In northern Myanmar, the combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army, the Kokang Alliance, the Karen National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army have recently achieved significant results, marking a significant change in the conflict situation.
The combination, known as the Northern Alliance, has made substantial progress in the fight against the Burmese army, seized key strategic points and had a profound impact on the course of the conflict. Recently, the Northern Alliance managed to capture the South Zaral Fortress, a key point consisting of three large pillboxes guarded by the 567th and 568th battalions of the Burmese army. This stronghold was equipped with a variety of heavy **, and conquering it became a major military achievement. In the area of the South Zaral Fortress, one of the most striking trophies of the Kokang Alliance was two Israeli-made M845P 155mm howitzers.
The purchase marks the first time since the start of the communist insurgency in the 1960s that the Kokang coalition and other northern Burmese forces have received such heavy artillery. These howitzers changed the situation on the battlefield. They can conduct high-angle and direct-fire fire, combining the characteristics of a cannon and a mortar. With the adjustment of different charges, they are excellent in range and effectiveness. In particular, 155-mm howitzers, which are widely used in modern armies due to their versatility and great destructive power. The Kokang Alliance also currently has 82mm mortars and drone-carried small bombs in its current arsenal, which are of limited effectiveness when breaking through fortified structures such as concrete buildings.
However, with the addition of 155-mm howitzers, they are now able to penetrate and destroy enemy fortified positions with large-caliber, high-impact shells. In addition, the procurement of BTR-3U armored vehicles further strengthens the tactical capabilities of the Northern Alliance. Armed with 30-mm guns, these vehicles provided effective fire support in urban battles and were able to effectively suppress enemy positions. The next strategic goal for the Northern Alliance seems to be to purchase automatic grenade launchers, paired with drone guidance, which could become precision strikes**.
This would allow them to precisely target the moving Burmese army, further turning the tide of the war in their favor. Recent events have shown that the dynamics of the conflict are changing rapidly. After the Burmese army shelled the Mujie border area of the Golden Triangle and caused significant damage, the Northern Alliance quickly retaliated and took control of this important hub. As a result, they now effectively control four major border crossings: Mujie in the Golden Triangle, Ruilihe, Bangsai and Mongolia. Although the Burmese army tried to counterattack the area around Llaugay and Mujie with air strikes, it proved to be ineffective against the advancing forces of the Northern Alliance. The Northern Coalition captured important locations such as Dong Son and Monkey Cave, significantly weakening the Burmese army's defenses.
The Northern Alliance not only gained military benefits, they took control of the main ** ports and population centers in the region, and now they have a solid economic base. With the best revenues at border crossings and its own military power, the Northern Alliance is expected to become an important force in the region. The shifting dynamics of the conflict in northern Myanmar illustrate the complexity of the interplay between military strategy, economic resources, and geopolitics. The Northern Alliance's recent victory, which demonstrates its growing ability to challenge the Myanmar military's dominance in the region, signals a potentially significant shift in the balance of power in a long-running conflict.