Issue 135 January 16th 2025

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

Dawei District Airstrike Injures Two

On January 7th, an airstrike by the junta in Kunchaunggyi Village, Thayetchaung Township, injured two villagers, Saw Khwar Do and Naw Yuri Paw, and damaged several buildings. The airstrike occurred despite no fighting in the area. The village school was temporarily closed and villagers are afraid and leaving their homes at night due to fear of further attacks. The village is in an area where the Karen National Union (KNU)’s 4th Brigade is active. The KNU believes the junta may have targeted the village to protect its base in nearby Myitta Town and as an act of intimidation. In April 2024, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) attacked a junta convoy in the area. There was also fierce fighting in December 2024 between the junta and resistance forces near the Thailand border, and IDPs in the area are in need of medication.

Myanmar resistance forces take seven junta prisoners in convoy attack in Sagaing Region

On January 9, 2025, resistance forces ambushed a junta supply convoy in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region, capturing seven prisoners of war and seizing a stockpile of firearms and ammunition. The convoy of seven trucks had departed from the Northwestern Regional Military Command headquarters in Monywa, and the attack was carried out by Monywa’s People’s Defence Force battalions, the Ayadaw Township People’s Defence Team (PDT), and other local resistance groups. The National Unity Government (NUG)’s No. 1 Military Region released a statement on January 10, confirming the capture of five trucks, firearms, and ammunition. While two trucks escaped, the resistance forces seized five of the seven trucks. The incident is one of several clashes in the region, with other articles from the same source detailing airstrikes, intensified fighting, and the scrutiny faced by young people from Myanmar's conflict zones.

Fighting intensifies in Magway Region’s Htilin Town as NUG forces tighten blockade

Fighting has intensified in Htilin Town, Magway Region, as resistance forces launched an offensive against junta troops. The National Unity Government's (NUG) Township People’s Administration Organization (PAO) has urged junta troops to surrender and civilians to evacuate. The Yaw Revolution Army-Htilin (YRA-Htilin) has targeted several junta positions, including an administration office, a police station, an agriculture office, and a bank, using drones with 60mm bombs and firing around 50 rockets into the town. While some buildings were damaged, the extent of casualties is still being investigated. This conflict is part of a larger pattern of resistance against the junta in Myanmar, with related articles reporting on clashes in other regions and the establishment of a NUG union-level office in Sagaing Region. The fighting in Htilin highlights the ongoing conflict between resistance groups and the junta, with resistance forces using coordinated attacks.

Myanmar army airstrike in Rakhine state kills about 40 people, says opposition group

An airstrike by Myanmar's army on Kyauk Ni Maw village in Rakhine state, which is controlled by the Arakan Army, resulted in the deaths of approximately 40 people and injured at least 20 more. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, also caused a fire that destroyed hundreds of homes. The Arakan Army stated that all of the victims were civilians, including women and children. A local charity reported higher casualties, with at least 41 killed and 50 injured, and said the village market was the target. The Arakan Army captured Ramree in March of last year and has gained control of much of the Rakhine state after launching an offensive in November 2023. The area has been experiencing internet and mobile phone service disruptions, making independent confirmation difficult. The Myanmar military has increased airstrikes against pro-democracy groups and ethnic minority groups.

Myanmar Junta Raids Villages Ahead of Magwe Pagoda Festival

In preparation for the annual Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda festival, which runs from February to April, junta troops have been raiding villages near the pilgrimage site in Magwe Region's Minbu Township. Since January 10, around 150 soldiers and police have been raiding villages, with one such raid resulting in the burning of 37 homes in Oh Pyin Mel village. The military actions are intended to secure the area for the festival, which is expected to draw large crowds despite the ongoing clashes and political instability. The festival is a major draw, with hundreds of food stalls and lodging huts, and attracts visitors from all over the country, but the number of pilgrims has declined due to the political situation. The Minbu People’s Defense Force has warned against traveling to the pagoda, despite the regime’s pledge to increase security.

Myanmar Junta Frantically Bolsters Defenses Near Ayeyarwady Beach Town

The Myanmar junta is reinforcing its defenses in the Ayeyarwady Region, particularly around beach resort areas like Shwe Thaung Yan, Ngwe Saung, and Chaung Tha, following advances by the Arakan Army (AA). The AA, in coordination with local resistance groups, has launched attacks on junta forces, leading to clashes in villages along the Ngayokekaung-Gwa Road. The junta is deploying troops, including new recruits and armored vehicles, and constructing helicopter landing zones in the area. While the AA and its allies have paused their attacks, they are maneuvering to prepare for further offensives. Military tensions have caused many residents to flee their homes to seek safety in Shwe Thaung Yan and other areas. The AA has been seizing towns in southern Rakhine State and has opted to use a seaside road connecting Ngayokekaung and Gwa instead of advancing through Nga Thaing Chaung Township. A large-scale military exercise was previously conducted by the junta in Shwe Thaung Yan in 2018.

Conscription

Young people from Myanmar’s conflict zones face growing scrutiny in Yangon

Many young people from conflict zones in Myanmar have fled to Yangon, the country's largest city, seeking stability, but they face increased scrutiny from the military regime. These individuals, particularly those from areas like Magway Region and Chin, Shan, and Rakhine states, which the military no longer controls, are being targeted. Authorities often harass them by checking their IDs, sometimes leading to arrests if they hold identification from these restive regions. Young people from Rakhine State, now largely controlled by the Arakan Army, face frequent harassment under the pretext of enforcing overnight guest registration requirements. The military regime has stepped up its efforts to track young people from these areas.

Junta administrators soliciting bribes, promising to exempt families from conscription

Amid increasing forced military conscription in Myanmar, junta administrators are reportedly extorting bribes from people to avoid conscription or arrest. These collections, which began in December, are being carried out by local administrators after meetings with township-level members of the junta’s general administration department. In one village of around 60 households, local administrators collected about six million kyat (US $2,900) from village elders, who recorded the payments but did not issue receipts. Some households have claimed that their eligible members were called up for military service despite making these payments.

SSPP/SSA Detaining Parents Until Their Sons Join SSPP/SSA

The Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) is detaining parents in the Mongyen Village Tract of Namtu Township, and will only release them if their sons agree to join the SSPP/SSA. These parents were abducted in early December 2024 and have been held for over a month, with no communication allowed with their families. The SSPP/SSA is also forcing the abducted parents, even elderly ones, to undergo military training. Some families have offered to send replacements or pay for their parents' release, but the SSPP/SSA has rejected those offers. While the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) controls Namtu Township, the SSPP/SSA and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) are also active in the area. Though the SSPP/SSA and Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) have remained neutral in the revolution, they have been urging Shan people to join their ranks since the junta activated the conscription law in February 2024.

Corruption

Couture Coup: Inside the Lavish World of Myanmar Junta Chief’s Wife

Kyu Kyu Hla, the wife of Myanmar's coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, is known for her extravagant taste in luxury items, particularly handbags. Her collection includes an estimated 15 totes from brands like Hermes, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent, totaling approximately $275,000. A notable piece in her collection is a black Hermes crocodile skin tote with gold accents, valued at $77,500. Kyu Kyu Hla's preference for Hermes bags has increased since her husband's 2021 coup. Before the coup, she favored Louis Vuitton totes. Her lavish lifestyle has been linked to the success of her children's businesses and may be funded through gifts from business associates seeking favor. Kyu Kyu Hla, originally from a small village, was a Burmese instructor at the University of Yangon where she met Min Aung Hlaing. She is also rumored to harbor personal animosity towards Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Crime & Narcotics

Robberies and Motorcycle Thefts Increase in Hpa-An District Townships

The townships of Hlaingbwe, Paingkyon, Nabu, Don Yin, and Htilon in Hpa-An District, Karen State, have recently experienced a surge in robberies and motorcycle thefts. These crimes are often carried out by groups, targeting high-end motorcycles with sophisticated tools that bypass locks, with thefts occurring more frequently during the day. The stolen motorcycles are rarely recovered, and the lack of effective law enforcement has emboldened the criminals. The increase in crime is attributed to the rise of illegal gambling events known as ‘Our Days’ and increased drug use, which has led to a sense of moral corruption. Robbers are often armed, sometimes with knives and pistols, causing fear among the victims. Although the Unity Committee for Karen Armed Groups (UCKAG) has attempted to address illegal gambling by banning such operations, they have not been successful. There is a growing sense of unsafety among residents, particularly women, due to the increase in armed robberies and thefts.

Junta Soldiers Burgling Houses in Kawkareik Town

Since fighting began outside of Kawkareik Town in December 2023, most residents have been displaced and unable to return to their homes. Junta soldiers and their civilian accomplices are taking advantage of the empty homes and are breaking in and stealing possessions. Residents are afraid to report the thefts, because they fear retaliation from the junta. Some residents claim the soldiers stationed at the Kawkareik Myoma Police Station are behind the burglaries. In addition to theft, junta soldiers have been reported to have set some homes on fire. The junta has been trying to regain control of Asia Highway 1, which runs through Kawkareik, which is why most of the town’s residents have not been able to return.

Yakuza leader pleads guilty to conspiring to sell nuclear material out of Myanmar

Takeshi Ebisawa, a leader in the Japanese yakuza, pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell nuclear materials, specifically weapons-grade plutonium and yellowcake uranium, which he sourced from Myanmar. Ebisawa intended to use the proceeds from these sales to purchase military weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, for an unnamed ethnic armed group. He was initially charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses in April 2022, and then additionally charged in February 2024 with conspiring to sell nuclear material and lethal narcotics. The case highlights the illegal trafficking of nuclear material and its connection to funding armed conflicts.

Junta Beats Villagers Who Refuse to Give Them Cars

In Ywangan Township in southern Shan State, junta soldiers and Pyu-Saw-Htee militia members are forcibly taking vehicles from villagers, sometimes beating those who refuse. The junta has been demanding three vehicles from every village since the second week of December 2024, promising to return them after four days, but the vehicles have not been returned. When villagers refused to give up their vehicles, they were beaten. Additionally, the junta and militia forces are threatening to arrest anyone found out at night, using them as porters or conscripts, and they are demanding money and food from the villagers, causing people to live in fear. The junta has also increased inspections at checkpoints on the Mandalay to Ywangan Road. Due to these threats, villagers are afraid to harvest oranges from their orchards.

A kidnapped Chinese actor, a scam gang, and a very public rescue operation

A Chinese actor, Wang Xing, was abducted in Thailand after being lured by a fake job offer, and then transported to Myanmar where he was held in a criminal compound. These compounds in Myanmar are known for forcing people into online scam operations. Wang Xing was held with at least 50 other people and forced to shave his head and undergo training for scam activities. After a social media campaign by Wang's girlfriend, Chinese celebrities and others, and with the help of Thai and Chinese authorities, Wang was eventually rescued. The incident has highlighted the dangers of human trafficking and forced criminality in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar and in border regions like Mae Sot, which has impacted Thailand's tourism industry and prompted concerns among Chinese tourists. There are many others who are also missing, and families of the missing have asked for more help from authorities.

Economy

Mogok Town Detour for Goods Going to N. Shan State

Goods being transported to northern Shan State are having to take a detour through Mogok Town in the Mandalay Region because the junta has blocked the normal route from Mandalay City. The junta blocked Highway 3 east of Mandalay City in November 2024, the fastest route to areas controlled by the Three Brotherhood Alliance. Now, goods must travel north to Mogok Town, then south along Highway 312 to Monglon and Kyaukme, before heading east or west on Highway 3 to reach Hsipaw or Nawnghkio, respectively. This detour significantly increases the length of the journey and the cost of goods, with transportation expenses and tolls rising three to four times the usual amount. The junta also closed route 41 from Lawksawk to Nawnghkio in mid-November, further restricting transport. While some trucks are permitted to use the roads if they pay the junta, these restrictions and detours are leading to higher costs for goods.

Demand for Solar Spikes as Darkness Shrouds Junta-Ruled Myanmar

Power outages in Myanmar have increased the demand for solar power products. Small solar kits for charging phones and lighting, as well as 100-watt solar panels with 70 Ah batteries, are in high demand. Solar light bulbs ranging from 40 to 200 watts are also popular, despite their high cost. Rooftop solar systems are increasingly popular with businesses and wealthier individuals. Many businesses have had to suspend operations or purchase solar panels to stay running. The junta has granted tax exemptions on solar imports which has benefited businesses owned by the children of junta boss Min Aung Hlaing. A regulation requiring all new construction projects to install solar panels is planned to be introduced soon.

Myanmar Ranks No.2 for Thai Condo Sales Despite Junta Crackdown

Despite a junta crackdown, Myanmar buyers ranked second for Thai condo transfers in the first nine months of 2024, following Chinese purchasers and surpassing Russian buyers. This resurgence occurred after a brief pause due to the crackdown. The total number of units sold to Myanmar buyers in the first nine months of 2024 was 1,050, worth 5.46 billion baht, up from 347 units worth 2.25 billion baht in the same period of 2023. The average unit price for condos transferred to Myanmar buyers was 5.2 million baht, the third highest after Indian and American buyers. Most purchases had been made earlier and funds had already been transferred out of Myanmar. Thai developers often bring Myanmar nationals to Thailand for property tours. The total number of condo transfers to foreign buyers was up 3.1% year-on-year, but down 1.5% in value compared with 2023.

Ethnic Issues

MNDAA Issuing Vehicle Registration Cards in Lashio Town

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is issuing temporary vehicle registration cards in Lashio Town, northern Shan State, requiring all vehicles to be re-registered. The initiative aims to address high rates of car thefts and hit-and-run incidents. Vehicle owners must submit chassis and engine numbers or owner's books and pay a 15,000 MMK fee to receive a plastic-coated card. These temporary registration cards are only valid in northern Shan State, and vehicles with these cards risk confiscation in junta-controlled areas, particularly south of Tangyan and Mongyai. The MNDAA has opened temporary offices in wards 3, 4, and 12 of Lashio Town and in nearby Hoe Puek Village, and is also planning to collect bills for garbage and electricity in Lashio.

Fighting ongoing between Karen armed groups in Myanmar’s south

Fighting between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the Kawthoolei Army (KTLA) has been ongoing in Myanmar’s southern region near Dawei since December 2024. The KTLA is a breakaway group from the larger KNLA. These clashes have disrupted anti-junta operations and made travel difficult for displaced people. At least five deadly clashes occurred in December along the Dawei-Htee Khee road, which is a strategically important border trade route. Fighting between the KNLA and KTLA was first reported in late 2023, and intensified in December 2024. Both groups began blocking access on the Dawei-Htee Khee road. The KNLA is the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU).

Foreign Affairs

Myanmar’s Junta Expands Trade With Belarus Beyond Weapons

Myanmar's junta is expanding its cooperation with Belarus beyond arms, as evidenced by the first-ever visit of a top Belarusian diplomat to the Myanmar-Belarus Business Forum in Yangon. The forum, which took place in January 2025, included discussions on potential partnerships in various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food production. Lieutenant-General Nyo Saw, an advisor to Min Aung Hlaing and chair of the Myanmar Economic Corporation, and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, along with other high-level officials, attended the forum. The two countries are also exploring cooperation in areas like automobile manufacturing, higher education, and technology transfer, and have signed an initial cooperation agreement. Belarus is a key arms supplier to the Myanmar junta and did not condemn the 2021 coup at the United Nations. Diplomatic ties between Myanmar and Belarus were established in 1999. The Myanmar regime opened a consulate in Minsk in 2023.

General News

Aung San Suu Kyi Reaches a Total of 19 Years in Detention

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent a total of 19 years in detention since 1989, with her most recent arrest occurring after the 2021 coup. She is one of over 21,000 political prisoners currently detained by the Burmese military, a number that is ten times higher than during the previous dictatorship prior to 2010. These political prisoners face appalling treatment, including torture and denial of medical care, which has resulted in deaths. Despite her past as a human rights advocate, Aung San Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to defend the Rohingya and for defending the Burmese military at the International Court of Justice. Her human rights record has decreased international support for human rights in Burma, and the country is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis with over 4 million people displaced. *Aung San Suu Kyi has spent a total of 19 years in detention since 1989, with her most recent arrest occurring after the 2021 coup. She is one of over 21,000 political prisoners currently detained by the Burmese military, a number that is ten times higher than during the previous dictatorship prior to 2010. These political prisoners face appalling treatment, including torture and denial of medical care, which has resulted in deaths. Despite her past as a human rights advocate, Aung San Suu Kyi has been criticized for failing to defend the Rohingya and for defending the Burmese military at the International Court of Justice. Her human rights record has decreased international support for human rights in Burma, and the country is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis with over 4 million people displaced. The Burmese military's continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrates their fear of her and highlights the ongoing human rights crisis in Burma.

Politics

National Unity Government to establish union-level office in Sagaing Region

The National Unity Government (NUG), which was formed by deposed elected officials in April 2021 to oppose the Myanmar military coup, is planning to open a working site in the Sagaing Region this month. This development comes after the NUG's acting president called for exiled officials to return to Myanmar, marking the beginning of the group's plans to operate inside the country. The NUG intends to establish a system in the Sagaing Region that will allow NUG cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, secretaries, regional chief ministers, and their deputies to work together. The NUG views itself as the only legitimate government of Myanmar and has recognized the need to implement its policies directly from within Myanmar. This move is intended to allow them to face challenges alongside the people.

Who Will Be Myanmar’s Kingmaker?

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has experienced a dramatic shift in its conflict landscape, with various ethnic groups and resistance forces gaining territory from the State Administration Council (SAC). The National Unity Government (NUG) claims that by the end of 2024, resistance forces controlled more than half the country. Ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) have gained significant ground, with some focusing on autonomy, raising the question of their role in shaping the central government. The Brotherhood Alliance, including the Arakan Army (AA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), revitalized resistance with Operation 1027 in late 2023. While the AA now controls the most territory, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been pivotal in training PDFs. The relationship between the Bamar and non-Bamar ethnic groups has improved, although distrust remains. Historically, minority groups have influenced Myanmar, and now EROs control unprecedented territory. The question remains whether an ERO will become the "kingmaker" and challenge the central state power held by the Myanmar military.

Sanctions

American Tech Firms Must Cut Ties to Sanctioned Burmese Military Firm Mytel

The Burmese military-owned telecommunications company, Mytel, has been sanctioned by the U.S. government for providing surveillance services and financial support to the Burmese military regime, which has been accused of human rights abuses. Despite these sanctions, American tech companies like Google, Apple, YouTube, and LinkedIn are still hosting Mytel apps and channels. Additionally, Mytel may be using technologies from other American companies, such as Oracle, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Cisco, Juniper Networks, Fortinet, and Microsoft. The company generates revenue for the military through profits and land leases and provides kickbacks and free SIM cards to military personnel. Burma is currently facing a human rights and humanitarian crisis following a military coup in 2021, with millions displaced and thousands of political prisoners. The International Criminal Court is investigating the Burmese military for crimes against humanity and it is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Organizations like Burma Campaign UK and International Campaign for the Rohingya are urging American tech companies to end their relationships with Mytel.

Myanmar’s Mytel among latest company to be added to US ‘Entity List’

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has added Myanmar's Mytel to its Entity List, which sanctions companies that pose a threat to U.S. national security or operate against U.S. foreign policy interests. Mytel, a joint venture between the Burmese military and Vietnamese telco Viettel, has been accused of assisting the ruling military junta in perpetrating human rights abuses through surveillance and financial support. This action means that U.S. companies must obtain a specific license to export to Mytel, which is typically reviewed with a "presumption of denial". Mytel has faced controversy since its inception, including accusations of corruption, cronyism, and spreading government disinformation. Although Mytel faced sanctions from Western countries after the 2021 military coup, the U.S. was notably absent until this recent action. Despite these measures, the effectiveness of the Entity List has been questioned, as licenses have still been issued to blacklisted companies.