MNDAA launches offensive on TNLA-held Kutkai in northern Shan State

By Admin 14 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

14 March 2026, Kutkai, Northern Shan State

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) reportedly launched an offensive on the morning of March 14 against Kutkai, a strategic town on the China-Myanmar trade route currently controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).

The attack began at around 10:25 a.m., with the MNDAA firing heavy artillery and carrying out drone strikes, according to local sources.

“The MNDAA is firing heavy weapons toward Kutkai from the Mangbein security checkpoint. They also launched drone attacks from Hsenwi targeting the TNLA gate near the rocky hill above Kutkai. Additionally, we can see artillery shells landing inside Kutkai town,” a local source told DMG.

Tensions between the two groups escalated in February following a physical altercation between their troops. The dispute reportedly began after the TNLA objected to the MNDAA installing surveillance cameras (CCTV) within Kutkai.

The Ta'ang Women's Organization said the current situation involves unilateral firing by the MNDAA rather than a two-way exchange of fire, leaving residents in a state of panic.

Local residents said the MNDAA had been reinforcing its forces around Kutkai since around March 10, with both sides closely monitoring each other’s movements.

“Since Kutkai is located on the Mandalay–Muse China trade route, it is highly strategic. However, with the MNDAA attacking a town already controlled by the TNLA, it creates unnecessary and complicated conflicts between revolutionary allies. It would be better if both sides resolved this through negotiation,” an observer of northern Shan affairs said.

Residents also reported that the MNDAA has prohibited vehicle traffic across the Einaing Bridge, which connects Lashio and Namtu.

As of now, neither the MNDAA nor the TNLA has released an official statement regarding the ongoing hostilities.

Both the MNDAA and TNLA are members of the Brotherhood Alliance and previously fought together during Operation 1027 in northern Shan State.