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

Myanmar's Revolution Has Entered a New, More Complicated Phase

Myanmar's Revolution Has Entered a New, More Complicated Phase The Diplomat

Over 6000 Junta Troops Surrender Since Operation 1027

Over 6000 Junta Troops Surrender Since Operation 1027 Burma News International

MSRF Forces Arrest Militia Group, Confiscate Weapons

MSRF Forces Arrest Militia Group, Confiscate Weapons Burma News International

As Myanmar's junta loses ground, rebels plan for a democratic future

As Myanmar's junta loses ground, rebels plan for a democratic future The Economist

The Take: Could Myanmar's coup come to an end?

The Take: Could Myanmar's coup come to an end? Al Jazeera English

Myanmar guerrilla groups claim responsibility for bombings

Mired in military ‘chaos,’ Myanmar’s junta locked into struggle for survival

Myanmar Junta Reinforcements Heading for Myawaddy Reach Dawna Mountains

The troops have entered the mountain range between Kawkareik and Myawaddy despite resistance ambushes, but still face a tough fight if they are to reach the border town.

KIA Seizes Myanmar Junta HQ Near Kachin State Capital

The Kachin Independence Army says it now controls the Irrawaddy River route to the Kachin State capital, Myitkyina.

What was behind the KNLA’s withdrawal from Myawaddy?

On April 11, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 6 and its allies launched an attack on the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 275 camp west of Myawaddy, forcing the junta troops stationed there to retreat with their weapons. About 200 junta soldiers, including troops from LIB 275, the Coastal Military Command, and Light Infantry Division (LID) 44, retreated to a truck depot north of Myawaddy, near Friendship Bridge 2.

KNU Make Tactical Withdrawal from Myawaddy Township to Avoid Junta’s Trap

KNU spokesperson explained that, “After the KNLA -led resistance captured all the army bases in Myawaddy and then advanced to near the Friendship Bridge No. 2, they have made some tactical retreats since April 21st which has permitted the KNA (The Karen National Army) rebranded Border Guard Force (BGF), to re-occupy the base of the …

The post KNU Make Tactical Withdrawal from Myawaddy Township to Avoid Junta’s Trap appeared first on Karen News.

Resistance Fighters Affected by Junta’s Chemical Bombing in Kawkareik

A member of the Joker Column stated that besides dropping 500-pound bombs and firing howitzers at sites where skirmishes occurred and areas where resistance forces were suspected to be hiding, the Junta has now resorted to using chemical bombs. “Previously they had hardly ever used these poison-gas bombs. But now when they dropped these bombs, …

The post Resistance Fighters Affected by Junta’s Chemical Bombing in Kawkareik appeared first on Karen News.

Conscription

Junta Watch: Conscription Snatch Squads; Regaining a Foothold in Myawaddy; and More

Also this week, rumors flew over regime deputy chief’s latest no-show, and ties were tightened with Russia and China.

Crime & Narcotics

Cyber Mafias Hold Moroccans Captives on Thailand-Myanmar Border

Cyber Mafias Hold Moroccans Captives on Thailand-Myanmar Border Morocco World News

Telecom Scamming Operations Restart in Shwe Kokko

Since October, the majority of telecom scamming businesses halted operations; however, since March, new recruits have joined the operation. many Chinese nationals and Zhapian operatives formerly based in Laukkai, northern Shan State, have relocated to Shwe Kokko, according to locals. “Things are getting back to normal in Shwe Kokko. In recent months, clashes and communication …

The post Telecom Scamming Operations Restart in Shwe Kokko appeared first on Karen News.

Economy

Japan to recruit more than 1100 Myanmar workers

Up to 400 Japan companies will provide jobs for more than 1100 Myanmar workers, according to the statement issued by […]

Border conflicts cause shortages, high prices for Myanmar traders: report

Myawaddy Trade Bridge No. 2 Reopens, Official Trade still Handicapped By Internet Still Down

However online connections to this customs office has not yet been restored. A trader from Myawaddy said, “This morning Bridge No. 2 was reopened. When the fighting broke out, the computer servers were destroyed, and currently, the process of allowing the bridge to pass is being handled with paper documents”. Another obstacle to the smooth …

The post Myawaddy Trade Bridge No. 2 Reopens, Official Trade still Handicapped By Internet Still Down appeared first on Karen News.

Myanmar kyat depreciates, surpassing K3,900 per dollar

Information from the foreign exchange market reported that the Myanmar kyat currency has depreciated again to over K3,900 per dollar. […]

Ethnic Issues

Chinese-Mediated Ceasefire: Tensions Stir Among 3BHA Members

The Three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA) and the Myanmar military-led State Administration Council (SAC) are set to resume cease-fire negotiations in Kunming, China. Both sides agreed to stop fighting on January 9th of this year and continued with several talks. According to sources, the upcoming conference might be the last talks. Thus, it is of interest […]

The post Chinese-Mediated Ceasefire: Tensions Stir Among 3BHA Members appeared first on Shan Herald Agency for News.

TNLA Clashes With MNDAA in Kutkai

A unit of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has reportedly tried to seize a position from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Kutkai, northern Shan State, leading to an ongoing turf dispute with its ally. “The two forces had a dispute in a garden yesterday where MNDAA troops are staying,” a middle […]

The post TNLA Clashes With MNDAA in Kutkai appeared first on Shan Herald Agency for News.

Foreign Affairs

Inside China’s increasing interests in Myanmar

Inside China’s increasing interests in Myanmar The Economic Times

Navy on standby to evacuate Thais from Myanmar

Navy on standby to evacuate Thais from Myanmar Bangkok Post

General News

With motorbikes banned, Yangon delivery riders struggle in heatwave

With motorbikes banned, Yangon delivery riders struggle in heatwave El Paso Inc.

With motorbikes banned, Yangon riders struggle

With motorbikes banned, Yangon riders struggle Kuwait Times

Military

He’s Back: Myanmar Junta No. 2 Returns With His Sights Set on Thai Border

Vice Senior General Soe Win shown giving pep talk to injured junta soldiers on state TV, said to be discussing border peace with state officials while urging regional command to ramp up war.

In Myanmar, Military Rule Is Faltering

In Myanmar, Military Rule Is Faltering Jacobin magazine

Myanmar Junta Calls up Former Personnel Younger than 67 as Reservists

A regime directive says former personnel without disabilities younger than 67 must return to the armed forces with under-55s facing combat duties.

Sanctions

EU extends Myanmar junta sanctions for another year

EU extends Myanmar junta sanctions for another year Mizzima News

French business school accused of admitting student under sanctions for Myanmar junta ties

French business school accused of admitting student under sanctions for Myanmar junta ties Le Monde

France Urged to Probe Assets of US Sanctioned Myanmar Student

Despite being sanctioned by Washington, daughter of the founder of Myanmar military junta-linked crony conglomerate has enrolled in elite business school in France.