Myanmar junta claims recapture of gold mining hub

YANGON, July 24 (AFP): Myanmar's junta claimed on Thursday to have ousted anti-coup rebels from a gold mining hub after a year-long battle, its second declared recapture of a key town in a week.

A civil war has consumed Myanmar since a 2021 coup deposed the civilian government, with the military battling a myriad of pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic armed organisations.

Scattered anti-coup forces initially struggled to make headway, but won a string of stunning victories -- mostly in the north -- when many banded together for a coordinated offensive starting late 2023.

This year, the junta's China- and Russia-backed forces have clawed back ground on the northern front, and state media said its soldiers managed "to fully retake" the town of Thabeikkyin on Wednesday. One resident, Ye Dinn, said people had fled fighting to shelter in the forest or nearby schools and monasteries. "People have nothing to eat and no place to flee to," the 65-year-old said.