MNDAA Captures Laukkai — Kokang Capital Falls

On January 5, 2024, MNDAA forces captured Laukkai, the capital of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone (a major Chinese-majority area in northern Shan State). The fall of Laukkai was a major symbolic and strategic blow to the SAC, as it represented the junta's complete loss of control over an entire sub-region. MNDAA released thousands of online scam compound victims — a major issue that had drawn Chinese diplomatic attention. China negotiated a temporary ceasefire shortly after.