"Myanmar Insurgents Seize Strategic Border City Near China"

The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a coalition of Myanmar rebel groups, has taken control of Laukkai, a strategic town near the Chinese border, after the military's regional headquarters there surrendered. This marks a significant victory for the rebels against Myanmar's military government, which has been in power since the 2021 coup. The fall of Laukkai, known for its gambling and online scam operations, is part of a broader offensive that began in October and represents a growing threat to the junta's control. China, which has been mediating between the two sides, has called for a ceasefire and expressed frustration over the junta's inaction on scam centers.