Myanmar rebels say surrounded notorious scam town

A member of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army takes sentry duty in a sentry post near the flagpole that flew the MNDAA's flag at the border trading gate in Chinshwehaw town, Myanmar, on Oct 29, 2023. — AP

YANGON (AFP): Fighters from a Myanmar ethnic minority said Tuesday (Nov 14) they had surrounded a town controlled by pro-military militia near the China border where hundreds of foreigners are feared to be held working in online scam compounds.

Fighting has raged across Myanmar's northern Shan state for more than two weeks after an alliance of ethnic minority groups launched a surprise offensive against the military.