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Amid mounting pressure from Beijing, a powerful rebel army in northern Myanmar is preparing to withdraw from the conflict-hit city of Lashio by April 22, residents in rebel-held territory told Radio Free Asia.
The withdrawal by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, follows a high-level meeting earlier this month between representatives of the Chinese government, Myanmar’s military junta, and MNDAA leaders.
Sources close to the group say the move is part of ongoing peace negotiations being brokered by China in Kunming, which has hosted several unsuccessful ceasefire attempts.
“Everyone is waiting for April 22,” said one resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons. “Some ward offices have already been cleared out, and the rest are set to close by April 17 and 18.”
Although the MNDAA has made no public announcement, residents say only its communications office and police force will remain in Lashio. The rest of its departments, personnel, vehicles, and equipment are being relocated to Laukkiang and Hsenwi.
“Everything regarding the army has been removed,” said one local.
Despite the retreat, MNDAA troops are expected to stay stationed just five kilometers outside the city.
The MNDAA, a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance alongside the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, has fought for autonomy and territorial control since the 2021 military coup ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy government.
Lashio was captured by MNDAA forces in August 2024 during Operation 1027, a joint campaign with the alliance.
Their occupation has drawn intense junta retaliation, including frequent airstrikes and devastation from the March 28 earthquake, reducing swathes of the city to rubble.
While some residents have criticized the MNDAA’s decision to pull out, others believe it is a tactical move to minimize civilian casualties in the heavily disputed area.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang.