Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar (16-08-2024 to 31-08-2024)

Bi-weekly Update on the Current Situation in Myanmar

(16-08-2024 to 31-08-2024)

(43) months ago, on 1 February, 2021, the military junta attempted an illegal coup, toppled the civilian government, and unlawfully detained State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and other senior members of the civilian government, parliamentarians and activists. Since then, the military junta has ignored the will of the people of Myanmar, placed the country in turmoil, and made people suffer tremendously as a result of its inhumane and disproportionate acts.

As of 31 August 2024, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the military has ruthlessly killed 5,588 people and arrested another 27,287 people. 20,820 people remain in detention and 167 people have been sentenced to death, including 119 post-coup death row prisoners and 44 in absentia since 1 February 2021, when the military unleashed systematic and targeted attacks and violence against innocent civilians. Four democracy activists who were sentenced to death were executed by the military junta in July 2022.

Crimes committed Across Myanmar by the Junta Troops and its affiliates

Crimes perpetrated by the junta troops and its associates, militias across Myanmar include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of civilians, including children. These atrocities have led to widespread displacement, destruction of civilian properties, and a climate of fear and insecurity among the civilian population. The junta's widespread and systematic tactics of brutality are aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining its grip on power, regardless of the human cost and violations of international law.

According to the data collected by the AAPP, from 1 to 31 August, 2024, (88) people in total;  (35) women and (53) men, were killed by the junta across the country. The identities of these victims have been verified. Among the (88) deceased, there are (12) children under the age of 18 and (15) people 60 years and over. Moreover, Sagaing Region records the highest number of deaths, with (27) people, and the number of people killed by the junta’s artillery strikes was the highest, totalling (45).

In addition, during the same month, (74) people in total; (22) women and (52) men, were arrested in relation to the Spring Revolution and still detained by the junta across the country. Among the (74) arrests, Mandalay Region records the highest number of arrests with (23) people.

Likewise, during the stated period, (80) people in total; (13) women and (67) men, were sentenced under specious charges by courts subservient to the junta and are still detained in prisons across the country, with (7) people under the age of 18. Among the (80) sentences, Sagaing Region records the highest number of convictions, with (75) people, and (30) people are serving sentences of 10 years or more 10, and (3) people have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Mass Murders, War Crimes, and Crimes against Humanity Committed by the Military Junta

Junta airstrikes kill two, injure four southwest of Mandalay

A bombing of the junta air force on villages in Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region, resulted in at least two deaths and four injuries on 20 August 2024 afternoon, according to local sources. According to a man living in the township, the junta planes attacked Kun Ohn Village around 16 miles southwest of Natogyi following intense clashes that had impacted the military junta’s administrative functions in the township. However, none of the fighting had taken place in the village targeted in the airstrikes, he said.

Two residents of Kun Ohn in their 60s, Aung Ngwe and Nyo Kha, were killed by shrapnel or bullets during the attacks, the local man said, and a monk and other villagers were hospitalised, with two in critical condition, due to the injuries they sustained.  He added that the machine gun fire was so intense it even cut down trees. They say the aircraft was flying low when it came in. The attack damaged buildings on Kun Ohn Village’s Buddhist monastery compound, as well as valuable items inside the main building and nearby residential homes, locals said. 

Junta airstrikes kill three amid fight for northern Shan State

At least three civilians were killed during junta airstrikes in Hsipaw Township, northern Shan State, this week, according to local human rights advocates. The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) reported that the military junta conducted a series of air raids over Hsipaw’s urban areas early on the morning of 27 August, resulting in the deaths of two men in their 50s.

A third civilian was killed in Nar Ma Hkaw village, about 25 miles south of Hsipaw, during a bombing raid around 5 a.m. the previous day. The SHRF estimates that 19 people, including children, have died from junta artillery and aerial attacks in Hsipaw Township between 19 July and 24 August. More than 110 houses and buildings, including monasteries, have been damaged in the same period.

Currently, three military bases remain under junta control in the outskirts of Hsipaw Township, while anti-junta forces led by the TNLA have taken control of the urban areas since mid-August. The ongoing conflict has forced over 2,000 residents to flee their homes, although approximately 60 percent of the civilian population remains in the town, according to SHRF estimates.

The humanitarian situation in Hsipaw is deteriorating due to shortages of essential goods, and some residents is reportedly being unable to access necessary medicines. This shortage is attributed to the military's restrictions on transporting goods from Mandalay Region into northern Shan State. 

Military junta destroys over 100 houses, kills four civilians in Sagaing Region village

According to the Myanmar Now’s report, junta ground forces torched more than a hundred houses and killed four civilians including a man with a mental illness in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region on 25 August 2024, according to the Myannmar Now’s report.  A column of around 100 junta soldiers entered U Kin Kyi Village some 30 miles northeast of Kanbalu on the morning of 25 August and detained five male civilians between 20 and 50 year-old, four of them were killed, according to a villager. The soldiers tortured three of the men they had captured before killing them, he said, adding that residents discovered their bodies at the southwestern end of the village that evening.

A villager involved in recovering the bodies of victims reported that three captives were brutally killed by junta forces in a recent attack. The victims were stabbed in the ribs, shot, and then their throats were slit after they had died. The bodies were discovered on the ground, covered in dust, with their heads still attached but cut. The remains of another man in his 50s, who had a mental disorder, were also found burned in the southwestern part of the village.

The attack was carried out by an army column composed mainly of troops from Junta’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 361, based in Kanbalu. The junta forces left the base on 20 August, moved through the town of Kyunhla, and targeted several villages to the north. They raided U Kin Kyi village, seizing rice, oil, and other essential supplies before burning down and destroying at least 170 houses. U Kin Kyi, located seven miles northeast of Chat Gyi Village, where a junta base is situated, has experienced multiple raids and arson attacks, but the recent assault was described by locals as the worst yet.  The attack appeared to be in retaliation for two landmines that exploded near Chat Thin Village, likely injuring some soldiers. The junta troops advanced from Chat Thin, about two miles to the west, into U Kin Kyi. A fifth captive, a man in his 40s, was reportedly taken away by the soldiers, and his current status and whereabouts are unknown.

Resistance forces have been urging civilians in Kanbalu Township to evacuate since the junta column passed through Kyunhla last week, moving in their direction. However, many villagers are reluctant to leave their homes due to the rice planting season, which requires daily work in the fields.

Human Rights Abuses  

Petrol, diesel shortage crippling economy of Myanmar’s largest cities

Fuel crisis worsens in Myanmar as mismanagement and corruption exacerbate shortages Yangon and Naypyitaw, Myanmar - Long queues of cars, trucks, and even tractors have brought traffic to a slow crawl on some of Yangon's busiest roads.

Drivers are waiting to receive their rationed amounts of petrol and diesel, which have risen precipitously in price. Petrol stations have set limits on the amounts sold to each customer, with 30,000 kyat (US $9.20) per car and 6,000 kyat (US $1.90) per motorbike. Fuel prices have increased to 3,045 kyat (US $0.94) per liter of 95, 2,900 (US $0.89) per liter of 92, 2,560 kyat (US $0.79) per liter of diesel, and 3,115 (US $0.96) per liter of pure diesel at market rates.

In Naypyitaw, residents are dealing with the same problem, struggling to obtain sufficient fuel to keep their vehicles running. Local media reported that a queue of hundreds of cars had formed at fuel stations near the capital city's Myoma Market and the Naypyitaw City Development Guesthouse. The short supply has even forced many filling stations to shut down across Yangon, Mandalay, and other cities.

According to one Yangon resident, the fuel shortage is even worse than last year. The primary reason for the short supply is Myanmar's diminishing reserves of foreign currency, which has made it difficult to purchase fuel oil from abroad. The junta-controlled Central Bank of Myanmar announced plans to allocate US $100 million to fuel import businesses to address the problem. However, locals are sceptical that the move will provide more than temporary relief and are calling for greater action to address the underlying causes of the shortage. The fuel crisis is just the latest symptom of Myanmar's broader political and economic woes, which have been exacerbated by mismanagement and corruption since the military coup in 2021.

Military Junta to Double Electricity Rates

According to the Irrawaddy News, military junta has announced a sharp increase in electricity bills starting September 1. Junta controlled-Ministry of Electric Power revealed that households will be charged a minimum of 50 kyats per unit for the first 50 units of electricity and 300 kyats per unit for usage above 201 units. Previously, the maximum charge was 125 kyats per unit. Most households in Yangon consume between 200 and 500 units of electricity per month. In August, using 400 units would cost around 50,000 kyats, but this is set to double to approximately 100,000 kyats next month.

A vegetable vendor in South Okkalapa Township, Yangon, expressed concern over the rising costs, saying, "Prices rise every day but our income stays the same. The current electricity rate is already high for us. I don’t know how we will survive."

Businesses will also face higher electricity costs. Those using up to 5,000 units will see rates increase from 125 kyats to 250 kyats per unit. Firms consuming between 5,001 and 20,000 units will be charged 400 kyats per unit, up from 150 kyats, while companies using more than 20,001 units will pay 500 kyats per unit, up from 125 kyats.

Traders have warned that these increases will likely drive up prices across the board. Junta controlled- Ministry of Electric Power stated that the additional revenue would be used to fund new power plants and upgrade existing facilities, grids, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Yangon continues to experience regular power outages, with some lasting up to eight hours. Residents in Naypyitaw, Mandalay, and rural areas have also reported prolonged power cuts. According to Article 41 of the Electricity Law, the ministry has the authority to raise rates with the agreement of the union government.

Military junta jails journalist for life in on-going crackdown

Channel News Asia reported that a military court in Myanmar has jailed a journalist for life and sentenced another to 20 years in prison after convicting them under a counterterrorism law, their editor said on 29 August 2024. Myo Myint Oo and Aung San Oo, who worked for the independent online news service Dawei Watch, were sentenced after being denied the right to legal defence and not being allowed to speak in court, editor Ko Kyaw told AFP. 

Since overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in February 2021, military junta has waged a sweeping and bloody campaign against dissent, including targeting independent journalists. The two journalists were arrested at their homes in the coastal town of Myeik, about 560km south of Yangon on 11 December last year. Myo Myit Oo, 40, was handed a life sentence on 15 May, while Aung San Oo, 49, was handed a 20-year jail term on 16 February. They were "violently interrogated" for four days in a detention centre before being transferred to the Myeik Prison, a statement from Dawei Watch said.  

Ko Kyaw said he learned about the sentences earlier this year but delayed announcing them for the security of the journalists' families, without providing further details. The court has not given a detailed explanation of the case, Ko Kyaw said. Myanmar is now one of the world's biggest jailers of journalists with 62 detained according to the Paris-based campaign group Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Myanmar now ranks 171 out of 180 in RSF's 2024 World Press Freedom Index. Last September a Myanmar journalist was jailed for 20 years after being indicted on several charges, including breaching a natural disaster law and a telecommunications law while covering the aftermath of a deadly cyclone. Several foreign journalists have been detained, including US citizen Danny Fenster, who was jailed for 11 years in 2021 for the work that they do. Before being pardoned and released,  he spent 176 days in prison.

Women inmates beaten, abused at Daik-U Prison in Bago Region

According to the Myanmar Now, on the Mid of August, an employee of the junta at Daik-U Prison in Bago Region reportedly targeted female prisoners in a wave of beatings and abuse. The incidents took place on August 19 after a female political prisoner objected to an intrusive search during morning visiting hours.

The prison staff allegedly conducted extensive searches on inmates who were receiving packages, requiring them to strip naked and undergo cavity searches. When one prisoner objected to being searched in front of security cameras, she was reportedly slapped, had her hair pulled, and was severely beaten. The woman was a recent transferee from Kyaikmaraw Prison in Mon State.

Later, San Nwe Oo, the officer overseeing prison visits, reportedly brought male guards into the women's dormitory to shoot slingshots at inmates and beat them with rubber truncheons. Several inmates were dragged out by force, and at least seven, including three recent transferees, sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Reports indicated that one inmate was struck on the forehead, another in the eye, and another on the abdomen where she had stitches from an unhealed wound. Other inmates were hit on their arms and legs or pulled by their hair.

The Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM) released a statement the day of the incident, alleging that San Nwe Oo entered the women’s prison cells and beat and dragged one prisoner by her hair. Inmates who tried to help her were also beaten.

There are no confirmed charges yet against the officer. None of the injured political prisoners have received medical treatment so far. Concerns are growing over the treatment and medication provided to inmates, as Daik-U Prison authorities have restricted all information about the status of the injured prisoners.

Earlier this year, two political prisoners, Aye Win and Khin Soe, died in Daik-U Prison, allegedly due to inadequate medical care. Aye Win, 68, died on February 9 while serving an eight-year sentence for “incitement” under Section 505a of the Myanmar Penal Code. Khin Soe, who was serving a 14-year sentence under Sections 52a and 50j of the Counterterrorism Law, died on 6 March 2024.

Daik-U Prison, located just under 90 miles north of Yangon, has gained a notorious reputation for mistreatment and torture of inmates and for committing extrajudicial killings since the military coup. In July 2023, 12 political prisoners, including members of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, were shot dead during a transfer from Daik-U. Authorities claimed they were forced to shoot after a prison van crash led to an escape attempt by the prisoners inside.

Since the military coup, at least 5,570 civilians who have protested or opposed the junta have been killed, according to data from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) as of 27 August 2024. The AAPP also noted that 20,792 individuals have been arrested, with 167 sentenced to death. The group announced this week that they are compiling a separate list of more than 2,000 people killed by the junta based on new evidence.

Junta tightens security as Rakhine civilians flee to Ayeyarwady Region

Residents of Gwa Township, located in southernmost of Rakhine State said that they are facing tight security as they flee to neighbouring Ayeyarwady Region to escape clashes between military junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA). Fighting in the township began on 10 August 2024, when the AA, which already controls nearly all of Thandwe Township to the north, began attacking a junta base near Kyeintali, a town located about halfway between the two townships’ administrative centres.

As the clashes escalated, many residents of the area began fleeing to neighbouring towns, including Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi, Ahthoke, and Kyonpyaw, while others have travelled as far away as Pathein, Hinthada, and Thabaung. However, Gwa residents say they are now required to present official letters issued by the junta-controlled General Administration Department before they enter Ayeyarwady Region, and must register as overnight guests once they get there. According to a man currently sheltering in a town just across the border, many who have left are struggling to find a suitable place to stay. He said Yegyi is their primary choice, because it’s just two hours away by motorcycle, so they can easily go back and check on their homes. But because of a lack of rental options, some have moved on to Kyonpyaw or Pathein, further inward of Ayeyarwady Region.

Another man who spoke to Myanmar Now said that rents have doubled in Yegyi and Ngathaingchaung since the crisis began. He added that those who do find a place to stay are kept under close watch by the local authorities. The increased security measures, which are aimed at suspected AA sympathisers, include checkpoints along the road to Ayeyarwady Region. Residents reported passing through at least four, each manned with around 20 junta troops.

Due to the AA’s strong support among the ethnic Rakhine population, anyone belonging to the ethnic group is regarded with suspicion, according to a resident of Pyapon Township, Ayeyarwady Region, where some have sought shelter. In one village, he said, even relatives of a respected Buddhist abbot were turned away by local authorities because of their Rakhine origins. He added that the general administrator wouldn’t let them stay, despite the abbot’s assurances that they would be accommodated at his monastery.

Pro-junta Telegram channels have added to the tensions, with some calling for tighter scrutiny of displaced Rakhine people and investigations into their possible AA connections. But not everyone is reacting to the sudden influx with alarm. “They aren’t bringing the war with them,” said a resident of Hinthada, referring to the Rakhine newcomers who have begun arriving in the town in recent weeks.

Compared to other parts of the country, Ayeyarwady has been relatively free of conflict since the military seized power more than three years ago. Until recently, even the southern part of Rakhine State was largely untouched by the fighting.

Actions of Resistance Forces against the Junta

KIA captures key military junta bases near the jade-mining centre of Hpakant

Anti-junta forces led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) say they captured two hilltop bases near the jade-mining town of Hpakant in Kachin State on 15 August 2024. The La Mawng base, located about seven miles west of Hpakant, and the Taw Hmaw base, located about 12 miles to the north, fell after more than a full day of intense clashes, according to KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu. He stated that they took full control of the La Mawng base at about 9:15am of that day, later confirming that the Taw Maw base was captured at around 4pm the same day.

The KIA spokesperson said the group and its ally, the Kachin People’s Defence Force, began attacking both bases at around 2:30 am on 14 August. The military responded with airstrikes and heavy artillery fire from the nearby Hseng Taung hilltop base, which is still under its control, he said. According to the Colonel Naw Bu, the La Mawng base is especially important because it serves as the main garrison responsible for the security of Hpakant.

Mana Village, located about two miles from the La Mawng base, was also hit by artillery fire early 15 August, and there were airstrikes in the area at around noon, according to residents. Earlier this year, the KIA and its allies captured a number of key bases along the main road into Hpakant, leaving only a few still under junta control. Laiza has also been targeted by junta airstrikes, most recently on 15 August, when Chinese authorities reportedly fired warning flares as two bombs were dropped on the town. The KIA has overrun scores of military outposts since the start of its offensive in March. It has also captured a number of towns, including Sumprabum, Injangyang, Sadung, Sinbo, Myo Hla, and Lwegel in Kachin State and Mabein in northern Shan State’s Kutkai Township.

KIA captures last Military junta base in township bordering China

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) says it captured the last junta base near the southern Kachin State town of Momauk on Monday, giving it full control of the township bordering China.

The Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 437 camp, located between Momauk and Bhamo, where the junta’s Military Operations Command (MOC) 21 is based, fell late 19 August 2024 after nearly a month of clashes, according to KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu. He stated that they launched an attack on the base early this year, but paused for a while before resuming on 24 July. In response, the junta carried out air raids and artillery and drone attacks, and sent additional ground troops as reinforcements. Despite losing control of the base, the junta’ s airstrikes have not relented, he added.

Details regarding casualties and the number of prisoners and weapons captured by the KIA and its allies were not available at the time of reporting. Videos circulating on Facebook show KIA troops celebrating on an armoured vehicle at the captured camp. The vehicle appears to have been part of a junta convoy that was intercepted en route from Bhamo to Momauk during the fighting, according to the Kachin News Group, a local media outlet. Momauk is less than 10 miles east of Bhamo, and the LIB 437 camp, which housed around 500 troops, also served as the headquarters of the MOC 21 chief, according to Zin Yaw, a former Military army captain who has defected to the resistance.

A coalition of KIA and allied forces have been attacking junta bases in Kachin State since early March, resulting in the capture of a number of key positions along the road from Bhamo to the state capital Myitkyina, some 120 miles to the north. In May, the anti-junta groups launched simultaneous attacks in Momauk and Mansi, a town about 15 miles south of Bhamo. Although the KIA was able to take effective control of both towns after a month of fighting, the LIB 437 camp in Momauk and LIB 601 and LIB 319 camps in Mansi remained in the junta’s control.

Since the start of the current offensive, the KIA-led forces have overrun scores of military outposts and captured a number of towns, including Sumprabum, Injangyang, Sadung, Sinbo, Myo Hla, and Lwegel in Kachin State and Mabein in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State. Last week, they also took control of two major hilltop bases near Hpakant, a jade-mining centre that has been a major source of revenue for military junta leaders.

NUG’s Ministry of Defence Announces Full Control of Thabeikkyin by PDF and PDT Forces

On 26 August 2024, the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced that People’s Defence Force (PDF) battalions and People’s Defence Teams (PDT) under the command of the  Ministry of Defense’s No. 1 Military Region have successfully captured the city of Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region. While the city itself came under control on 19 August, the remaining terrorist military forces had retreated to Myo Oo Taung Pagoda. By 25 August, revolutionary forces had fully secured the entire city, including the hill. During the battle to capture the city, revolutionary forces seized a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including 63 weapons, 5 mortars, 18,669 rounds of ammunition, 36 RPG-7 rockets, 31 RPG-7 projectiles, 31 long 60mm mortar bombs, 11 short 60mm mortar bombs, 3 jammer machines, and battlefield communication equipment. Additionally, Lt. Col. Soe Min Thu (Army-34542), a member of the District Administration for Singu, Thabeikkyin, and Mogok townships, was arrested and detained in accordance with international humanitarian law. The operation was conducted  under the command of the Pyin Oo Lwin District Command Office and involved various battalions, including Pyin Oo Lwin District No. 1 Battalion, No. 2 Battalion, No. 509 Battalion, No. 510 Battalion, No. 512 Battalion, Mandalay District No. 5 Battalion, the Mandalay Division Drone Force, Thabeikkyin PDT, No. 1 Shwebo Drone, and Kanbalu District PDT. The fight to capture Thabeikkyin began on 17 August.

Myanmar resistance freed political prisoners during capture of Depayin

Anti-junta resistance forces under the command of the National Unity Government (NUG) freed political prisoners from custody during an operation to seize the town of Depayin in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region on third week of August, according to NUG spokespersons. The rescue took place during an offensive launched on 15 August by resistance fighters targeting the capture of the town.

The fighters, members of the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) under the NUG’s Ministry of Defence, succeeded in taking Depayin by the morning of 18 August, following two days of clashes. The town is located about 40 miles north of the military junta's North-western Regional Military Command headquarters in Monywa.

As junta soldiers and police retreated, resistance forces gained access to the detainees held at the township police station. They reported rescuing 20 prisoners, most of whom were political detainees. Many of those freed were middle-aged, with at least one elderly woman among them. The detainees had been arrested on charges connected to their suspected affiliations with opponents of the military junta, including charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law, which can carry lengthy prison sentences.

The junta forces launched a counter-attack within hours, forcing the resistance fighters to retreat from Depayin. Ko Thit Sar, an officer of the Depayin Township People’s Defence Team, confirmed that the rescued detainees were safely escorted back to their families.

The operation also resulted in the capture of two junta-trained militia members, 41 junta-appointed administrators, and 80 of their family members by the Sagaing Region People’s Defence Forces. According to Ko Thit Sar, these detainees would be treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and prosecuted following the NUG’s defence ministry guidelines. A committee is expected to bring appropriate charges against junta-appointed civil service members, while other administrative staff may be required to pledge not to cooperate with the military junta before their release.

The brief capture of Depayin involved multiple groups, including the NUG-commanded Shwebo District PDF and other resistance groups. They took control of several key locations in Depayin, including the police station, high school, and administrative offices, which were defended by approximately 80 junta troops. However, the military soon recaptured the town with air support.

During the three-day campaign, four members of the resistance forces and 18 junta troops were reportedly killed, with 10 additional junta soldiers wounded. The NUG also claimed that their forces seized 22 weapons, ammunition, and 34 million Myanmar kyat (about $10,500 USD). Myanmar Now has not independently verified these figures.

Following the recapture, junta troops stationed at local monasteries began setting fire to houses in Depayin and firing artillery at nearby villages, according to local sources. Ko Phyo, a humanitarian worker, reported seeing fires set in multiple areas of the town. As a result, hundreds of residents displaced from Depayin and surrounding villages have not returned home, fearing further air raids and shelling by the junta forces.

This incident follows a similar operation last month in Chin State, where resistance forces freed 13 political prisoners during an attempt to take control of Matupi Township. More than 50 political prisoners were also released during a raid on a police station in the state capital, Hakha.

Activities of the National Unity Government and Ethnic Groups

Lashio residents begin to return as MNDAA solidifies control

According to the Myanmar Now, residents of Lashio are cautiously returning to their homes as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) steadily consolidates its control.

Resident of Lashio’s Ward No. 1 said that nearly everyone has returned. Everything is fine now that the fighting has stopped, reflecting a sense of relief and the beginning of normalcy. Two weeks after the MNDAA took full control of the city on 3 August 2024, most roads connecting it to the rest of northern Shan State have been reopened, allowing highway express bus services to resume.

Most markets, except for the main Myoma market, are also back in operation. Despite rising food and fuel prices, most essential goods are readily available for purchase, according to residents. However, major security concerns remain. Due to fears of air raids by the military junta, the MNDAA has imposed a nighttime curfew and restricted outdoor lighting.

MNDAA police have also tried to restore law and order amid a recent spike in thefts. Security measures include thorough inspections of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

The presence of the United Wa State Army, a powerful MNDAA ally, in the city has helped not only to deter crime, but also to restore limited internet access. Residents report that wifi is now available near the group’s office on Parami Street, as well as at the Aung Hospital and the Mansu Monastery, where the Kokang army has set up a temporary administrative office.

Since taking over the city, the MNDAA has reinstated a number of former administrators, including those involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement against military rule. It has also been distributing rice to support the returning population.

Another major task has been cleaning up the heavy damage caused by a month of fierce fighting. Junta airstrikes and artillery fire have left parts of the city in ruins, and some areas have also been gutted by fire. The MNDAA has also taken measures to protect civilians from unexploded shells and other ordnance that have been discovered around the city, using tires or bricks to cordon them off until they can be safely disposed of.

NUG Marks Seventh Anniversary of Rohingya Atrocities, Vows to Fight Injustice

On 25 August 2024, the National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement commemorating the seventh anniversary of the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people by the terrorist military council in 2017. The NUG expressed its deep sympathy and reaffirmed its commitment to fighting against injustice, racial and religious discrimination, and the military dictatorship as part of the broader goal of establishing a true federal democratic system in Myanmar. The NUG also honoured the Rohingya people who are participating in the revolution alongside other ethnic groups across the Union. The government pledged to seek justice for the injustices suffered by the Rohingya and other groups once the revolution is successful and the transition period begins.

Myanmar's UN Ambassador Praises UNFPA Support, Condemns Military's Actions, and Calls for International Support for Democratic Transition

At the UNFPA Segment of the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS on August 26, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, praised the UNFPA's ongoing support to Myanmar, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and humanitarian response. He expressed gratitude for the agency's commitment to assisting Myanmar's most vulnerable populations, even amidst challenges following the military coup in February 2021.

Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun condemned the junta military's actions over the past three years, highlighting violations of international laws and the devastating impact on civilians, especially women and girls. He called on the international community to avoid supporting any elections organized by the junta, which he stressed would not be free, fair and inclusive.

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador urged international support for the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of a federal democratic union, emphasizing the need to end suffering and achieve sustainable peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.

Myanmar Ambassador Calls for International Action at UN Security Council Debate

At a UN Security Council debate on 21 August 2024, Myanmar's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun urged international support for peacebuilding and conflict prevention amid ongoing crises. Highlighting the need for stronger global cooperation, he stressed that Myanmar is experiencing severe consequences from the military junta's actions, including displacement, violence against vulnerable groups, and deteriorating economic conditions.

The ambassador called on the international community to impose stricter measures to isolate the military junta, including cutting off the flow of arms, money, and support. He emphasized that Myanmar's people are committed to ending military rule and achieving sustainable peace through a federal democratic union.

Ambassador appealed to the UN and its member states to act decisively, aligning all efforts with the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.

Myanmar Ambassador Urges International Action at at the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS

At the Second Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS on 27 August 2024, Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations, Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun emphasized the critical role of UNDP in responding to Myanmar's severe crises. He praised Administrator Steiner and the UNDP team for their dedication and efforts.

However, Ambassador underscored the root causes of the country’s worsening conditions, citing the illegal military coup attempt's impact on Myanmar’s economy, social structure, and overall stability. He reported that over 5,500 people have been killed by the military junta, with millions displaced and in urgent need of aid, while food insecurity remains a pressing issue.

The ambassador called for coordinated international action to address the military dictatorship and support Myanmar's efforts to establish a federal democratic union. He urged the international community to effectively back the people of Myanmar and their pursuit of democracy, emphasizing that unity and freedom are essential for meaningful development.

NUG’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration Seizes Heroin in Tamu, Sagaing Region

On 26 August 2024, the National Unity Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration reported the seizure of a significant quantity of heroin in Tamu, Sagaing Region. The operation was carried out by the Tamu Township People’s Police, led by superintendent, Demo with 4 officers, while patrolling the area. The police stopped a Toyota Crown gray vehicle with license plate 5I-3728, traveling from Khampat to Kanan on Asian Highway 4 (AH4) near Kanan village. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 198 soapboxes filled with heroin, weighing a total of 1.98 kg and valued at approximately 99 million MMK (around USD 47,000). Three men were apprehended in connection with the drug bust, including the driver, Paung Ngike Htan, and Hauk Shin Sut, both aged 27. The suspects are currently being investigated at the Tamu police station under sections 19(a), 20, and 21 of the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substance Law.

Response of the International Community

Former senior economic advisor to Myanmar calls for more sanctions on Military junta

The North West Star reported that an Australian academic who spent nearly two years in a Myanmar prison is urging Canberra to impose sanctions on the country's state banks to block weapons purchases from China or Russia. Sean Turnell, who was detained for 650 days after being arrested during a military coup while serving as a senior economic advisor to Myanmar’s ousted democratic leader, believes that targeting state banks is crucial to preventing the military from acquiring sophisticated weaponry, including air-delivered munitions and aircraft.

Turnell emphasized that the military needs foreign exchange to purchase these weapons, and the state-owned banks are actively seeking ways to access such funds. While Australia has implemented financial sanctions against Myanmar, Turnell suggests that these measures could be expanded.

Military junta seized control from the democratically elected government in February 2021. Turnell was released in November 2022 during a mass pardon by the military, but that pardon has since been revoked. According to the United Nations, the military has been evading international sanctions by switching the banks it uses to receive foreign revenue after several governments, including the United States and the European Union, sanctioned military-controlled entities and banks.

The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has called for countries to take more robust, sustained action, including coordinating sanctions to reduce the military's capacity to continue its attacks on civilians. The rapporteur also identified energy companies and subsidiaries providing aviation fuel for military operations that have not yet been sanctioned by Australia, as well as two companies assisting in importing spare parts for military aircraft that have been targeted by the US, UK, EU, and Canada but not by Australia.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted, but government officials and ministers have repeatedly declined to comment on potential sanctions.

Turnell expressed optimism about the opposition's progress in Myanmar, noting that the military's increasingly brutal tactics suggest it is under pressure. He believes that tightening sanctions further could help the Burmese opposition gain the upper hand. Reflecting on his experience in prison, Turnell emphasized the need to refocus on the Burmese people's struggle, rather than on political prisoners or the military's abuses.

Turnell, who is now writing about his time in prison, highlighted the missed story of reformers and Myanmar's first civilian government in six decades, who were attempting to use economic policies to weaken military rule before the coup. He called their efforts courageous and visionary, despite their ultimate failure.

Bangladesh’s Yunus offers reassurances on Rohingya refugees

According the Myanmar Now, Bangladesh will continue its support for both the Rohingya refugee population and its garment trade, according to Nobel laureate and newly appointed leader Muhammad Yunus. In his first major policy address, Yunus, 84, outlined his priorities after taking charge following a student-led revolution that ended the 15-year rule of his predecessor, Sheikh Hasina. Yunus returned to Bangladesh earlier this month to guide the country through democratic reforms amid widespread institutional challenges.

During his address to diplomats and UN representatives, Yunus affirmed that his administration would maintain support for the more than one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for sustained international efforts to ensure their safe repatriation to Myanmar. The Rohingya crisis began in 2017 when a military crackdown in Myanmar forced many to flee to Bangladesh, and this situation is now under investigation by a United Nations court for potential genocide.

Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in microfinance, took office as the chief adviser of a caretaker administration consisting mostly of civilians, with the exception of two retired generals.

A Singapore company's profiteering exporting teak from Myanmar may violate US law

Olam, a global commodities giant, has reportedly exported over a thousand tonnes of teak from Myanmar since the military junta seized power three years ago, despite previously announcing plans to wind down its timber operations in the country. Companies owned by Olam are said to have been involved in nearly 40 shipments of Myanmar teak, valued at over $2 million, following the military coup in February 2021, according to tax data and customs records reviewed by Finance Uncovered and Myanmar Now.

These shipments took place even after Olam Group’s CEO publicly stated the company would exit Myanmar three months post-coup. The political upheaval has led to a civil war in Myanmar, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians and displacing millions from their homes. Burmese teak, known for its durability and used in luxury furniture and yacht decking, remains a lucrative trade for military junta and its affiliates, making it a significant source of income for the junta. This demand for teak has also been a key driver of deforestation in Myanmar, which has one of the fastest rates of forest loss globally.

Olam sourced the teak from the state-owned Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE), the sole entity legally permitted to harvest timber in Myanmar. MTE, a critical revenue source for the military junta, was among the first to be sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom after the coup. Olam contends that the timber was purchased in 2014-2015, during Myanmar’s democratic transition, years before sanctions were imposed on MTE. However, experts argue that the military has long controlled the teak trade through state-owned enterprises, using profits to fund arms purchases and sustain human rights violations.

In August 2023, Olam’s most recent shipment of Myanmar teak, harvested from China, was sent to a relative of an Olam employee in Texas. US imports of Myanmar timber have been effectively banned since 2008 under the Lacey Act, which prohibits the import of illegally logged or conflict wood, a restriction that applies to timber from Myanmar. Most of Olam's shipments were directed to businesses in India, Singapore, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, countries not subject to these restrictions.

Olam confirmed that it ceased all business operations in Myanmar last year and has paid no taxes to the junta since it seized power. The company claimed it is in the process of winding up its business in Myanmar, although it did not specify when this would be completed.

Olam’s involvement in Myanmar's timber industry dates back to 2015, when it acquired Concorde Industries Limited (CIL) and established a factory near Yangon capable of processing up to 10,000 tonnes of wood annually. While the factory opened shortly after Myanmar banned teak log exports to curb deforestation, a loophole allowed the export of processed wood. By the 2017-2018 financial year, CIL had become Myanmar's leading teak exporter, shipping over 3,000 tonnes of teak in a single year.

Leaked export records indicate that CIL continued exporting teak after the coup, with 37 shipments totalling 1,038 tonnes sent to various countries between April 2021 and November 2022. Indian customs data shows that at least nine companies imported Myanmar teak from Olam during this period. While none of these shipments violated existing laws, any teak shipped to the US or EU may have breached the Lacey Act or the EU's Timber Regulation.

One notable case involves Friends Timber Private Limited, which received four shipments of teak from Olam and subsequently exported teak decking to four US companies, raising concerns over potential violations of US law. Teakdecking Systems, a Florida yacht decking manufacturer, was identified as one of the US buyers linked to the Burmese teak trade in a 2023 investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Olam has maintained that all its timber stocks were sold in 2021 and 2022, and the company ceased business operations in Myanmar. However, CIL continued to advertise teak products online until last year. When contacted, CIL staff in Myanmar confirmed that their head office was Olam in Singapore and offered assistance in arranging sales of teak.

Olam owns CIL through Panasia International FZCO, based in the United Arab Emirates, a subsidiary of Olam Agri Holdings Pte. Ltd. The Olam Group is owned by Singapore’s investment conglomerate Temasek Holdings, with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund acquiring a 35.4% stake in Olam Agri in 2022. Olam Agri is now planning a dual public listing in Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

UN urges end to impunity for crimes against Rohingya population

The United Nations’ investigative body on Myanmar has called for an end to the “cycle of impunity” related to crimes committed against the country’s Rohingya minority. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), established by the UN in 2018, released a statement on 22 August 2024 urging an end to impunity for these horrific crimes.

“Seven years since the clearance operations against the Rohingyas, the cycle of impunity must be broken,” the statement read.

The IIMM was created to collect and analyse evidence of serious international crimes following a brutal military campaign against the Rohingya that began on August 25, 2017, in northern Rakhine State. This operation forced more than 700,000 Rohingyas from their homes in Rakhine, leading them to live as refugees in dire conditions in neighbouring Bangladesh.

This week marks seven years since the junta military forces’ violent actions drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas—women, men, and children—to flee their homes, according to Nicholas Koumjian, head of the IIMM.

The Rohingyas have lost loved ones and property, and many have suffered horrific sexual violence. They now live in Bangladesh’s refugee camps, waiting for the day they can return home, Koumjian added. “No one has been held accountable for these horrific crimes, which has emboldened perpetrators to continue their brutal actions without fear of consequences,” Koumjian stated. “When crimes go unpunished, it can lead to further violence,” he continued. “This cycle of impunity must be broken.” The IIMM has initiated new investigations and is gathering evidence on all alleged perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations. Koumjian warned that atrocities are likely to persist until those responsible for earlier crimes are held accountable. Koumjian said that the International justice is often slow, which can be frustrating for victims who rightfully seek justice. He added that they are working towards presenting the evidence in a court of law, where perpetrators will have to answer for their actions.”

UNESCO Director-General condemns killings of journalists Win Htut Oo and Htet Myat Thu in Myanmar

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has condemned the killings of journalists Win Htut Oo (aka. Fizal) and Htet Myat Thu in Kyaikto, in Mon State, Myanmar, on 21 August 2024.  “I condemn the killings of Win Htut Oo and Htet Myat Thu and call for an independent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Journalists and media workers are essential channels of information for the population and their safety must be ensured by all parties. Win Htut Oo was a reporter for the media outlet Democratic Voice of Burma, covering local news in Mon State. Htet Myat Thu was a freelance reporter working for the local outlets Than Lwin Times and the National Voice. They were reportedly shot and killed in raids on their respective homes. UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

Military Junta's Acquisition of French-Made Aircraft Exposed Despite Sanctions

A new report by Justice for Myanmar (JFM) has uncovered how the military has managed to purchase and maintain French-made ATR planes, despite international sanctions. The report, released on 29 August 2024, outlines how the junta has used these planes, manufactured by the Franco-Italian company Avions de Transport Regional (ATR), in military operations across Myanmar since taking power more than three years ago.

According to JFM, the turboprop aircraft are deployed to transport troops, weapons, and supplies into conflict zones, as well as for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These planes have reportedly played a key role in operations involving war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report names several companies with close ties to the junta that have facilitated the acquisition and upkeep of these aircraft. Among them are Miya Win International, KT Group, International Gateways Group, 24 Hour Group, Htoo Group, and the junta-controlled Myanmar National Airlines. Mingalar Aviation, formerly known as Air KBZ and owned by 24 Hour Group, is said to be crucial in supporting the Junta air force's ATR fleet through the procurement and leasing of five aircraft.

In March, Myanmar Airways International (MAI), also owned by 24 Hour Group, acquired an ATR 72-600 aircraft that was previously in service with the Australian airline Virgin Australia, despite growing evidence of the company's links to the junta. JFM's report presents evidence that private military arms brokers and commercial airlines have transferred ATR aircraft to the military, often concealing the end-user to avoid sanctions. The report also highlights the involvement of companies from Europe, the United States, Israel, and Singapore in providing parts and maintenance services.

This revelation follows a warning issued in January 2024 by the US State Department, advising businesses to exercise caution when dealing with Myanmar's aviation sector due to its connections with military operations. The advisory specifically mentioned the military's use of ATR aircraft for logistical support.

JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung criticized the continued acquisition and use of ATR aircraft by the military junta while it engages in what she described as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. She called on governments worldwide to take urgent action to prevent the junta air force from using these planes in its attacks on civilians, including children, schools, clinics, and communities.

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Date: 31 August 2024

Permanent Mission of Myanmar to the United Nations, New York