On 14 March 2025, in Thea Khaw village (Nawnghkio township, Kyaukme district, Shan-North state), fighting broke out between the Myanmar military and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). A member of TNLA claimed that during the armed clash, the military conducted airstrikes and dropped poison gas bombs. Casualties unknown.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 14, 2025, armed clashes occurred between government forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in the Naungkio area of northern Shan State, Myanmar. Claims have been raised that government forces used airstrikes and poison gas bombs, but the exact scale of damage has not been confirmed. This is a medium-grade security incident demonstrating the continued instability in Myanmar's northeastern region.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Northern Shan State is a Myanmar-China border region serving as a major transit point for overland trade routes between the two countries, with armed clashes potentially causing temporary disruptions to regional transportation networks
• Localized impact expected on the distribution of agricultural products (rice, tea leaves) and forest products produced in Myanmar's northeastern region
• As China-Myanmar energy pipelines and logistics infrastructure pass through nearby areas, possibility of increased energy supply-chain risks if conflict spreads
• Concerns over security constraints on mineral resource (jade, gemstone) mining and transportation activities within the region

3) Watch points

• Need to track whether additional engagements occur between TNLA and government forces and the scope of conflict area expansion
• Required monitoring of traffic restriction measures and logistics delay status on major transportation routes between Naungkio and Mandalay