"An alliance of ethnic armed groups launched attacks in five locations in Myanmar’s Mandalay region and northern Shan state early Thursday, leaving at least 11 people confirmed dead and several others injured, in retaliation for government army offenses in Shan and Rakhine states, sources in the areas hit said. In a development that appeared to raise hostilities between rebel armies and national forces to an unprecedented level, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakan Army (AA), and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) fired heavy artillery at the Myanmar military’s Defense Services Technology Academy and a toll gate in Mandalay’s Pyin Oo Lwin township, according to an announcement by the government armed forces. The rebels from three militaries of the Northern Alliance of ethnic forces also attacked a police outpost at the Goke Twin Bridge, a toll gate, and a military regimental command in Shan state’s Nawngkhio township. All three armies have been engaged in hostilities with Myanmar forces, with the AA fighting government troops in a quest for greater autonomy in Rakhine state, and the TNLA and MNDAA fighting over territory and lucrative resources in northern Shan state..."