The United Wa State Army (UWSA) has deployed its troops into Lashio Town, situated in the northeast of Shan State and serving as the headquarters for the junta’s northeast regional command. The UWSA cited the necessity of safeguarding its interests, including the Wa External Relations Office located in Lashio.

U Nyi Rang, the UWSA’s External Relations Officer, confirmed to SHAN that UWSA forces entered Lashio on the evening of July 27. This move comes amid intense clashes between the junta and the Kokang armed group, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), over control of the town.

According to U Nyi Rang, “UWSA troops entered Lashio on July 27 to protect our External Relations Office and assets. I confirm this report. We had informed both warring parties in advance about our troops’ entry, and with their consent, the operation was conducted smoothly and without incident.”

The Wa External Relations Office is strategically located near the Lashio Police Station and Lashio University. SHAN is currently investigating the specific areas within the town where UWSA troops have been stationed.

U Nyi Rang emphasized that the UWSA intends to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between the junta and MNDAA during its deployment in Lashio. He also expressed the UWSA’s earnest desire for peace throughout Myanmar, including Lashio, as soon as possible.

This deployment follows the MNDAA’s announcement on July 25 that it had commenced taking over the administration of Lashio. The UWSA’s entry into the town was carried out in coordination with both the junta and the MNDAA.

On July 10, more than 2,000 UWSA troops crossed the west bank of the Thanlwin (Salween) River and were deployed in Tangyan Town. Witnesses report that some of these troops continued their journey to Lashio, where the conflict has been particularly severe.

Despite the MNDAA’s claims of full control over Lashio, resistance from some junta battalion bases persists, suggesting that the fighting may continue.

The UWSA’s intervention in Lashio marks the second instance of involvement during ‘Operation 1027,’ a campaign led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State.

The UWSA has also assumed the chairmanship of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC). This committee includes three Brotherhood Alliance member organizations—the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA), and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)—all of which are actively engaged in combat against the junta.