The Mandalay People’s Defense Force (MDY-PDF) and the rebel forces are now returning to the gold fields in Thabeikkyin and Sint Khun. Some miners say they are producing at least a pound of gold per week.
The MDY-PDF took control of these areas during the second phase of Operation 1027, also known as the Shan-Mann Operation. The MDY-PDF is understood to be backed by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), one of the three northern factions, and is particularly armed.
Sources familiar with the situation on the ground say that most of the large gold fields in these areas are controlled by the MDY-PDF, and the profits are shared between the MDY-PDF and the TNLA.
Since the three groups under the NUG’s control also partially control this area, how is the distribution of the region’s resources among the rebel groups?
