In recent times, there has been a marked escalation of military clashes in northern Myanmar, with government forces suffering successive defeats and high casualties and routs. Among them, the Kokang Allied Army in northern Myanmar successfully captured the 105-yard high ground of Mujie, a strategic location, and the De'ang rebels were about to take full control of the entire territory of De'ang State, indicating that a nationwide civil war in Myanmar was inevitable.
On December 16, the Kokang Allied forces successfully captured the important strategic fortress of Mujie 105 yards. With a large number of permanent fortifications, machine-gun emplacements and artillery positions, this hilltop fort is the commanding height of the Mujie area and has a significant impact on the local war situation.
In this battle, the Kokang Army, together with aerial drones, carried out intensive bombardment of the Burmese government defenders. With the coordination of air-ground strikes, the morale of the Kokang army was high, and they finally broke down the government defense line and completely controlled the entire hilltop position. In addition to seizing the high ground, the Kokang Allied forces also captured a large number of armored vehicles and artillery, including several abandoned armored vehicles and large mortars by government forces. These trophies were of great significance for the subsequent expansion of the Kokang Alliance.
In addition, the Kokang Army also captured a large number of government weapons and equipment on the battlefield, including several armoured vehicles and artillery. This has undoubtedly further strengthened the strength of the rebels.
However, the fighting continues. Government forces used long-range rocket artillery to bombard 105 yards of heights and organize a counteroffensive in the hope of retaking this important powerhouse. The two sides are still fiercely fighting in the Mujie area.
At the same time, the situation in De Aung State in eastern Myanmar is also extremely unfavorable for government forces. After six days of fierce fighting, the rebels successfully captured the town of Nam Son, the capital of De'ang State, which was also the last important stronghold of government forces in De'ang. The Burmese army launched a counterattack after learning that the commanding heights of Mujie had fallen. Fight back by firing a large number of long-range rocket launchers in an attempt to regain the lost vantage point. However, the strong firepower displayed by the Kokang Allied forces after seizing the commanding heights made it difficult for the government forces to counterattack.
Government forces tried to recapture the town of Nam Son in a counteroffensive, and even mobilized helicopters and fighter jets to support the bombing, but with little success. It is foreseeable that with the fall of Nam Son Town, the De'ang armed forces will soon take full control of the entire territory of De'ang State. Faced with an unfavorable situation, the Burmese government forces unexpectedly decided to use prisoner soldiers. Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing ordered a prisoner corps consisting of deserters, criminal soldiers, prison felons, and death row prisoners to be sent to the front to fight. This decision has sparked controversy in the international community, as such practices are rarely seen in modern warfare.
Unlike Russia and Ukraine, where prison prisoners are used to recruit the military, the Burmese government army recruits the most vicious prisoners, rather than volunteering to join the army. This has raised concerns among human rights organizations and the international community that such practices violate fundamental human rights principles.
The various defeats have collapsed the morale and morale of the Burmese army, and a large number of officers and soldiers have deserted and surrendered. In order to reverse the situation, Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of the government army, did not hesitate to recruit felons and death row prisoners from prisons to form "death squads" and go to the front.
This is different from the Russian "Wagner" mercenaries, who are voluntarily recruited from prison and are well paid and have their sentences reduced. The Burmese army directly forcibly recruited prisoners to serve as cannon fodder. When this group of prisoners came into the field, their first thought was to flee for their lives instead of fighting, and they were powerless to change the rout.
Today, the Burmese government army has 350,000 troops, and less than 100,000 troops are available. The main force is seriously short of personnel and has already been "defeated like a mountain," and it is difficult to avoid the situation in which civil strife escalates into a nationwide civil war.
Despite the victory of the Kokang Allied forces in the battle of Lao Cai and the seizure of the high ground, the armed conflict in northern Myanmar has not yet come to an end. The government army suffered setbacks on all fronts, and incidents of desertion and surrender occurred frequently, which led to the disintegration of the military morale. The victory of the Kokang Alliance will affect the political landscape in northern Myanmar. The evolving situation could have far-reaching implications for the entire country, bringing about new political changes in Myanmar.
With the international community's concern about the situation in Myanmar and the intensification of sanctions, it is expected that all parties will be promoted to resolve the conflict through dialogue and bring peace to Myanmar. The attention of the international community will also prompt government forces to act more cautiously.
Western sanctions and interference have also made the political situation in Myanmar worse. On December 11, the European Union expanded its sanctions list against Myanmar to include a number of senior government officials and military companies. This has further strengthened the Burmese people's dissatisfaction with the West and their awareness of natural enemies, and contributed to the escalation of the internal conflict.
To sum up, the Burmese government army has suffered successive defeats on many fronts, the main force is seriously understaffed, and morale has collapsed. At the same time, the Kokang Allied Army and the De'ang Armed Forces also made significant progress and increased their strength. Coupled with the negative impact of Western sanctions intervention, the possibility of a large-scale civil war across Myanmar is increasing.
Looking ahead, it will be difficult for all armed forces in Myanmar to defeat each other in a short period of time, and the strength of both sides will be strengthened. As a result, Myanmar is likely to be plunged into a protracted warlord war, with many parts of the country in protracted turmoil. In order to truly stabilize the situation, I am afraid that all parties will need to find a political solution around the negotiating table.
The development of the war situation in northern Myanmar has attracted wide attention from the international community. The victory of the Kokang coalition and the plight of government forces further complicate the situation in Myanmar. The use of prisoner soldiers by government forces has provoked a strong response from the international community, while international sanctions have exacerbated the government's diplomatic dilemma. Myanmar is faced with the important task of resolving armed conflicts and safeguarding national unity, and all parties need to work together to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation to achieve peace and stability.