[Tee tiong huat]

KNU ‘Ready to Work With China, Bangkok’ to Rid Thai Border of Crime. The Irrawaddy JANUARY 2, 2024
The Shan ethnic armed group’s New Year’s vow comes as Chinese crime syndicates being pushed out of Shan State will try moving to Thai border. As Myammar jet fighter carried out atleast two airstrikes on Namtu Town northern Shan State after seized by Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) this morning following a four-day battle, according to local residents.

The town was the fifth captured by TNLA in Palaung Self-Administered Zone since the launch of Operation 1027 two months ago by the Brotherhood Alliance, the TNLA and residents said. 

Namtu town is strategically located about 40 miles east of the junta administrative capital Lashio and about 40 miles south of Hsipaw Town in northern Shan State.  Residents say the town had been a major defensive position for Lashio. TNLA troops had overrun at least four junta bases, admin offices & police station in Namtu Town in territory under ethnic army’s Brigade 4, (Thurs), they also captured large cache of weapons  & ammunition, including a howitzer, TNLA began attacking junta outposts in Namtu Township on Dec. 25.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/mya...iance.html