Myanmar Says Ethnic Army Attacks Were ‘Acts of Terrorism’ That Hurt Peace Talks
The Myanmar government on Friday strongly condemned attacks by three ethnic rebel armies that left 15 security officers and civilians dead in the Mandalay region and neighboring northern Shan state, calling them “acts of terrorism” that could thwart the country’s teetering peace process.
An alliance comprising the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) launched coordinated attacks early Thursday on five sites in two areas, including a military academy in Mandalay’s Pyin Oo Lwin township, police checkpoints, and a bridge in Shan state’s Nawngkhio township.
“These incidents are apparent acts of terrorism,” President’s Office spokesman Zaw Htay told reporters in Naypyidaw. “They attacked civilian targets and intentionally destroyed the checkpoint facilities for narcotic drugs.”
