MNDAA Blocks Vehicles and Passenger Traffic at Inai Bridge Between Lashio and Namtu

Travelers report that the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has restricted Ta’ang people from traveling in Hsenwi Township, an area currently under the group’s control.

As of today, February 27, the Lashio-Inai road has been blocked once again for both passenger transport and commercial goods vehicles, according to the travelers. 

“They keep saying it’s closed or not yet open, making it a huge hassle for us to wait in line. It feels arbitrary—sometimes if you’re close to them or if the car is right, they let you through. We are even willing to pay if that’s what they want, just to be able to pass,” said a local resident who experienced the delays firsthand.

A fuel truck driver told the Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) that since February 20, strict inspections have been carried out at the Inai Bridge outside Lashio. Fuel and coal trucks have been specifically prohibited from crossing.

“The blockade started at Inai Bridge. While the soldiers didn’t say much, the police were the ones stopping us. They asked about our trucks, and when we said it was fuel, they consulted with their superior nearby and then ordered us to turn back. We were told no fuel trucks have been allowed through since we arrived,” the driver explained.

Similarly, on February 23, trucks carrying coal from the Hsipaw side were also reportedly blocked.

A woman from Kutkai traveling toward Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) territory added that trucks carrying food and rice were forced to turn back at the foot of Loi Samsit (Thirty Mountains), even though they had passed the Yaypu Gate.

“I saw them turn back a rice truck right in front of us. Even though they had a pass from the Yaypu Gate, they were stopped after passing Manpaing. It seems inconsistent. I didn’t see them questioning ethnicity directly, but they were strictly blocking any trucks carrying goods,” she said.

While the MNDAA and TNLA remain allies within the Three Brotherhood Alliance—even jointly celebrating Chinese New Year in the Muse 105-mile trade zone—tensions in Hsenwi and Kutkai have recently led to reports of arrests and physical altercations.

However, at the time of reporting, the Inai Bridge road outside Lashio has reportedly been reopened to both small and large vehicles.