Myanmar labels MNDAA, TNLA, and Arakan Army as terrorist groups

On September 2, the Myanmar military officially designated three ethnic armed groups—the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Arakan Army—as terrorist organizations. This classification prohibits any form of contact or membership with these groups under the Anti-Terror Law. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that engaging with these groups constitutes an act of terrorism. These armed groups have formed the Three Brotherhood Alliance and have been actively involved in military offensives against the ruling military junta, which seized power in February 2021. Their operations have gained traction in northern and western Myanmar, particularly in areas bordering China and Thailand, as well as in Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army reportedly controls territory inhabited by around one million people. In response to the military's actions, the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), composed of civilians opposing the junta, have also made significant advances, particularly in the central Mandalay region. The PDFs were established by the National Unity Government (NUG), which was formed by ousted politicians and activists following the coup. The NUG itself has been labeled a terrorist organization by the military. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with local monitoring groups reporting over 5,599 deaths and more than 20,000 individuals imprisoned since the coup. The situation remains tense as both the military and the ethnic armed groups continue to engage in violent confrontations, further complicating the political landscape in Myanmar.