Many of Mone Tine’s fighters received combat training from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic minority armed group that has long battled the military for more autonomy.Ethnic armed groups in northern Kachin and eastern Karen states have also taken in PDF fighters for training.Few expect that the PDF groups can topple a military that has run Myanmar for much of the country’s 70 plus years of independence.But their various alliances with the ethnic armed groups, some of which have fought central authorities for decades, have undoubtedly shaken the junta.In October Mandalay PDF fighters joined a months-long offensive by an ethnic rebel alliance that led to the opposition forces gaining swathes of territory in northern Shan state.Analysts say that offensive has left the junta at its weakest since it seized power.On the front lines in Shan state, “Sugar,” 33, — a pseudonym — said there was no turning back for his comrades in the Mandalay PDF.”Our battlefield experiences have made us into different soldiers. We are learning from fighting and fighting while learning,” he said.”We know we have to sacrifice. We have adapted ourselves and have no more fears.”
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