Fighting erupts on new fronts in Myanmar.

Myanmar's military junta is facing its biggest challenge since coming to power after the 2021 coup, with three ethnic minority groups launching a coordinated offensive in late October, seizing several towns and military outposts.

Fighters of the National Liberation Army rebels stand guard at a checkpoint in the town of Namhkam, northern Shan State, on November 10. Photo: AFP

One of the three insurgent groups is the Arakan Army (AA), which is fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine State in western Myanmar. They have seized outposts in the Rathedaung and Minbya areas, about 200 km apart, according to AA spokesman Khine Thu Kha.

A resident of Rathedaung said gunfire was heard before dawn on Monday, followed by hours of shelling, with Myanmar troops blocking access to the area and reinforcing administrative buildings.

According to an Indian official and two sources familiar with the attack, fighting also broke out in Chin state, bordering India, when insurgents attacked two Myanmar military camps.

James Lalrinchhana, deputy commissioner of a district on the Myanmar border, said that around 5,000 people from Myanmar have crossed into India's Mizoram state seeking refuge from the fighting.

Chin State, which had been largely peaceful for many years, witnessed fierce fighting following the 2021 coup, with thousands of residents taking up arms against the military government.

The coordinated attack against the government, launched on October 27 in Shan State in northeastern Myanmar, targeted several towns and more than 100 military outposts near the border with China.

Attacks on urban centers also occurred in the Sagaing and Shan states, while conflict in neighboring Kayah state led to a fighter jet crash on Saturday. Rebels said they shot down the plane, while the military said it suffered a technical malfunction.

Richard Horsey, a Myanmar expert at the Crisis Research Foundation, said the Myanmar military has combat experience in Rakhine State but could still face difficulties because the enemy knows of weaknesses in many areas.

He said, "If the fighting continues, it will open a serious new front for the Myanmar military junta, which is already under considerable pressure… It will be difficult for them to focus their efforts on all fronts."

Hoang Anh (according to AFP, GM, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/giao-tranh-tren-cac-mat-tran-moi-o-myanmar-hang-nghin-nguoi-bo-chay-sang-an-do-post272320.html