Myanmar’s military yesterday claimed to have recaptured a key northern transport corridor towards China after a 15-month battle, touting a counterblow to rebels in the civil war.

The nation’s armed forces have been battling an array of opposition factions since a 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Pro-democracy guerrillas fighting alongside ethnic minority armies have won significant victories, but in recent months have become increasingly fractured and suffered setbacks.

The military said it crushed “terrorist insurgent groups” along a route linking the central and second largest city of Mandalay to the northern hub of Myitkyina, about 50 kms from China’s border.

“The operations lasted for over one year and three months, during which a total of 322 major and minor engagements were fought,” the Myanmar commander-in-chief’s office said in a statement.

Analysts say that offensive had the backing of China as it sought to shore up influence along its border, but Beijing reined in rebels as it feared Myanmar collapsing into a failed state.

AFP couldn’t verify the claim.