in Um Htee and Yay Maung Tan villages in Naung Cho Township, during which the military council fired 9 artillery shells and launched 26 drone-dropped bombs, according to TNLA’s statement.
Additionally, the military council fired three artillery shells at Let Pan Kone village despite no active fighting in the area. On June 15, during clashes at Let Pan Kone, Um Htee, and Yay Maung Tan villages, the military council employed 9 artillery shells, 37 poison gas bombs, and 35 conventional bombs dropped by drones. Military analysts suggest that since Naung Cho is the closest town to Pyin Oo Lwin, the military council is intensifying its attacks to prevent any potential threats to Pyin Oo Lwin city.
Despite the military council’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire throughout June due to earthquake concerns, they continue to conduct daily offensive operations and attacks in Naung Cho, effectively violating their own ceasefire declaration, according to local residents and TNLA statements. Military experts assess that if TNLA gains control of Naung Cho town and the Taung Khan region, the military council might need to relocate their Defense Services Academy and Defense Services Technological Academy from Pyin Oo Lwin. Therefore, the military council’s offensive is seen more as an attempt to protect their prestige rather than territorial control.
