Current Events Related to Myanmar

Introduction & Analysis

This collection of open-source English-language news articles published over the past week highlights significant events and issues concerning Myanmar. They present a snapshot of the country's safety and security landscape.

Military actions continue to impact civilians and resistance forces, with the ruling junta facing accusations of war crimes and human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and killings. In conflict-affected regions, sophisticated cyber scams, human trafficking, and the imposition of a new private security law complicate the situation, raising concerns over complicity in abuses and increased surveillance. Meanwhile, rising crime rates and natural disasters exacerbate the plight of displaced populations, while journalists encounter significant risks that hinder independent reporting and contribute to an information void.

Census & Elections

Ramification | Myanmar: Why the junta is so keen for elections

The military junta in Myanmar is pursuing elections, likely in early 2026, to gain limited legitimacy for Senior General Hlaing amid international pressure and ongoing conflicts with Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and the National Unity Government (NUG), who view the elections as a sham. Various international actors have differing interests, with the West seeking democracy, India focusing on border security, and China wanting to protect its investments and influence. Despite widespread opposition, including from the National League for Democracy (NLD), the junta plans to proceed with the elections, potentially elevating the Tatmadaw-backed United Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) while EAOs remain committed to their fight against the current regime.

Conflict

Myanmar Junta Attacks Resistance-Held Positions in Karen State

Fresh clashes have erupted in Karen State along the Asia Highway as the Myanmar junta attempts to regain control with air and artillery support. Combined resistance forces, including the Karen National Liberation Army and other ethnic groups, have launched offensives, seizing at least 10 checkpoints andreik. Despite facing junta reinforcements and suffering losses, resistance forces aim to capture both Kawkareik and Kyonedoe, leading to significant civilian casualties. isolating junta troops in Kawka

Myanmar Military Airstrikes Hit Civilian Areas in Northern Shan State Following Peace Talks with TNLA

After peace talks in Kunming on April 28-29, 2025, between the Myanmar military junta and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the military resumed airstrikes on civilian areas in Northern Shan State, resulting in damage to homes and a monastery, along with civilian casualties. Despite a reported agreement for humanitarian access, reports indicate that military activity has intensified, heightening fears among civilians. The TNLA refused the military's request to withdraw from key strategic areas during the talks.

Military Bombardment Devastates Homes in Southern Shan State’s Mongpai Township

On May 1, 2025, the Myanmar military carried out artillery and incendiary bomb attacks on Mongpai Township, severely damaging homes and worsening the humanitarian crisis. These strikes originated from artillery positions in Pai Khun and Loikaw, following significant military losses in clashes with resistance groups. As residents remain fearful of further attacks and displacement, the full extent of the damage and civilian casualties is still unknown due to ongoing conflict and restricted access to the area.

Junta airstrikes target resistance-held Mandalay Townships

Myanmar's military junta conducted airstrikes in the Mandalay Region, targeting resistance-held areas in Mogok, Singu, and Madaya during the week of May 6, 2025. An airstrike on May 3 hit a school in Ywartanshey village, killing a 25-year-old woman and injuring four others, including internally displaced persons. Overall, the airstrikes resulted in three civilian deaths and numerous injuries across the three townships.

Junta Burns Down Bhamo Town Market

As of April 30, 2025, the Thiri Yadana Morning Market in Bhamo Town was still burning after junta soldiers set it ablaze the previous day, amid ongoing conflict between the junta and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The KIA, which had initially captured large areas, launched another offensive on April 25, prompting the junta to retaliate with artillery strikes and arson against homes and religious buildings. Reports indicate that thousands of houses have been destroyed during the five months of conflict, with the KIA assisting in evacuating around 100 civilians from a chapel on April 29.

Junta Arresting and Assaulting People at Myitkyina City Bridge

Junta soldiers at the Bala Min Htin Bridge have been arresting and assaulting civilians attempting to cross between Myitkyina City and Maingnar Town. In late April 2025, three men were arrested, and two others were severely beaten after an incident at a checkpoint, with one resulting in death. Since 2021, travel across the bridge has been restricted to 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the fate of the arrested men remains unknown.

TNLA publicly defies China’s demand to return captured towns; junta responds with fresh airstrikes

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has publicly defied pressure from China to return territory captured from Myanmar's junta, a move that contrasts with other ethnic armed groups that have privately complied with Beijing's directives. Following China-brokered talks in late April, the junta demanded that the TNLA return five key towns—Kyaukme, Nawnghkio, Mongmit, Mogok, and Hsipaw—which the TNLA had seized during Operation 1027 in late 2023. These towns are significant as they lie along crucial trade arteries connecting central Myanmar to the Chinese border. In response to the TNLA's stance, the junta has initiated fresh airstrikes. Despite the ongoing military tensions, sources indicate that border trade is showing some signs of revival.

Myanmar junta sending troops through Thailand to defend key border base

Myanmar's military junta is reportedly sending reinforcements through Thailand to defend a crucial base near Htee Khee, following the capture of the Htee Hta tactical hill camp by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 4. A high-ranking KNLA officer noted that the reinforcements are traveling through Nat Eain Taung due to the resistance controlling the Dawei-Htee Khee road. The regime is also conducting daily airstrikes to protect its base in the area.

TNLA PRESSURED BY SAC: Will the demand of seized territorial withdrawal be obeyed?

Recent talks between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar military council (SAC), mediated by China, aimed to resolve conflicts and reopen border trade routes but failed. The military council demanded that the TNLA withdraw from captured territories, which the TNLA refused, citing pressure from China behind the demand. Following the talks' breakdown, the military resumed bombings in TNLA-controlled areas, resulting in casualties, while plans for further meetings are scheduled for August.

Myanmar conflict report, January-March 2025

Between January and March 2025, the conflict in Myanmar continued with non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and State Administration Council (SAC) forces engaged in fighting, although Janes recorded a 10% decrease in NSAG attacks compared to the previous quarter. Between January and March 2025, fighting in Myanmar persisted with non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and State Administration Council (SAC) forces, although NSAG attacks decreased by 10% due to unilateral ceasefires. Airstrikes notably increased in Rakhine state in response to Arakan Army advances, and ongoing fighting is expected, especially surrounding the upcoming general elections in late 2025. Meanwhile, China is likely to continue influencing the conflict to protect its interests, while Russia maintains stable ties with Myanmar, bolstering socio-economic cooperation and defense capabilities.

Crime & Narcotics

US Announces Sanctions Against Myanmar Military for ‘Facilitating’ Cyber Scams

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on the Karen National Army (KNA) and its leader, Saw Chit Thu, for their involvement in large-scale cyber scams costing American citizens billions. The KNA facilitates these crimes by providing security and leasing land to criminal organizations along the Myanmar-Thailand border. Despite facing sanctions, experts doubt that cutting them off from the U.S. financial system will significantly impact their wealth, given the vast scale of the scamming industry.

Economy

Sean Turnell on Myanmar’s Star-crossed Economic Reforms

Myanmar's economic reforms under the NLD government from 2016 to the 2021 coup aimed to promote stability and attract investment, but faced resistance from military interests. The coup halted these efforts, leading to a significant economic downturn, with GDP estimated to be 50% lower than it would have been otherwise. Since then, the junta has focused on resource extraction rather than genuine reform, making substantial improvement unlikely without a change in leadership.

Ethnic Issues

MNDAA Detains Hsenwi Vendors Amid Tensions Over Market Relocation and Demolition

Tensions are escalating in Hsenwi Township as Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) troops detain local vendors protesting the demolition of their shops and forced relocation to a new market in Panglaw village. Many vendors refuse to move due to high tax rates and a lack of transparency, leading to multiple forcible evictions and arrests, including the detainment of women advocating for their rights. Community members are demanding a fair resolution that respects the rights and livelihoods of local residents.

Foreign Affairs

Myanmar junta chief to attend Russia’s WWII victory parade amid strengthening ties with Moscow

Myanmar's military junta chief, Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, has been invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the annual Victory Day Parade in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. This visit follows a meeting in March where both leaders emphasized strengthening strategic ties and Min Aung Hlaing expressed support for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. As both nations face Western sanctions, they continue to deepen their military and political cooperation, using their partnership to assert legitimacy amidsolation. international i

General News

Nowhere Are the Threats Facing Journalism More Real Than in Myanmar

In Myanmar, journalism is severely threatened, ranking 169th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, as the military regime views journalists as enemies of the state. Approximately 55 journalists are detained or jailed, and independent reporters risk everything to document atrocities and inform the world, facing raids and arbitrary detentions. Additionally, budget cuts to vital media services and the regime's use of AI for surveillance and censorship further deepen the information void, yet journalists persist in their critical efforts to report on the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Governance & Rule of Law

Q&A: Explaining Myanmar’s private security law

Myanmar's junta enacted the Private Security Service Law in February 2025 to regulate the growing private security sector. This law allows both foreign and domestic companies to provide security services with potential armed guards. This law was influenced by rising security concerns, particularly from Chinese companies involved in major projects, but it limits foreign employees to 25%. While it aims to improve oversight of private security, the details on registration and regulations are still pending, and there are concerns about its implications for public security and cooperation with the regime.

Humanitarian

Displaced Earthquake Survivors Hit Again as Winds Destroy Shelters in Inle

Residents in the Inle region, already displaced by the March 28 earthquake, faced further hardship when powerful winds on April 27 destroyed their temporary shelters and worsened damage to homes and monasteries. Severe winds in areas like Kyartaw Village tore off roofs and left people exposed to harsh weather, while a rockfall in Demoso Township resulted in one death and additional destruction. With warnings of unseasonal rainfall expected soon, there are growing concerns for these vulnerable communities.

Myanmar’s ethnic Karen face food shortages amid aid cuts to camps on Thai border

Ethnic Karen residents from Myanmar, who have fled violence to camps in Thailand, are facing severe food shortages due to cuts in international aid, particularly from the U.S. government, which drastically reduced funding from USAID. With over 108,000 people in these camps, children under five are receiving just five cents per day for food, well below the minimum required for survival. The situation is critical as aid reductions affect the one million people in surrounding areas, while refugees struggle with limited freedom due to a lack of identification. camps and over

Military

Myanmar Junta Will Weaponize Nuclear Power, Warns UN Envoy

Myanmar's UN ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, has raised concerns that the ruling junta plans to weaponize a nuclear power plant that Russia's Rosatom is set to build in Naypyitaw, following an agreement between junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and President Vladimir Putin. He cautioned that the junta could misuse nuclear technology under the guise of peaceful purposes, similar to its alleged misuse of jet fuel for airstrikes against civilians. Additionally, he noted that the regime is prioritizing nuclear development over earthquake relief and lacks preparedness for a nuclear emergency response, especially after the derailment of Myanmar's adherence to international nuclear protocols due to the 2021 coup.

Military Council Profits from Myanmar-China Border Trade

Myanmar's military authorities are reportedly profiting from border trade along the Myanmar-China border by implementing stricter controls on food transport at the Sin Phyu gate. Traders now must purchase unofficial permits, leading to increased costs and claims of corruption as permits are sold to the highest bidders. Despite the challenges, food items continue to be transported through the Sin Phyu and nearby Palace gates.

National Unity Government

Myanmar’s NUG Names Controversial US Businessman as Envoy to Washington

Myanmar's opposition National Unity Government (NUG) appointed American businessman John Fredric Todoroki as its representative to help secure US support in its fight against the military junta. Todoroki's past includes a controversial arrest for allegedly operating a marijuana plantation in Mandalay, and he has connections to several business ventures that have drawn scrutiny.

Natural Disaster

Floodwaters and Gold: How Disaster and Extraction Collide on the Thai-Myanmar Border

The Shan Herald Agency for News article "Floodwaters and Gold" highlights that severe floods in Shan State are exacerbated by deforestation and rampant gold mining, particularly since the 2021 military coup. Resource extraction, supported by military and militias, causes significant environmental damage and health issues for local communities, while profits are often funneled to firms that trade across the border to countries like China. This situation illustrates a "natural resource curse," where local residents suffer without support or safety while wealth flows elsewhere.

Telecommunications

Mobile Network Outages in Kale Town, Sagaing Region

Since early May 2025, Kale Town in the Sagaing Region has faced severe mobile phone and internet outages, with only the unreliable MPT network remaining available. This has caused a shortage of MPT SIM cards, which are now being sold at a significantly inflated price of 45,000 MMK. Mobile network outages have become more frequent since the coup, affecting both Kale Town and the neighboring Chin State, where some residents are resorting to Starlink for internet access.