Myanmar resistance captures strategic town near Mandalay 

Leaders of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the People's Defense Army (Mandalay) in Nawnghkio, July 10, 2024. (Chief of Staff, People's Defense Army - Mandalay) A PDF (Mandalay) spokesperson emphasized to VOA the strategic value of capturing Nawnghkio. The PDF (Mandalay) is one of several armed groups formed by Myanmar's shadow government, which hopes to restore democratic rule in the country. Weapons seized by coordinated forces of the People's Defense Army (Mandalay) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army from the junta's military bases in Nawnghkio, July 10, 2024. (Chief of Staff, People's Defense Army - Mandalay) A group of soldiers from the People's Defense Army (Mandalay) are pictured with an anti-aircraft gun they seized from the junta's military base in Ingyin Myaing, near Mandalay, July 10, 2024. (Chief of Staff, People's Defense Army - Mandalay)

Anti-junta forces captured a vital town near Myanmar's heartland this week, bolstering their position against the military junta. The offensive, in northern Shan state, involved a coordinated effort by various resistance groups, including the People’s Defense Forces (Mandalay) and the Three Brotherhood Alliance.