Monthly Conflict Update — December 2023

Key Events

• The TNLA successfully captured the townships of Namhkam, Namhsan, Manton, and Namtu in Northern Shan State, taking control of the Palaung Self-Administered Zone.
• China sponsored two rounds of ceasefire negotiations in Kunming (December 7–9 and 22–24) between the SAC and the Northern Brotherhood Alliance, though fighting resumed shortly after each session.
• The Arakan Army (AA) escalated operations in Rakhine and Southern Chin states, capturing the strategic Tronai and Nounbuu military camps near the Indian border.
• A major fuel shortage paralyzed cities like Yangon and Mandalay in early December due to the SAC's lack of US dollars for petroleum imports.
• In Sagaing Region, military forces burned 120 homes in Nyaungpinte village and killed civilians, including two children, via artillery fire in Kolin.