Myanmar military labels major ethnic armed groups as 'Terrorist' organizations
The Myanmar military has designated three major ethnic armed groups that have advanced across swaths of northern and western Myanmar over the past year as 'terrorist' groups.
This designation, announced on September 2, includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army, as reported by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar on Wednesday.
Under Myanmar’s Anti-Terror Law, it is illegal to be a member of or have any contact with groups labeled as "terrorist" organizations.
'Those who contact these terrorists are also committing terror acts,' stated Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who leads the military’s State Administration Council (SAC).
The three armed groups, known collectively as the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a significant offensive late last year, intensifying efforts to overthrow the military leaders who seized power in the February 2021 coup.
These groups have made advances in regions bordering China and Thailand, as well as in the far western Rakhine State. According to conflict research firm Crisis Group, as of the end of August, the Arakan Army appeared to control territory with a population of about one million people in Rakhine.
In addition, the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), which consist of civilians who have taken up arms against the military, have made significant progress in the central Mandalay region. The PDFs were established in 2021 by the National Unity Government (NUG), which is composed of elected politicians and activists, following the military's violent crackdown on mass protests.
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