Current Events Related to Myanmar

Introduction & Analysis

The following collection of open-source English-language news articles published during the past week covers significant events and issues related to Myanmar.

Conflict

War in Karen State Has Led to Halt in Trade and Alarming Food Shortages in Kawkareik

The war in Karen State has caused major disruptions to trade and transportation, leading to alarming food shortages in the Kawkareik area. Local marketplaces are empty, and the prices of essential goods have skyrocketed. The crisis is particularly affecting internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled their homes due to the violence. The Karen Women's Organization (KWO) is urging both sides of the conflict to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The war has also severely impacted the healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics.

The post War in Karen State Has Led to Halt in Trade and Alarming Food Shortages in Kawkareik appeared first on Karen News.

Intense Battle with Junta over control of the Ye-Dawei Road

The Karen National Union (KNU) and the Burmese military junta are engaged in intense fighting for control of the Ye Dawei Road, a strategically important route connecting the Andaman Sea coast to Burma's interior. The junta has deployed significant military resources, but the KNU has resisted advances, causing heavy casualties and displacing thousands of civilians. The KNU calls for international intervention to stop the offensive.

The post Intense Battle with Junta over control of the Ye-Dawei Road appeared first on Karen News.

Junta attacks TNLA violating northern Shan peace agreement

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has accused the junta of violating the Haigeng Ceasefire Agreement by launching airstrikes and artillery bombardments in northern Shan State. This agreement, mediated by China and signed on 11 January 2024, was between the junta and the Three Brotherhood Alliance consisting of TNLA, Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The junta's recent attacks on TNLA camps in Mongmit and Mogok townships, including airstrikes and artillery bombardments, have raised tensions and caused injuries to TNLA fighters. The TNLA claims multiple violations of the ceasefire by the junta, with ongoing military tensions indicating a fragile and deteriorating situation in northern Shan State, potentially leading to a complete breakdown of the Haigeng Ceasefire Agreement.

Junta Boss Blames Myanmar People’s ‘Destructive Mindset’ for Post-Coup Chaos

The junta boss blamed Myanmar's people's destructive mindset for the post-coup chaos. The junta chief Min Aung Hlaing accused people of having a "self-destructive nature" causing turmoil after the military's power grab in February 2021. He claimed that people's "inability to control their emotions and desires" led to violence after the military coup. Min Aung Hlaing said that people's "lack of moral values and consciousness" caused the current situation and that they needed to change this mindset. The junta chief sought to justify the military takeover and place the blame on the people for resisting the coup. According to the junta chief, people's behavior has caused destruction and instability in the country.

Fighting flares near state capital in north Myanmar

Fighting has flared up between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar military junta near Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state in northern Myanmar. According to local residents, artillery shelling by the junta killed one civilian and injured seven others from the same family on June 10. The KIA claims to have captured 100 military bases across Kachin state, including two new camps on June 14 and 15 that control access to amber and gold mines. The KIA has not released information on casualties from the fighting, while data compiled by Radio Free Asia indicates that at least 1,942 civilians have been killed and 3,866 injured by military airstrikes and heavy weapons since the 2021 coup. The increased fighting in Kachin state highlights the ongoing resistance faced by the Myanmar military junta over a year after it seized power in a coup.

Nervy Myanmar Junta Boss Orders Alert as Alleged Assassination Plot Foiled

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing claims to have foiled an assassination plot against him and other top generals. Following the alleged plot, the junta has ordered security forces to be on high alert. However, critics say the junta may be using the alleged plot as a pretext to further crackdown on dissent and tighten its control. The details of the alleged plot remain sketchy, and some observers doubt whether a serious assassination plot actually exists. The junta has a history of making dubious claims to justify its repressive actions. If a real plot did exist, it would be difficult to carry out, given the high level of security around junta leaders. The announcement of the plot comes as the junta faces increasing opposition to its rule, with widespread protests and strikes undermining its authority. The junta appears nervous and paranoid, seeing threats where none may actually exist.

Myanmar junta troops tell residents of villages near Sittwe to leave by Friday

Myanmar junta troops ordered residents of five villages near Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, to leave their homes and move into Sittwe city by Friday. The military is preparing for an anticipated attack on Sittwe by the rebel Arakan Army. The troops threatened villagers with massacres similar to the one last month in Byain Phyu village where nearly 80 people died. The forced removal of civilians from their homes is a violation of human rights according to the Arakan Army spokesman. However, the military has not publicly commented on the relocation of villagers. The junta may be removing civilians from the villages to use them as human shields to protect their bases in Sittwe city from attacks by the Arakan Army.

Gen Z jungle resistance fight Myanmar's junta with homemade weapons

A group of young protesters in Myanmar, known as the "jungle resistance," are taking up arms against the military junta from bases hidden in the jungle. They are making homemade weapons like mines, bombs, and Molotov cocktails and carrying out ambushes and assassinations of junta troops and informers. Though poorly armed, they have effectively disrupted the junta's activities and maintained pressure against the regime. The jungle resistance fighters represent a new generation of protesters who have grown up under Aung San Suu Kyi's democracy and are determined to keep fighting for a return to civilian rule.

Five Junta Camps from KNU 5th Brigade Territory Withdrawn in One Month

The KNU's 5th Brigade based in Mutraw District reported that the Myanmar military withdrew five camps in May from Butho Township. Troops stationed at Kyaukhnyat-Walu, Tarbukyo, Panghaik-Kahikyo, Laetoe, and Nattaung-Mawphokyo camps were withdrawn and regrouped at the Khawpote base. The post Five Junta Camps from KNU 5th Brigade Territory Withdrawn in One Month appeared first on Karen News.

Myanmar junta launches airstrikes near Ngapali Beach tourist resort in Rakhine State

The Myanmar junta launched airstrikes and artillery shelling near Ngapali Beach, a major tourist destination in Rakhine State, on June 6, 2024. The attack, which occurred near the Hilton Ngapali resort hotel, caused damage and disrupted tourism. This incident comes amid ongoing clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and junta troops in the region, forcing residents from nearby villages to flee. The junta's indiscriminate attack near a popular tourist destination raises concerns about civilian safety and its escalation of the conflict. The international community must condemn this attack and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Rakhine State and throughout Myanmar.

Conscription

Conscription in Myanmar drives insurgent recruits: civilian government

Despite facing increased pressure from the military junta in Myanmar to conscript young people into the military through coercive means, nearly 1,000 eligible individuals have instead chosen to seek training from the shadow civilian government's armed forces. The junta, which seized power in 2021, has resorted to threats, fines, and violence to force conscription. Many young people have fled the country to avoid being drafted, with some now opting to join the anti-junta forces under the National Unity Government's People's Defense Forces. These actions reflect a growing resistance to the military dictatorship and a willingness among citizens to oppose it through alternative means, highlighting the ongoing turmoil and resistance in Myanmar.

Crime & Narcotics

Myanmar workers in Thailand arrested after allowing online gamblers and money launderers use their bank accounts

Many Myanmar workers open bank accounts and receive passbooks in Thai banks arranged by employment agencies when they arrive in Thailand. However, some workers who were unfamiliar with bank processes followed the instructions of agency representatives who kept the bank accounts and passbooks.

Some agency representatives then gave these bank accounts and passbooks to people who gamble online and launder money for a fee. Due to suspicious transactions and large balances, Thai authorities issued summons and arrest warrants to the bank account holders. Some Myanmar workers were detained in prison while others fled.

Cyber Scam Casino Nexus Breeds Prostitution in Myawaddy

There has been an increase in prostitution activities around casinos and cyber scam businesses in Myawaddy town, Karen State, along the Thai-Myanmar border. Chinese casino and scam business owners recruit young women from Myawaddy and other areas through human traffickers, luring them with high pay for prostitution services.

Economy

World Bank Paints Its Grimmest Picture Yet For Myanmar’s Future

The World Bank paints a bleak picture for Myanmar's future, predicting a sharp decline in economic growth and a rise in poverty due to the ongoing political crisis. The report, released in November 2023, estimates that the economy will contract by 10% in 2023, with poverty rates potentially doubling to 40%. The report also warns of a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people at risk of food insecurity and displacement. The World Bank urges the international community to take urgent action to support the people of Myanmar and help restore stability to the country.

Facing boycotts, Myanmar junta-run company boosted production of lesser-known Red & Blue cigarettes

The Myanmar military-owned conglomerate Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) produces the Red & Blue cigarette brand through a joint venture with Golden Hill International. Since the 2021 coup and subsequent boycotts of military-owned brands, MEHL has significantly increased production of Red & Blue cigarettes. Fewer consumers are aware that MEHL is involved with Red & Blue, so the brand faces less boycott pressure compared to other MEHL brands. The quantity of Red & Blue cigarettes produced has increased fifteenfold since 2022, suggesting MEHL is attempting to dodge boycotts by focusing on this lesser-known brand.

Myanmar Junta meltdown threatens to end Bangkok’s condominium sales boom as Kyat currency fails

A large number of Myanmar citizens were purchasing condominium properties in Bangkok to safeguard their wealth. However, the junta has recently cracked down on such fund transfers to Thailand, arresting property brokers and agents. This crackdown threatens to impact the booming Bangkok condo market that has relied heavily on foreign buyers like those from Myanmar.

Myanmar junta trying to reverse economic woes by printing more banknotes

The Myanmar junta has printed a massive amount of banknotes since the 2021 coup, causing a sharp decline in the value of the kyat. Tin Tun Naing, the NUG's finance minister, revealed that the junta has printed around 30 trillion kyats compared to only 3.6 trillion kyats printed by the previous NLD government in 2019-2020.

Most of the newly printed money is being used for military expenses. According to Tin Tun Naing, the excessive printing of money is one of the main causes of rising inflation in the country. An Eastern European country is supplying the junta with ink, paper and materials to print the banknotes.

Ethnic Issues

As Military Junta Weakens, Who Could Potentially Fill Power Vacuum?

Currently, the military regime is facing widespread offensives from various EROs across the country, as well as economic dysfunction. However, the EROs have been unable to fully overthrow the military due to their lack of unity. While some groups, like the National Unity Government, have cooperated, others, like the Shan armies, have failed to unite and instead fight among themselves. The author argues that for any group to effectively fill the power vacuum, all stakeholders must unify and represent the entire nation. The key question for the Shan armies is what position they will have if the EROs defeat the military regime. The post As Military Junta Weakens, Who Could Potentially Fill Power Vacuum? appeared first on Shan Herald Agency for News.

TNLA asks FPNCC to mediate between TNLA and KIA

According to the TNLA, the KIA has been interfering in TNLA-run administrative, healthcare, and educational activities in the TNLA-controlled areas of Mantong, Namtu, and Kutkai by doing things such as unjustly increasing taxes and forcibly conscripting, detaining, and exerting control over people living there.

The TNLA said that it wants to resolve these problems through meetings and negotiations without causing disruptions.

Foreign Affairs

China Gives Six Patrol Boats to Myanmar Junta

China has recently provided six patrol boats to the Myanmar military regime in light of the junta's increased naval activities bombarding coastal towns and villages. The Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar handed over the patrol boats to Deputy Home Affairs Minister Ni Lin Aung, emphasizing that the vessels will enhance water transport safety, sea rescue operations, and the protection and utilization of water resources. This move strengthens the law enforcement capabilities of the Myanmar Maritime Police Force and reinforces the fraternal relationship between China and Myanmar. Military experts suggest that these patrol boats will not only support the junta's navy in countering threats like the Arakan Army's attacks in Rakhine State but also aid in transporting soldiers and military supplies for regime operations.

Junta - China Plan to Revive Myitsone Dam Project

The Myitsone dam project on the Irrawaddy River in Kachin State has been suspended for over a decade due to environmental concerns and protests. The article discusses plans by the military junta and China to revive the controversial dam project.

The junta is reportedly in negotiations with China to restart the project as the junta suffers military setbacks in Kachin State. China has proposed building the dam at a lower height to reduce risks. However, critics warn that the dam could have devastating impacts on the Irrawaddy River and locals who depend on it for livelihoods.

General News

Myanmar officials evict 500 people who were living in their Mandalay shops

Myanmar military authorities have evicted over 500 people who were living in shops near Mandalay's Ba Htoo Stadium. The shop owners and their families had been residing in the shops for over 20 years after purchasing them in 2003. However, authorities cited the 1955 Government Housing Act, which mandates eviction for living without permission. Residents of more than 100 shops, clinics and offices in the area were given 15 days to vacate.

Myanmar Junta Boss Gifts Mercedes Cars to Senior Monks

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing recently gifted luxury Mercedes-Benz cars to hundreds of senior Buddhist monks to mark the Buddhist Lent holiday of Haldengut. The gift of the expensive vehicles to the monks follows the junta's violent crackdown on dissent since seizing power in a February coup last year. The junta has sought to shore up support from Buddhist organizations that previously criticized the military's handling of the Rohingya crisis. However, some prominent monks have spoken out against the coup and the military's violent suppression of anti-coup protests, which has left over 1,500 civilians dead. Gifting luxury cars to senior monks appears aimed at currying favor with Buddhist organizations and clergy in the predominantly Buddhist nation.

Politics

NUG trying to recover one billion USD frozen by U.S. Government

The National Unity Government of Myanmar, which opposes the military junta, is making efforts to recover approximately 1 billion USD that was frozen by the U.S. government after the 2021 coup. The NUG's finance minister, Tin Tun Naing, hopes at minimum to secure the interest accrued on the frozen funds.

The funds were frozen in early 2021 after the military seized power and detained Aung San Suu Kyi. The NUG minister stressed that U.S. recognition of the NUG as Myanmar's legitimate government would help them recover the funds, though currently the U.S. only supports but does not recognize the NUG.

Sanctions

Myanmar's Conflict Timber Fuels Junta's War

Conflict timber from Myanmar mainly flows to India and China through smuggling and circumventing sanctions. The military regime launders profits from timber sales through its companies. While some policies and certification programs aim to curb illegal logging and conflict timber, smugglers employ strategies like log laundering across concessions, falsifying documents, paying bribes to corrupt officials, and using opaque shell companies to facilitate the trade. Unless major importers strengthen enforcement of anti-money laundering and supply chain due diligence, consumption of wood products in wealthy countries will continue to fuel conflict and deforestation in Myanmar and other countries.

Telecommunications

NUG protests Myanmar junta’s internet shutdowns

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) has issued a statement criticising the Myanmar junta for internet shutdowns and outages.

Myanmar civilians struggle as junta’s social media crackdown disrupts daily life

The Myanmar junta's crackdown on social media is severely impacting daily life for civilians. The recent restrictions on VPN servers used to access blocked social media apps has caused significant issues for online businesses, remote workers, and students who rely on these platforms. An online business owner explained how the disruptions have led to a drop in sales due to delays in communicating with customers, with many buying from elsewhere out of impatience. They noted that most recommended VPNs do not work well under the restrictions and that many people run their businesses online, so the current measures are hurting many businesses in Myanmar.