Burma On the Brink

Burma Coup Watch

BN 2024/2098 11 Jun 2024

Published in cooperation with Asia Democracy Network (ADN), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM- ASIA), Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Progressive Voice (PV), US Campaign for Burma (USCB), and Women’s Peace Network (WPN).

---------

Burma Coup Watch for The Month of May 2024: Burma On the Brink

•        As of 25 May, there were at least 34,371 armed clashes and attacks against civilians since 1 Feb 2021. As of 6 May, there were at least 2,804,700 displaced people since 1 Feb 2021. Junta troops continued their violent crimes.

•        Rohingya targeted by Arakan Army and junta - at least 150,000 displaced in Buthidaung.

•        Junta massacre kills at least 76 civilians in Sittwe.

•        Armed groups abduct Rohingya refugees from Cox's Bazar, deliver to junta frontlines.

•        Kachin Independence Army solidifies control, takes 3 towns, forms brigade along Shweli River.

•        Despite arrests & abductions, junta misses draft quota by 1,000.

•        Buying spree shows junta doubling down on drone tech.

•        Aung Zeya junta counter-offensive stuck in its tracks.

•        Heatwave reaches 48.2°C, kills over 1,400 nationwide in April.

•        Prison court lengthens Monywa strike leader's sentence to 74 years.

•        Junta seeks to resurrect Myitsone Dam, resumes other BRI projects.

•        Organizers drop Burma as host for international beauty pageant.

•        JfM investigation links Karen BGF-led syndicates to regional crime and politician.

•        Japanese government rep. holds first official dialogue with resistance groups and NUG.

Contacts

Impacts Of Illegal Forced Conscription Law

Arrests and Abductions to Fill Second Conscription Quota

On 10 May, the junta began training the second batch of forced recruits. Regime media did not report this batch’s size or conscripts' pay.1 The junta barred conscripts from communicating with their families.2 As of 23 May, the junta had forcibly recruited 4,000 men, short of its goal of 5,000 conscripts.3

In Natmauk Township (Magway Region) the junta arrested 47 youths, 40 in Paungde Township (Bago Region), and 80 in Ye-U Township (Sagaing Region) during late Mar-early May.4 On 8 May, in Aunglan Township (Magway Region), the junta sent 80 conscripts to military training school in Magway Town, and it was reported that since 25 Apr, the junta had arrested 140 youths but 60 had managed to escape or had paid a bribe for their release.5 In Mandalay, it was reported that since the beginning of May the junta had conducted surprise household checks to interrogate residents on the whereabouts of draft-age youths on the household's registration and would threaten residents with jail if the young people left the city.6

On 3 May, the junta forcibly recruited 50 more young men and sent them to the advanced military training school in Thanbyuzayat Township (Mon State).7 On 7 May, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) reported that in Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region, the junta had conscripted around 600 youths, and were projected to conscript 400 more in May. Forced recruitment had driven young people to join resistance groups or seek work in neighboring countries.8 In Mawlamyine (Mon State), it was reported regime officials levied a ""military service tax"" of up to MMK 50,000 on households. In Thanbyuzayat Township (Mon State), the junta's Mon State chief minister disbursed cash to new conscripts.9 On 30 May, it was reported that the junta began targeting migrants and people with substance abuse issues with promises of cash and drug-related business opportunities."10

On 20 May, the junta's third in command, Gen. Maung Maung Aye announced that the regime would hand down three-year jail terms to draft evaders.11 Similarly, the junta's Defense Minister, Tin Aung San, ordered his subordinates to take 'legal action' against those evading the draft and to prepare for a third batch of conscripts.12

Junta Bars Draft-Aged Men from Leaving Burma

On 1 May, the junta enacted a ban on draft-eligible men traveling abroad for work. Junta Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Nyunt Win claimed that the ban would be 'temporary' and would not affect men permitted to leave Burma before 30 Apr. He did not comment on the reason for the ban. The junta's labor minister Myint Naung had reportedly complained that too many youths were leaving Burma to avoid the draft.13 It was reported that prospective overseas workers would pay employment agencies USD 2,400 to work in Thailand or Malaysia, and up to USD 4,750 to work in Japan, excluding costs such as language and skills training, passport application fees, and interim living expenses.14 During 6-7 May, the junta's labor ministry told employment agencies that the travel ban would apply to men aged 23-

31.15 It was not confirmed if the junta's restrictions would apply to existing employment arrangements between the junta and foreign governments like South Korea.16

Thailand deals with junta conscription law

On 15 May, it was reported that the work permits of over 150,000 Burmese workers in Thailand would

soon expire per MOUs between the two countries. An adviser for the Thailand-based Migrant Working

1 Irrawaddy (15 May 2024) Updated Timeline: Myanmar Junta Fast-Tracks Conscription Law Implementation

2 Myanmar Now (23 May 2024) Military failing to find sufficient recruits despite conscription

3 RFA (31 May 2024) Myanmar junta recruits thousands of soldiers: report

4 Myanmar Now (10 May 2024) Myanmar’s young face abduction as they ignore junta’s call to duty

5 Irrawaddy (17 May 2024) Conscription Crisis: Myanmar’s Military is Recruiting Young Men at Gunpoint

6 Irrawaddy (15 May 2024) A Conscription Crackdown is Rolling Through Myanmar’s Second-Largest City

7 HURFOM (10 May 2024) Junta sends 50 youth in 2nd batch for compulsory military service

8 Mizzima (9 May 2024) HURFOM documents impact of Conscription Law in southeastern Myanmar; HURFOM (7 May 2024) Forced to Fight: Military Conscription in Southeastern Burma

9 Mizzima (14 May 2024) Myanmar junta conscription drive threatens livelihoods in southeastern Myanmar

10 HURFOM (30 May 2024) Junta targets migrant workers and persons with substance misuse for compulsory military service

11 Irrawaddy (21 May 2024) Myanmar Junta to Jail Draft Dodgers

12 Myanmar Now (23 May 2024) Military failing to find sufficient recruits despite conscription

13 RFA (2 May 2024) Myanmar junta bans all men from working abroad; Myanmar Now (2 May 2024) Myanmar junta bans conscription-age men from leaving country for work

14 Myanmar Now (8 May 2024) Junta’s restrictions on working abroad derail young men’s future plans

15 Myanmar Now (8 May 2024) Junta’s restrictions on working abroad derail young men’s future plans; Irrawaddy (8 May 2024) Myanmar Regime Eases Some Restrictions on Men Working Abroad

16 Myanmar Now (10 May 2024) Junta lifts suspension of overseas work permits for men, but imposes age restrictions

Group said the junta made no sign it would renew their permits, or if the travel ban would apply to them. The founder of Foundation for Education and Development said that returning Burmese youths would face conscription. The director of Thailand’s Department of Employment stated that Thailand had been looking to Burma to fill half a million job vacancies, but had yet to draft a plan to deal with the junta's new restrictions. The president of Thailand's Fisheries Association said that Thailand should issue permits to Burmese workers regardless of legal status.17

On the same day, Thailand's foreign ministry denied reports that Thailand had rejected education visa applications by Burmese nationals. However, Thai language schools and higher education institutions reportedly told students they could not apply for education visas while in Thailand, and that the application process had changed.18

Illegal Junta’s Quest to Cement Control

Junta Updates

•        On 8 May it was reported that, during talks with Cambodian dictator Hun Sen, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing reiterated yet again his plans to hold a sham election.19

•        On 12 May, the junta's No. 2, Gen Soe Win, called for a national census during 1-15 Oct as a prerequisite for its sham election in 2025. The junta conducted a pilot census last year during the same period in Karen State, Naypyidaw, and Mandalay and Bago Regions.20

•        On 14 May, in Naypyidaw, junta air force chief Tun Aung received India's Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) Air Vice Marshal Ichettira Iyappa Kuttappa. Junta media reported that the two discussed military and technical cooperation, including training junta personnel in India.21 19 May, in Yangon, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met with the deputy director general of Russia’s space agency 'Roscosmos' to discuss cooperation in aerospace technology.22

•        On 29 May, it was reported that the junta had appointed Deputy Chief of Armed Forces Training, Maj. Gen. Ko Lay, to deputy defense minister. In March, the junta arrested his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Aung Lin Tun, in connection with scam operations in N. Shan.23

•        On 30 May, the International Crisis Group reported that the “junta leader’s days in charge could be numbered” but that the junta was “not likely” to collapse - it would likely continue to launch airstrikes and “chaotic violence.”.” Junta-linked elites reportedly blamed Min Aung Hlaing for the junta’s military defeats; senior junta officials and officers even spoke against him in meetings with “diplomats, local business leaders, journalists and personal acquaintances.”24

Aung San Suu Kyi: No Meeting With Hun Sen, Brother Attempts House Auction Again

On 7 May, it was reported that former Cambodian dictator Hun Sen requested junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to allow a video call meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup leader reportedly said he would consider the request with the ‘highest attention’.25 On 9 May, it was reported that the junta had denied Hun Sen's request to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi.26

On 23 May, Yangon’s Kamaryut District Court lowered the initial price for Aung San Suu Kyi's house in Bahan Township from USD 91 million to USD 71 million. Aung San Suu Kyi's brother, Aung San Oo, had petitioned the court to allow a second auction of the house after an initial auction in March failed to attract bidders. He also requested to allow potential buyers to visit the house.27 On 31 May, Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers objected in court to the reduction in the price of the state counsellor's house. It was reported that both Aung San Suu Kyi's and her brother's lawyers would have to submit their 17 RFA (15 May 2024) Myanmar’s ban on overseas male workers worsens Thai labor shortage

18 RFA (16 May 2024) Thailand denies restricting student visas for Myanmar nationals

19 Reuters (9 May 2024) Myanmar junta reiterates election plan after ex-Cambodia PM seeks Suu Kyi access

20 AFP via Myanmar Now (14 May 2024) Myanmar junta plans October national census

21 Irrawaddy (16 May 2024) Myanmar Junta, Indian Air Force Brass Meet Amid Regime’s Aerial Campaign of Terror

22 Irrawaddy (20 May 2024) Myanmar Dictator Seeks Russian Help to Develop an Aerospace Industry

23 Irrawaddy (29 May 2024) Myanmar Junta Appoints Training Chief as Deputy Defense Minister; Mizzima (31 May 2024) Junta appoints new Deputy Defence Minister

24 RFA (30 May 2024) Myanmar’s junta chief faces growing criticism over military failures: group

25 Irrawaddy (8 May 2024) Cambodia’s Hun Sen Asks Myanmar Junta for Talks With Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

26 DVB (9 May 2024) Regime denies Hun Sen request to meet Aung San Suu Kyi; Military seeks to bolster its drone capabilities

27 RFA (23 May 2024) Myanmar court lowers bid price on democracy icon Suu Kyi’s home petitions in court by 12 Jun. Her lawyers also objected to Aung San Oo's request to allow bidders to visit the house.28

CRPH, NUG & Other Democratic Forces (more at CRPH, NUG & other Democratic forces tracker)

Resistance Media Policies Stir Controversy

On 10 May, it was reported that the Karen National Union (KNU) and Karenni Interim Executive Council’s (IEC’s) new media regulations, particularly over the demand that journalists avoid work that “could impact the security, dignity, and image” of the KNU had raised serious concerns. A KNU spokesperson stated the rules would “ensure the safety of journalists.” A journalist said the rules might lead to “confusion and misunderstanding” and prevent civilians from speaking to journalists. They added that the KNU should work to establish more transparency and accountability in their organization, rather than assert control over information flows. The IEC stated that restrictions would only apply to “military operations security.” The requirement for approval from commanders to travel to certain areas raised censorship concerns among journalists. A foreign journalist stated that increased restrictions during war should be expected but that censorship of materials would cause coverage of resistance groups to drop.29

TNLA takes hard line on junta affiliations: On 2 May, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reported they had sentenced their troops caught drinking Myanmar Beer in April to ten lashes and hard labor. Myanmar Beer is owned by the junta’s Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).30 On 15 May, the TNLA announced that all non-CDM staff in TNLA-controlled townships had been sacked and sent away, and that they would arrest as spies non-CDM staff who returned to its territory. They would also arrest non-CDM staff in TNLA-controlled areas that continued to cooperate with the junta.31

KNU seeks to coordinate township governance: During 7-12 May, the KNU held its inaugural Kawthoolei Township Administrators Conference, to coordinate governance and public administration across KNU-controlled territory. On 12 May, the KNU’s Mae Wah Klo Declaration laid out six principles that administrators from all 27 Kawthoolei KNU townships had agreed to after months of public consultations. The declaration called for administrators to uphold the KNU Constitution; enhance collective governance standards; uphold social, cultural, and political rights; and pursue economic progress alongside environmental conservation and social well-being.32

Civil disobedience, crackdowns (more at protests, CDM, and crackdowns tracker)

On 1 May, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported that since Feb 2021, the

junta had seized 1,159 properties, including 887 houses, 11 hospitals and clinics, and seven schools.33

Junta Keeps Burma Among Last In Freedoms

On 15 May, digital rights group Access Now ranked the junta as one of the worst offenders for internet shutdowns. In 2023, it enforced 37 shutdowns in 13 out of 14 states & regions. In many townships the junta cut internet access for over 850 days since Aug 2021. Access Now linked 11 shutdowns to human rights violations or war crimes such as airstrikes and shelling of civilians.34

On 1 May, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom listed designated Burma as one of the 17 countries of “particular concern” for religious freedom and noted a significant decline since 2023. The junta continued to target houses of worship and destroyed nearly 200 religious buildings. The report recommended the US engage with Burmese pro-democracy groups, redesignate Burma as a “country of particular concern”, and work with Southeast Asian countries to support Rohingya refugee.35

28 VOA Burmese (31 May 2024) ေနအိမ်�ကမ်းခင်းေဈးေလJာ့ဖို ့ေလJာက်ထားချက် ေဒါ်ေအာင်ဆန်းစု�ကည်ေдှ�ေနေတွကန်က့

29 Frontier Myanmar (10 May 2024) Rules of engagement: Armed groups and the media

ွက်

30 DVB (7 May 2024) Nearly 90,000 homes destroyed in arson attacks since 2021 coup; Over three million displaced nationwide

31 Myanmar Peace Monitor (16 May 2024) PSLF/TNLA warns of action against suspected non CDM staff in controlled towns

32 KNU via Facebook (13 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/kxwj8e4n; KNU via Twitter (14 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/yhtuk6ct; KNU via Facebook (12 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/4y43sbe3

33 AAPP (1 May 2024) Civilians’ Properties Unjustly Being Confiscated under the Military Coup

34 Mizzima (18 May 2024) Report reveals Myanmar military is weaponising internet shutdowns; Access Now (15 May 2024) The most violent year: internet shutdowns in 2023

35 US Commission on International Religious Freedom (2 May 2024) 2024 Annual Report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom

 On 3 May, Reporters Without Borders ranked Burma 171 out of 180 on its World Press Freedom Index. Burma's overall press freedom score declined from 28.26 to 24.41 this year.36 As of March, the junta kept in detention 208 journalists, eight of whom died in detention.37

Junta gives political prisoner 74 years, kills 17, turns city hall into hell, plans more prisons

On 10 May, in Monywa Township (Sagaing Region), the Monya Prison court gave protest leader Wai Moe Naing a.k.a. “Monywa Panda” an additional 20 years on charges of murder, abduction with intent to murder, and incitement. This ruling extended his sentence to 74 years. An activist said the junta may soon move him to another prison. The court also gave five other political prisoners 20 years.38

On 17 May, the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPNM) reported that water shortages in 12 prisons including Insein, Pyapon, and Kale, had caused health problems for inmates.39 On 20 May, it was reported that in the first four months of 2024 junta interrogation caused the deaths of 17 political prisoners.40

On 24 May, it was reported that soon after the 2021 attempted coup, around 60 junta personnel occupied the Monywa city hall (Sagaing Region), and transformed into an interrogation center. It was reported that the junta personnel belonged to the Office of the Chief of Military Security Affairs, the Bureau of Special Investigation, and the Special Police Intelligence Force. Survivors and relatives of people killed during interrogation at the city hall reported severe and routine torture of prisoners. Survivors reportedly suffered serious psychological trauma, which drove some to suicide. Women and LGBTQ prisoners received the worst torture and many reported sexual assault and rape. Even junta officials from the local General Administration Department described conditions inside the city hall as appalling. It was unclear how many people were killed there. However, Voice of Myanmar reported that social welfare groups received nearly 200 unidentified bodies before the junta stopped handing them over.41

On 29 May, a member of the PPNM Steering Committee stated that the junta planned to construct new prisons across Burma. Since the attempted coup, the junta has constructed two new prisons with two more planned in Ayeyarwady and Bago Regions, and renovated or expanded 88 percent of prisons.42

Biometric Verifications At Border Crossings

On 1 May, the junta imposed a new policy which would require people at border crossings to confirm their personal and biometric data. The new rule would require people using a temporary border pass to cross into China, Thailand, or India or applying for a new passport to present a Unique Identification (UID) card with a 10-digit number. The junta would no longer accept the National Registration Card (NRC) as ID at border crossings. It would only allow those already in possession of an NRC to apply for a UID. Applicants were also required to submit biographic information and biometric data such as fingerprint and retinal scans. This raised concerns for young people in resistance groups, those who wished to evade the junta's conscription, and people employed in neighboring countries. It was reported that the junta could only issue 100-150 UIDs daily and was struggling to keep up with demand for UIDs in border areas. A local businessman in Muse Township (N. Shan State) stated that the expected wait times of 6-7 months to get UID cards would cause many local workers to lose their jobs in China. Some junta officials reportedly charged applicants between MMK 50,000-600,000 for expedited processing.43

On 24 May, it was reported that the UID was the first step towards implementing a nationwide 'smart card' e-ID system. Although the junta claimed that it had collected the information of 52 million people in Burma, it was unclear how many had submitted biometric data. The junta had reportedly enlisted the assistance of universities to enter data into its e-ID system. Wai Phyo Myint, a policy analyst for the digital rights group Access Now, said that the junta lacked the technology and funds to print smart cards with chips. She added that the UID system already fulfilled the junta's goal of gathering people's personal data into a single database for 'mass profiling.'44

36 DVB (3 May 2024) Myanmar ranks among countries with least amount of press freedom globally; RSF (3 May 2024) MAP - 2024 World Press Freedom Index

37 Myanmar Now (3 May 2024) On World Press Freedom Day, Myanmar journalists continue their struggle to survive

38 Myanmar Now (14 May 2024) 20 years added to Sagaing protest leader’s prison sentence

39 Mizzima (17 May 2024) Inmates suffering due to water shortages in Myanmar prisons

40 Frontier Myanmar (20 May 2024) Prisoners’ families say ban on sending medicines to inmates is fatal

41 Myanmar Now (24 May 2024) Hell in the heart of Monywa

42 Mizzima (29 May 2024) Myanmar junta building more prisons

43 Myanmar Now (16 May 2024) Myanmar nationals now need unique identifier numbers to leave the country; Frontier Myanmar (24 May 2024) Surveillance upgrade: Junta rolls out e-IDs

44 Frontier Myanmar (24 May 2024) Surveillance upgrade: Junta rolls out e-IDs

 Conflict and displacement (more details at conflict & displacement tracker)

The illegal junta poses a persistent global threat as it loses ground and troops::

On 1 May, it was reported over 6,000 junta soldiers had surrendered since the start of Operation 1027.45

On 14 May, citing the International Crisis Group, it was reported that the junta's Directorate of Defence Industries had sent Russian-caliber munitions to Russia. The International Crisis Group added that Ukrainian forces had also used munitions from Burma.46

During 14-15 May, in Kunming (China), the Three Brotherhood Alliance and junta officials met for peace talks to discuss the reopening of border trade with China and fighting in Arakan State, where China had several major development projects. No agreement was reached47.

Junta Doubles Down On Drone Tech

The illegal junta increased its reliance on drones and related tech in order to catch up to resistance forces’ battlefield successes. This shift in strategy could be a reaction to the latest sanctions on jet fuel,48 and to preempt an eventual jet fuel supply shortage.

On 4 May, the Center for Information Resilience reported that by early 2023, resistance forces were flying an average of 100 drone flights per month. Resistance drone units, some all-women, operated all across Burma and had shifted from deploying commercial drones to self-produced models. In Karenni State, resistance forces have manufactured drones using 3D printers, laser cutters, online resources, and repurposed parts.49 Unreliable supply chains, limited financing, and costs of over USD 27,500 posed challenges to assembling larger drones capable of delivering heavy payloads.50

On 14 May, junta media reported that the junta had formed its own drone force trained by China, Russia and India, and headed by Maj. Kyaw Zaw Ye.51 It was reported that on 20 April, the junta acquired 15 UAV drones and 'drone guard' anti-drone electronic warfare systems, from Russia and Belarus. On 26 Apr, in Hmawbi Township (Yangon Region), soldiers from the junta's Light Infantry Division (LIB) 11, 66, and 77 began drone training at the No. 5 Air Defense Operations Command.52 On 14 May, it was reported that the junta also acquired new advanced Chinese ‘first person view' drones and drone-specific munitions rather than dropping traditional mortar shells.53

Junta Targets Old and Young As It Loses Ground

On 3 May, citing AAPP, it was reported that, since 1 Feb 2021, clashes and attacks had killed over 5,000 people.54 In the first four months of 2024, junta forces reportedly killed 106 children, junta airstrikes accounted for half of the fatalities. During the same period, the junta also killed 87 seniors over the age of 60. In Sagaing Region alone, junta forces killed 29 children and 39 seniors.55 The UN stated that from Nov 2023 to May 2024, the number of IDPs jumped 50% to over 3 million.56 It was also reported that, since 1 Feb 2021, the junta had torched nearly 90,000 houses.57

On 30 May, the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) reported that post-2022 territorial control changes had favored resistance groups. SAC-M stated the junta lacked legitimacy as it did not have effective control over the state and its people. It also highlighted that the junta was the primary source of violence and instability in the country. Townships 90% controlled by resistance forces had

45 DMG via BNI (1 May 2024) Over 6,000 Junta Troops Surrender Since Operation 1027

46 DVB (14 May 2024) Munitions from Burma used in Russia-Ukraine War; India’s Manipur State to begin deporting refugees

47 Irrawaddy (17 May 2024) ‘No Agreement’ Between Myanmar Junta and Brotherhood Alliance in Latest Peace Talks; RFA (17 May 2024) Talks between Myanmar rebel alliance and junta focus on Chinese interests

48 Nikkei Asia (3 Feb 2024) Myanmar regime's options narrow as U.S. bolsters jet fuel sanctions

49 RFA (14 May 2024) Myanmar military adds advanced Chinese drones to arsenal

50 New York Times (4 May 2024) Drones Changed This Civil War, and Linked Rebels to the World

51 RFA (14 May 2024) Myanmar military adds advanced Chinese drones to arsenal

52 Mizzima (7 May 2024) Myanmar junta purchases advanced drones from Russia

53 RFA (14 May 2024) Myanmar military adds advanced Chinese drones to arsenal

54 DVB (3 May 2024) AAPP documents nearly 5,000 killed since military coup; NUG assists over 15,000 to evade military conscription

55 Mizzima (4 May 2024) Myanmar junta murders 106 children in first four months of 2024

56 UN (3 May 2024) Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar

57 DVB (7 May 2024) Nearly 90,000 homes destroyed in arson attacks since 2021 coup; Over three million displaced nationwide grown four times faster than areas under stable junta control. SAC-M stated that the junta had effective control over townships in 14% of Burmese land area, which accounted for just 32% of the population.58

Landmines Threat Grows as Conflict Stretches

On 1 May, the Karenni (IEC) reported that since the failed coup, landmines had killed or injured nearly 100 people in Karenni State.59 They said at least 35 civilians were injured and two others killed since Jan 2024, as well as two in May.60 The UN Security Council’s report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict in 2023 emphasized that landmine casualties in Burma in 2023 had increased 270% from 2022.61 Civilian landmine casualties rose sharply since the launch of the anti-junta offensive, Operation 11.11, in Nov 2023 after resistance forces captured territory that junta forces had contaminated with landmines.62 In N. Shan State, junta-planted landmines killed a novice monk, severely injured three residents, and stopped local farmers in Mongmit Township from working their fields.63 Across Arakan State, in May, landmines and unexploded ordnances killed at least two civilians and injured 13 others.64 During 1 Apr - 17 May, in KNU-defined Mone Township (Bago Region), landmines injured more than 10 civilians, including a child.65

Sagaing Region

Junta troops commit massacres across Sagaing: On 11 May, in Myinmu Township, a combined force of 100 junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen raided Let Htoke Taw Village, killed 33 civilians, and injured 15. The junta forces also abducted over 20, including children and women, and eventually released them. Regime soldiers executed all 25 men sheltering in the western monastery, killed six others near the eastern monastery, and killed two women elsewhere in the village. Junta forces also torched around 200 houses and contaminated the village’s water source. The NUG denounced the massacre as a crime against humanity.66

On 8 May, in Pale Township, approximately 60 junta soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen raided Tanel Lokethar village, looted and torched buildings, and forced residents to flee.67

During 24-27 May, in Pale Township, junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen detained 23 civilians from Ywar Thit Village and killed four. A witness reported that the junta beat and tortured the kidnapped residents in the nearby village of In Ma Htee.68 On 21 May, in Sagaing Town, junta forces raided the immigration office, killed five people, and seized weapons and ammunition. It remained unclear whether the individuals killed were PDF members.69

Resistance forces on offensive in Kale: During 2-6 May, in Kale Township, resistance forces carried out a drone strike on a junta camp in Kyan Tha village. On 6 May, in Kale Town, resistance forces launched drone strikes on the junta’s Regional Command Center and other junta camps, then launched coordinated attacks on two junta bases and a local airport.70 On the same day, in Tabayin Township, a

58 SAC-M (30 May 2024) Briefing Paper: Effective Control in Myanmar 2024 Update

59 RFA (2 May 2024) Landmine toll set to surpass previous years in eastern Myanmar

60 Kantarawaddy Times (16 May 2024) Loikaw Woman Injured by Landmine After Returning Home; Kantarawaddy Times (15 May 2024) Woman Killed by Landmine in Eastern Demoso Township; Kantarawaddy Times (3 May 2024) A 14-Year-Old Child was Killed by a Landmine in Pupa Village, Dee Maw Hso Township; Kantarawaddy Times (14 May 2024) IEC Raises Awareness on Landmine Risks in Karenni State

61 UN (14 May 2024) Protection of civilians in armed conflict: Report of the Secretary-General

62 RFA (2 May 2024) Landmine toll set to surpass previous years in eastern Myanmar; NMG via BNI (25 May 2024) Awareness of Major Landmine Risk in Conflict Zones Needs to be Improved; NMG (1 May 2024) Karenni Resistance Grapples with Landmines Leftover from Burma Army

63 SHAN (6 May 2024) မိုးမိတ် စစ်ေကာင်စီ တပ်စခန်းအနီးдိှ လယ်ယာထဲ ေြမြမ�ုပ်မိုင်းдှိေန; SHAN (24 May 2024) မူဆယ်(မို� အမျိုးသမီးတစ်ဦး

မိုင်းနင်းမိ ေြခေထာက်ြဖတ်ခံရ; SHAN (3 May 2024) လားд�ိး(မို�နယ် မိုင်းကျက်မှ дှင်သာမေဏတစ်ပါး ေြမြမ�ုပ်မိုင်းေဆာ့ကစားရင်း ေပါက်ကွဲ(ပီး

ေသဆုံး; SHAN (23 May 2024) သီေပါေဒသခံတစ်ဦး ေြမြမ�ုပ်မိုင်းနင်းမိ ညာေြခေထာက်ြပတ် ဒဏ်ရာရ၊ အကူအညီလိုအပ်ေန

64 DMG (8 May 2024) Vegetable vendor loses leg in Taungup landmine blast; Narinjara (8 May 2024) Son killed, father injured after stepping on landmine in Minbya; Narinjara (9 May 2024) Landmine threats loom in Rakhine State, 3 persons lose legs within 2 days; DMG (16 May 2024) Landmine blast kills teenage boy, injures two others in Rathedaung Twsp; DMG (18 May 2024) Locals in junta-held Sittwe fear landmines planted by military; Narinjara (18 May 2024) Five members of a family injured in Ramree explosion

65 Myanmar Peace Monitor (17 May 2024) More than 10 locals hit by junta’s landmines in Mone Township since April

66 Myanmar Now (13 May 2024) Myanmar military massacres more than 30 in Sagaing Region; RFA (13 May 2024) Myanmar junta forces kill dozens in attack on monasteries; Myanmar Now (17 May 2024) Details emerge on junta’s massacre of civilians in Sagaing Region’s Myinmu Township

67 Mizzima (11 May 2024) Myanmar junta sets fire to village in Pale Township, Sagaing Region

68 RFA (28 May 2024) Myanmar’s junta kills 4 villagers following mass arrest

69 DVB (27 May 2024) UN receives ‘frightening and disturbing’ reports from Arakan; Arakan Army calls them ‘baseless’

70 Mizzima (9 May 2024) Triple drone attack on junta targets in Kalay Town; Khonumthung News (11 May 2024) PDF Attacks Regime Command Centre in Kale

 junta airstrike on Ma Gai Oke village killed seven people and injured 23. The junta jet dropped four bombs, strafed the village school, and reportedly targeted people using a satellite internet access point.71

Junta forces shell Monywa pagoda: On 13 May, in Monywa Township, junta forces fired five artillery shells on a pagoda, killed a pregnant woman, and injured 11 other IDPs. It was reported that the pagoda compound had sheltered over 3,000 IDPs.72 On 18 May, junta forces raided two resistance camps in the township and killed one PDF member.73

Junta targets aid workers: It was reported that, in early May, in Sagaing Township, junta forces arrested and detained six local aid workers for suspected ties to the PDF. A Monywa Township aid worker said that the junta designated their emergency clinic as illegal for treating PDF fighters. They added that junta soldiers at checkpoints routinely confiscated medicine and equipment meant for IDPs. Another aid worker from Taze Township said that junta presence has stopped local groups from rendering aid.74

Magway Region

Junta airstrikes in Saw target monastery, civilian gathering: On 9 May, in Saw Township the junta launched an airstrike on a monastery in Ah Kyi Pan Pa Lun Village and killed between 15 and 20 people, including a child, and injured 30 others. Over 50 locals, including PDF members and civilian aid volunteers, had met in the monastery prior to the attack. It was reported that phone lines were down in the morning before the attack. Junta drones reportedly surveilled the area before the attack.75 Locals reported that the airstrike included three attack runs: a rocket barrage, incendiary bombing, and strafing run. They also said that the junta likely had prior information about the gathering.76 On 14 May, in Saw Township, a junta airstrike on Taw Ma village killed seven civilians, including three women and two children, injured three and destroyed at least eight houses. The junta bombed the village when approximately 100 residents had gathered to receive donated items.77

Junta raids torch, murder villages: On 8 May, in Myaing Township, junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen raided Kan Thit village, killed two civilians and reportedly detained 40 others. Junta forces also torched 10 houses and destroyed a nearby resistance camp.78 During 16-17 May, in Gangaw Township, a combined force of 250 junta soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee militiamen killed a child and an elderly man, torched over 300 houses in Shwe Bo village and another 14 in Yay Thar village. The junta also set fire to Shwe Bo village’s monastery and abducted seven monks.79 On 22 May, in Yesagyo Township, junta forces killed two retired teachers.80

Chin State

Tensions between Chin Brothers and Chinland Council simmers: On 1 May, the Chin Brotherhood alliance warned Chinland Council affiliated groups not to invade territory outside of their controlled territories in Thantlang and Hakha Townships. They threatened to retaliate if the Chinland Council seized territory already under Chin Brotherhood control.81

CNA seizes Tonzang and Cikha Towns: On 16 May, in Tonzang Town, joint Chinland National Army (CNA) - Chinland Defense Force (CDF) forces attacked the junta’s Infantry Battalion (IB) 269 base with the aim of seizing the town. Earlier in May, residents near Tonzang police station reportedly fled the town after the CNA warned they would attack.82 Prior to the offensive, it was reported that the junta had started to prevent other residents of Tonzang from fleeing.83 This was reportedly the first military operation carried out under the direction of the anti-junta Chinland Government’s Defense Ministry.84 The

71 RFA (13 May 2024) Myanmar junta forces kill dozens in attack on monasteries; Myanmar Now (14 May 2024) Seven killed in Myanmar junta airstrike on school in Depayin

72 Mizzima (16 May 2024) Myanmar junta artillery fire kills pregnant IDP sheltering at Monywa Town Pagoda

73 Mizzima (18 May 2024) Spring Revolution Daily News for 18 May 2024

74 RFA (23 May 2024) Junta targeting aid groups, social workers in Myanmar’s Sagaing region

75 Myanmar Now (10 May 2024) At least 15 killed in junta airstrike on Magway Region monastery; Khonumthung News (11 May 2024) Deadly Airstrike Targets Buddhist Monastery in Magwe Region; RFA (10 May 2024) Myanmar junta bombs rebel meeting, killing 16, including child

76 Myanmar Now (14 May 2024) Rocket, incendiary bomb, gunfire: Junta airstrike on Magway monastery was precise and premeditated, locals say

77 Myanmar Now (15 May 2024) Myanmar junta carries out another deadly airstrike in Magway Region

78 Myanmar Now (9 May 2024) Junta forces kill two civilians in raid on village in central Myanmar’s Magway Region

79 Mizzima (18 May 2024) Spring Revolution Daily News for 18 May 2024; Mizzima (20 May 2024) Myanmar junta troops torch over 300 homes, kill 2 locals in Gangaw, Magway Region

80 Mizzima (22 May 2024) Spring Revolution Daily News for 22 May 2024

81 Irrawaddy (4 May 2024) Chin Alliances Clash Over Territory Liberated From Myanmar Junta; Zoland PDF via Facebook (1 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/228ntf8b

82 Khonumthung News (18 May 2024) CNA and Allies Attack Regime in Tonzang

83 Irrawaddy (16 May 2024) Chin Tensions High as Myanmar Junta Blockades Border Town

84 Myanmar Peace Monitor (21 May 2024) Joint Chin defense force captures Tonzang and Cikha in northern Chin State

Chinland Government was formed by the Chinland Council in Feb 2024. On 19 May, the CNA announced they had seized Cikha Town after taking control of the town’s police station and military garrison. The CNA also stated they had taken a police station and the junta’s IB 269 base in Tonzang, although clashes were ongoing. In retaliation, the junta carried out nine airstrikes on Tonzang on 19 May alone. On 21 May, the CNA cleared out junta troops and took control of Tonzang Town.85 The Tonzang Township People’s Administrative Team (PAT) reported that the attacks forced more than 10,000 civilians to flee and destroyed at least 40 buildings including a church in Tonzang, Cikha, and the surrounding villages.86 On 22 May, it was reported that over 1,322 Chin civilians from Tonzang had crossed the border into Mizoram State (India).87

Chin Brothers attack Tedim: On 25-26 May, in Tedim Town and three nearby villages, the junta carried out airstrikes, killed two civilians, and damaged a church and two schools.88 On 26 May, PDF Zoland and the Chin Brothers Alliance attacked junta positions in Tedim Town. On 27 May, they seized the junta’s two offices in Myoma Ward. In response, the junta’s LIB 269, based in Tedim, shelled and carried out airstrikes on the town, killed at least one civilian, injured one other, and forced more than 10,000 locals to flee.89 On 27 May, junta forces torched at least 40 buildings during the fighting.90 The junta reportedly encouraged followers to torch structures occupied by anti-junta troops.91

AA resettlement plans in Paletwa: During 30 Apr-8 May, in AA-controlled Paletwa Township, it was reported that approximately 136 youths fled into Mizoram State (India) to escape AA forced conscription.92 The AA reportedly planned to resettle 600-1,000 Rakhine from Bangladesh to Mee Zar Village. On 15 Apr, the AA ordered local villagers to clear forest for the new arrivals.93 On 21 May, the junta carried out airstrikes on a Paletwa village, killed five people and injured 11 others.94

Arakan State

According to a DMG tally, in May, junta forces killed at least 125 civilians and injured 104 others throughout Arakan State. This was a significant increase from DMG’s April tally, when junta attacks reportedly killed 16 and injured a further 69.95 Throughout May, in AA-controlled Minbya, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung Townships, the junta carried out repeated airstrikes on civilian areas where there had been no fighting, killed four civilians, injured 49 others including healthcare workers, and destroyed a hospital and countless houses.96

Rohingya targeted in Maungdaw District: In May, targeted attacks by both the junta and AA against Rohingya in Arakan State reached their highest points since conflict restarted in the state Nov 2023. As fighting spread to the population centers of the majority-Rohingya northern Maungdaw District, Rohingya civilians throughout the state suffered tremendously.

More on the AA and junta’s targeting of Rohingya in the Rohingya Flash Briefer. (PDF download)

While the AA advanced in Buthidaung Township, its leadership continued to antagonize Rohingya in the state through their insistent use of the term “Bengali” and refusal to acknowledge Rohingya indigeneity.97 On the ground, this rhetoric was backed up by several reports of AA troops committing mass atrocity crimes against Rohingya, including beheadings, murder and burning people alive. 98 arson

These anti-Rohingya attacks dramatically worsened after AA troops seized Buthidaung Town on 17 May. After the seizure, the AA forced up to 150,000 Rohingya—many of them already IDPs—out of the town

85 Mizzima (23 May 2024) Chin forces take control of two Falam district towns on Indian border; Myanmar Now (21 May 2024) Chin resistance forces seize town near Myanmar-India border

86 Khonumthung News (25 May 2024) Conflict in Tonzang Township Destroys Over 40 Homes; CHRO via Twitter (1 Jun 2024) https://tinyurl.com/yu5yr8wy

87 The Print (22 May 2024) More than 1,300 Myanmar nationals pour into Mizoram to escape clashes across border

88 CHRO via Twitter (18 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/2xrjypvd

89 ChinHumanRightsOrg via Twitter (30 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/yrvrwb4e

90 Mizzima (31 May 2024) Junta burns down over 40 shops and houses in Tedim Township, Chin State

91 Myanmar Now (28 May 2024) Anti-junta forces seize, attack Chin State towns in coordinated campaign

92 The Assam Tribune (8 May 2024) 95 more Myanmar nationals enter Mizoram

93 DVB (3 May 2024) AAPP documents nearly 5,000 killed since military coup; NUG assists over 15,000 to evade military conscription

94 Narinjara (23 May 2024) 5 including 2 women dead, 11 injured by junta’s airstrikes on Paletwa village

95 DMG (4 Jun 2024) Junta attacks kill 102 civilians, injure 104 in Arakan State in May; *figure updated to match updated Sittwe death figures

96 Myanmar Now (3 May 2024) Junta airstrikes batter AA-occupied town in Rakhine State for two days; DMG (May 2024) Casualties reported in junta airstrike on rural hospital in Kyauktaw Twsp; DMG (15 May 2024) Casualties reported in junta airstrike on rural hospital in Kyauktaw Twsp; Narinjara (3 Jun 2024) Junta’s airstrikes on 5 Arakanese villages kill 3, injure 17 others

97 Twan Mrat Naing via Twitter (19 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/9xh2y6nd

98 OHCHR (24 May 2024) Myanmar: Growing human rights crisis in Rakhine state

and burned down large sections of Buthidaung and several nearby AA-controlled Rohingya villages. The Women Peace Network (WPN) reported the attacks killed hundreds while starvation brought on by the sudden expulsion was expected to kill more.99 Soon after, the AA launched attacks on junta positions outside Maungdaw Town. While the AA blocked Rohingya from fleeing towards Maungdaw, the junta reportedly refused to allow the largely Rohingya residents of the town to leave, raising fears that the junta and AA would commit further mass atrocity crimes against the Rohingya.100

Meanwhile, the junta’s divide-and-rule efforts continued to force Rohingya into battle as combatants and coerce Rohingya into participating in anti-AA protests. The junta arrested, extorted money, sealed off houses, and withheld humanitarian aid from Rohingya who refused the regime’s advances.

In Cox’s Bazar camps, multiple sources reported concerted efforts by the junta-affiliated Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), and the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) to abduct and force scores of young Rohingya men in the camps back into Arakan State, usually at the behest of the junta.101 While community members struggled against this effort, camp officials and Bangladesh police largely stood by.102 As a result, assailants killed several camp members while unconfirmed reports claimed that up to 500 young men were sent to the frontlines in Burma.103

Junta tortures and kills 76 Sittwe civilians in latest massacre: On 29 May, it was reported that, in Sittwe Township, approximately 170 junta and Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) troops entered Byine Phyu village, forcibly gathered all villagers, separated the men and blindfolded, interrogated, and beat the men. Junta and ALP troops shot dead civilians who didn’t answer their questions and others who begged them to not kill the women. Junta soldiers who found men with AA-affiliated tattoos stabbed the men in the area of the tattoos and shot them dead.104 One eye witness reported that soldiers would cut out AA- associated tattoos of detained men, pour petrol on the open wound, and then light it on fire.105 It was reported junta troops killed at least 76 people including five women. The tally of civilians killed was not yet complete at the time of reporting. Locals also reported that junta troops raped at least three women and killed one of them.106

On 31 May, after the massacre, the junta released 30 of the detained men and took at least 60 others to the IB 20 base. Regime soldiers then reportedly abandoned all of the women and children at a stadium in Sittwe Town.107 Junta soldiers burnt some bodies of their victims outside the village and took the rest back to the junta base. Locals also reported that junta troops looted and then burnt down most houses before they took up positions in the village. There are approximately 1,000 households in Byine Phyu Village.108 On 30 May, the junta entered Chaung Nwe Min Gan Village to the west of Sittwe Town and burned down all 100 houses here. The junta reportedly paid Rohingya to assist in the arson attacks.109

Junta scrambles to hold Thandwe: On 12 May, in Thandwe Township, the AA reportedly occupied Zee Kyun, the hometown of Min Aung Hlaing’s wife, and three other nearby villages. The junta reportedly shelled several nearby villages in retaliation.110 During 14-20 May, the junta shelled at least three different villages in Thandwe Township, killed 19 people, injured six others, destroyed at least eight houses, and displaced up to 20,000 locals.111

On 17 May, it was reported that, in Thandwe Township, the junta had cut electricity and telecommunication.112 It was reported that, since 13 May, the junta had been moving staff and office equipment out of Thandwe and Ngapali towns and machinery from the Tha Htay Chaung hydropower project.113 On 23 May, Irrawaddy reported that Thandwe Town residents were fleeing after the AA

99 Women's Peace Network (19 May 2024) Urgent call for action for Rohingya in Rakhine State, Myanmar

100 Narinjara (3 Jun 2024) Junta threatens to kill any one leaving home after 9 pm in Maungdaw

101 Myanmar Now (16 May 2024) Kidnapped and conscripted: Rohingya taken from Bangladesh refugee camps, handed over to Myanmar military

102 SCMP (25 May 2024) Myanmar’s Rohingya youths abducted and forced to fight as ‘human shields’ by junta and insurgents

103 DMG (10 May 2024) ARSA, RSO conscript Muslim refugees in Bangladesh for Myanmar regime

104 RFA (30 May 2024) Mass arrest in Myanmar’s Rakhine State ends in interrogations, beatings; DMG (1 Jun 2024) Junta massacre in Sittwe Twsp leaves at least 41 dead; Narinjara (1 Jun 2024) Junta forces kill 40 Arakanese in Sittwe

105 BBC (6 Jun 2024) Myanmar soldiers burned off tattoos and gave detainees urine to drink, witnesses tell BBC

106 RFA (30 May 2024) Mass arrest in Myanmar’s Rakhine State ends in interrogations, beatings

107 DMG (4 Jun 2024) Interview: Woman who escaped Sittwe village massacre recounts unspeakable horror

108 DMG (1 Jun 2024) Junta massacre in Sittwe Twsp leaves at least 41 dead

109 Narinjara (1 Jun 2024) Junta forces demolish Chaung Nwe Min Gan village that houses 100 families

110 Narinjara (14 May 2024) AA fighters occupy hometown of junta chief’s wife

111 RFA (15 May 2024) Myanmar junta forces kill 15 villagers after clashes with Rakhine State insurgents; Myanmar Now (17 May 2024) Rescue workers struggle to assist victims of Thandwe attack as clashes continue; Irrawaddy (21 May 2024) Nine Civilians Killed as Myanmar Junta Forces Blast Village in Rakhine; DMG (20 May 2024) Junta shelling kills child, injures three in Thandwe Twsp village

112 DVB (22 May 2024) UN expresses alarm over violence against Rohingya; Electricity, phone and internet cut in Arakan State

113 Irrawaddy (20 May 2024) War For Rakhine: Myanmar Junta Evacuating Govt Staff From Southern Towns announced they would soon attack the town.114 On 27 May, it was reported that the junta had barred locals from fleeing towards Gwa Township. The junta also reportedly issued an order to shoot civilians on sight found traveling along the main riverway out of Thandwe Town.115 On 30 May, it was reported that, in Thandwe Township, fighting had displaced roughly 40,000 residents.116

Kachin State

Junta’s ongoing atrocities: On 1 May, in Hpakant Township, junta troops blocked a bridge near Hseng Taung Village and arbitrarily arrested three civilians.117 On 8 May, Momauk Township, the junta shelled Silin village, killed a man, seriously injured one other, and destroyed several houses.118 On 8 May, it was reported that, during Jan - Apr 2024, junta airstrikes, artillery attacks, and arson destroyed over 555 residential and religious buildings, schools, and hospitals in Kachin State. It was also reported that in the same period, the junta had clashed with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allies in all Kachin Townships except Kawnglanghpu and Nogmung. The junta's Infantry Battalions (IB) 12,42,76, and 58 carried out the documented aerial and artillery attacks on civilians.119 On 23 May, around 100 junta troops from Light Infantry Division (LID) 33 and 77 raided Nam Si Village in Hpakant Township, forced around 200 residents into the village school, and took 30 civilians into detention, including three pastors and five teenagers. The junta soldiers released the detainees after they beat and interrogated them about the KIA activities.

KIA extends its territory across the state: On 8 May, it was reported that the KIA and allied resistance forces had seized four towns since Operation 0307 had begun. They had also taken over 80 outposts and bases, including 11 battalion headquarters in six townships. On 7 May, the KIA and its allies seized the junta's police station and military bases to take full control of Hsinhkan Village in Bhamo Township. In retaliation, the junta shelled the village and dropped chemical bombs in the surrounding area.120 On 11-16 May, the KIA and its allies clashed with junta troops in the Nambyu gold mining area in Tanai Township and captured the junta’s base in the mine. Junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 260 and LID 86 had previously controlled the gold mine.121 On 30 May, KIA spokesperson Col. Naw Bu said that the KIA had added a Brigade 11, which would be centered in the Man Wein Gyi area along the Shweli River. The KIA had recently taken control of the area.122

KIA gains control in Sumprabum Township: On 4-5 May, the KIA and allied resistance forces gained full control of Sumprabum Town, about 201 km from Kachin State's capital Myitkyina. They began attacking the IB 46 base in the town in March.123 On 8 May, junta troops retreated from their 30-year- long base in Hponkyan Village to Putao, after receiving a notice to withdraw from the KIA.124

KIA and its allies attempt to take Momauk and Mansi: On 7 May, the KIA and its allies captured a junta’s police station, took control of two wards in Momauk Town, and continued to attack the junta's LIB 437. The junta troops reportedly burned down some houses in the town.125 On the same day, the KIA and its allies captured a junta police station and camp outside of Mansi Town.126 In response, to the seizures, junta troops in Bhamo town fired artillery on Mansi and Momauk towns and forced locals to

114 Irrawaddy (20 May 2024) War For Rakhine: Myanmar Junta Evacuating Govt Staff From Southern Towns

115 Irrawaddy (27 May 2024) Myanmar’s Military Blocks Escape Routes in Thandwe as Rakhine War Intensifies; DMG (27 May 2024) Junta blocks routes for Thandwe residents attempting to flee conflict

116 DMG (30 May 2024) At least 40 junta soldiers killed in Thandwe fighting, locals say

117 Kachin News Group (2 May 2024) ဆိုင်းေတာင်တံတားထိပ်မှာ အရပ်သား ၃ ဦးဖမ်းဆီးခံရ

118 Kachin News Group (10 May 2024) စီအင်ရွ ာလက်နက်�ကီးကျေပါက်ကွဲလို ့ေဒသခံအမျိုးသားတစ်ဦးေသဆံုး(ပီး တစ်ဦး ကျည်ထိမှန်ဒဏ်ရာရдှိ

119 Kachin News Group (8 May 2024) ေနအိမ် မီးд�ိ� မ�၊ အရပ်သားပစ်မှတ်တိုက်ခိုက်ခံရမ�@ှင့် လူအခွင့်အေရး ချိုးေဖာက်မ�များ (Jan-April, 2024)

120 Kachin News Group (7 May 2024) စင်းခန်းရဲစခန်းနဲ ့ကာကင်းဂိတ်ေတွကို KIA မဟာမိတ်ပူးေပါင်းတပ် တိုက်ခိုက်သိမ်းပိုက်

121 Kachin News Group (16 May 2024) နမ့်ဗျူ (Nambyu) စစ်တပ်စခန်းကို KIA အ(ပီးသတ်သိမ်းပိုက်

122 Kachin News Group (30 May 2024) KIA က ေရ�လီြမစ်ဝှမ်းတစ်ေ�ကာကုိ တိ ပ်မဟာ (၁၁) သတ်မှတ်ဖဲွ�စည်း

123 Kachin News Group (6 May 2024) ဆွမ်ပရာဘွမ်(မို�သိမ်းတိုက်ပွဲမှာ စစ်ေကာင်စီတပ်သား дုပ်အေလာင်း ၁၅ ေလာင်းေတွ� дှိ; Myanmar Now (6 May 2024) Kachin fighters capture town in Myanmar’s far north

124 Kachin News Group (9 May 2024) @ှစ်ေပါင်း ၃၀ �ကာတပ်စွဲေနထိုင်တဲ့ ဖုန်ကျန်းတပ်စခန်းဆုတ်ခွာ

125 Kachin News Group (7 May 2024) မိုးေမာက် နဲ ့မံစီ (မို� မှာдှိတဲ့ ရဲစခန်းေတွကို KIA သိမ်းပိုက်ထား@ိုင်(ပီး စစ်တပ်စခန်းေတွကို ထိုးစစ်ဆင်တိုက်ခိုက်ေနဆဲ

126 Kachin News Group (7 May 2024) မိုးေမာက် နဲ ့မံစီ (မို� မှာдှိတဲ့ ရဲစခန်းေတွကို KIA သိမ်းပိုက်ထား@ိုင်(ပီး စစ်တပ်စခန်းေတွကို ထိုးစစ်ဆင်တိုက်ခိုက်ေနဆဲ

 flee.127 On 8 May, the KIA reportedly cleared all junta soldiers from Momauk Town.128 It was reported that intense clashes between the junta and the KIA had destroyed an entire ward in Mansi, that junta airstrikes had killed many residents, and that many fleeing citizens were facing starvation.129

On 20 May, it was reported that the junta launched several drone attacks and airstrikes in Mansi and Momauk Townships and burned down over 200 houses in Momauk Town and at least 50 houses in Mansi Town.130 On 27 May, KNG reported that KIA and allied resistance forces had continued to clash with the junta’s IB 437 in Momauk and IB 319 and 601 in Mansi Town.131

Clashes intensify in Waingmaw Township: On 5 May, KIA spokesperson Col. Naw Bu stated that the KIA and allied resistance forces had captured over 10 junta bases in Waingmaw Township. This included Gidon base in the KIA’s Brigade 5, which the KIA had lost to the junta in 2016.132 On 21 May, they also captured the junta's IB 321 base in Shwe Nyaungpin Village. In retaliation, the junta shelled Waingmaw Town, launched aerial attacks on Laiza, and injured two civilians near Laiza. A local stated that clashes in the area would likely intensify if the KIA attempted to fully control Waingmaw Town by capturing the LIB 58 base and two Wuyan PMF bases. Waingmaw Town is located across the Irrawaddy River from the Kachin State capital, Myitkyina.133 During 19-20 May, the junta shelled three villages, killed eight civilians including a child, injured 10 others, and destroyed some houses.134 On 21 May, intense clashes between junta and the KIA and its allied forces displaced civilians from 20 villages in and around Waingmaw Town.135

Northern Shan State

On 1 May, in Muse Township, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) reopened the Pangsang-Wanting border gate at Pangsang (Kyukote) Town. The MNDAA only allowed Chinese people to cross the border. People from Burma needed to have a temporary pass book with MNDAA approval stamps in order to cross the border, however the MNDAA had yet to issue the pass books.136

During 10-16 May, junta attacks in Nawngkhio Township killed five women, injured nine others, destroyed six houses, and forced 400 villagers to flee.137 On 27 May, the TNLA troops seized four SSPP villages in Namhkam Township located along the Shweli River.138

SSPP hesitates after calling for fight against junta: On 3 May, Lieutenant General Khun Hsai, the vice president of the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), stated that peace through dialogue was impossible because the junta ignored the 1947 Panglong Agreement signatories and practiced Bamar ethno- nationalism. He urged Shan people and resistance forces to fight together against the junta under the leadership of the SSPP/SSA.139 On 5 May, it was reported that SSPP’s Colonel Sai Hsu said SSPP’s leadership had not yet decided to fight against the junta. Colonel Sai Hsu claimed that the earlier message was only explaining why they had chosen armed revolution.140

127 Kachin News Group (9 May 2024) မိုးေမာက်နဲ ့မံစီ (မို�ကိုထိန်းချုပ်ထား@ိုင်(ပီြဖစ်ေပမယ့် စခန်းတစ်ချို�သိမ်းပိုက်ဖိုက့

128 Kachin News Group (9 May 2024) မိုးေမာက်နဲ ့မံစီ (မို�ကိုထိန်းချုပ်ထား@ိုင်(ပီြဖစ်ေပမယ့် စခန်းတစ်ချို�သိမ်းပိုက်ဖိုက့

129 Myanmar Now (15 May 2024) KIA retakes police station amid fierce clashes in southern Kachin State

 ျန်дှိေနေသး

ျန်дှိေနေသး

 130 Kachin News Group (20 May 2024) တိုက်ပွဲြပင်းထန်ေနတဲ့ မိုးေမာက်နဲမံစီမှာ လူေနအိမ် ၂၅၀ ဝန်းကျင်မီးေလာင်ပျက်စီး

131 Kachin News Group (27 May 2024) မံစီ ခမရ ၃၁၉၊ ခမရ ၆၀၁ တပ်ရင်း ၂ ခုနဲ ့မိုးေမာက် ခမရ ၄၃၇ တပ်ရင်းေတွကို KIA

သိမ်းပိုက်@ိုင်ြခင်းမдှိေသးတ့ဲအတွက် တိုက်ပဲွြပင်းထန်ေနဆဲ

132 Kachin News Group (6 May 2024) ဂိဒုန် (Gi dawn) စခန်းအပါအဝင် စခန်းေပါင်း ၁၀ ခုေကျာ်ကို @ှစ်ရက်အတွင်း တိုက်ခိုက်သိမ်းပိုက်ထားေ�ကာင်း KIA ေြပာ

133 Kachin News Group (22 May 2024) ေရ�ေညာင်ပင် ခမရ ၃၂၁ တပ်ရင်း လက်လွတ်လိုက်ရတ့ဲေနာက် တိုက်ပဲွပိုြပင်းထန်လာ@ိုင်တဲ့ ဝိုင်းေမာ်(မို�

134 Kachin News Group (21 May 2024) လြမန်ေကျးရွာမှာ အမျိုးသမီးတစ်ဦးလက်နက်�ကီးထိမှန် ေသဆံုး; Kachin News Group (23 May

2024) ဝုိင်းေမာ် ခတ်ချိုလက်နက်�ကီးကျလို ့ထိခိုက်ဒဏ်ရာရတ့ဲထဲက အမျိုးသမီးတစ်ေယာက်ထပ်မံေသဆံုး

135 Kachin News Group (21 May 2024) ဝိုင်းေမာ်(မို�မကျန် ေကျးရွာ ၂၀ ေကျာ်က ြပည်သူေတွ ထွက်ေြပးတိမ်းေдှာင်ေနရ

136 SHAN (3 May 2024) ပန်ဆုိင်း(မို� နယ်စပ်ဂိတ် MNDAA ြပန်ဖွင့်ေသာ်လည်း ေဒသခံများ ဝင်ထွက်သွားလာခွင့် မရေသး

137 SHAN (17 May 2024) ေနာင်ချို တေကျာ့ြပန်တိုက်ပဲွ တစ်လအတွင်း စစ်ေကာင်စီလက်နက်�ကီးေ�ကာင့် အမျိုးသမီး ၅ ဦး အပါအဝင် ၁၀ ဦးေသဆံုး

138 SHAN (27 May 2024) နမ့်ခမ်း TNLA က SSPP တပ်သားများကို ကားတင်(ပီး မူဆယ်ဘက် ပိုေ့ ဆာင်

139 SSPP (3 May 2024) @ိုင်ငံေရး နည်းလမ်းနဲ ့အေြဖдှာမရရင် စစ်ေရးနည်းလမ်းြဖင့် အေြဖдှာရလိမ့်မည်ဟု SSPP/SSA ဒုဗိုလ်ချုပ်�ကီးဆို

140 Than Lwin Times (5 May 2024) စစ်ေကာင်စီကို ေတာ်လှန်တိုက်ခိုက်ဖို ့ဆံုးြဖတ်ထားတာ မдှိေသးဘူးလို ့SSPP ေြပာ

 Southern Shan State

Hsihseng clashes continue: In Hsihseng Township, it was reported that IDPs numbered 100,000, including 30,000 who fled clashes in neighboring Karenni State. Clashes between the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) and junta forces killed at least 69 civilians and injured 92 since Jan.141 It was reported that junta and Pa-O National Organization (PNO) forces held residents hostage in Htam Yang and Pin Aun Villages,142 burned down a bridge, and airstrikes destroyed a monastery and damaged a pagoda.143 On 4 May, junta personnel threatened locals with land confiscation and arson if they did not return to their homes after a lull in clashes, despite landmine and forced recruitment threats, and the lack of basic necessities.144 During 6-10 May, junta forces arbitrarily arrested five men and four women, and killed two displaced aid workers in Yephyu and Naungyin Villages.145 During 16-18 May, junta and allied PNO People’s Militia Forces (PMF) troops attacked villages in the Pa-O Self- administered zone and burned down at least 40 houses,146 and looted other houses and shops.147

Living costs put stress on IDP support: On 14 May, it was reported that S. Shan State monasteries were struggling to cope with rising numbers of IDPs. Some had been forced to ask IDPs to relocate due to the high cost of food and living, while others had stopped accepting IDPs.148 On 5 May, junta troops intercepted and stole 900 bags of World Food Programme rice in Nyaungshwe Township.149

Karenni State

Resistance forces shoot down helicopter: On 6 May, in Hpasawng Township, joint resistance forces shot down a junta Mi-17 helicopter. The helicopter was one of two aircraft evacuating junta troops from IB 143 who were struck by an earlier regime air strike, which the second helicopter successfully picked up. Regime soldiers clashed with resistance forces on the ground and torched the crashed helicopter. A Karenni Army official stated that the crash killed eight of the 11 soldiers onboard.150

Junta mobilizes towards Loikaw: On 14 May, in Loikaw Township, 60-100 junta IB 261 troops resumed operations near Yae Kan Village.151 On 28 May, joint resistance forces attacked a junta column mobilizing from Hsihseng Township (S. Shan State), and Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) Adj. Gen. Khu Redu speculated that the column intended to reinforce Loikaw troops and gain control of the town152. It was reported that two regime columns arrived at Ka Yan Thar Ya Village on 30 May, clashed with resistance troops and forced them to retreat. The IEC reported that the junta had urged administrative staff to return to Loikaw in preparation for resumed junta administration.153

Karen State

Operation Aung Zeya hits roadblock: On 12 May, it was reported that the 3,000 strong Operation Aung Zeya was advancing slowly towards Myawaddy due to rough terrain and strong anti-junta resistance. Karen News stated that the junta had sent repeated reinforcements for the column from the junta’s LID

141 SHAN (17 May 2024) Civilian Crisis Unfolds as Conflict Displaces Thousands in Hsihseng Township

142 SHAN (1 May 2024) ဆီဆိုင်(မို�နယ်တွင်း စစ်ေကာင်စီ လက်နက်�ကီး၊ဒдုန်း ပစ်ခတ်၊ြပည်သူများကို ရွာြပင်ထွက်ဖို ့တားြမစ်

143 SHAN (3 May 2024) ဆီဆိုင်(မိုနယ်дှိ ေချာင်းကူတံတားတစ်ခု စစ်ေကာင်စီ မီးд�ိ�ဖျက်ဆီး; SHAN (7 May 2024) စစ်ေကာင်စီလက်နက်�ကီး

ေ�ကာင့် ဆီဆုိင်(မို�နယ် ပန်တိုင်းရွာ ဘုန်�ကီးေကျာင်းပျက်စီးသွား

144 SHAN (6 May 2024) Military Council Urges Hsihseng Residents to Return; SHAN (4 May 2024) ဆီဆိုင်စစ်ေдှာင်များကို စစ်တပ်@ှင့်

PNO ဖိအားေပး အိမ်ြပန်ခိုင်

145 SHAN (8 May 2024) ဆီဆုိင်(မို�နယ် ေရြဖူရွာ ေဒသခံ ၉ ဦးကို စစ်ေကာင်စီဖမ်းဆီး; SHAN (10 May 2024) စစ်ေдှာင်ကူညီသူ အမျိုးသား @ှစ်ဦးကို စစ်ေကာင်စီ@ှင့်ြပည်သူစစ် သတ်ြဖတ်

146 NMG (27 May 2024) Regime Forces Destroy Dozens of Homes in Hsihseng Township

147 NMG (31 May 2024) Regime, PMF Pillage Villages in Hsihseng

148 Kantarawaddy Times (14 May 2024) Karenni IDPs Faces Challenges in Continuing to Shelter at Monasteries in Southern Shan State

149 SHAN (12 May 2024) စံကား(မို� စစ်ေдှာင်များအတွက် သယ်လာသည့် ဆန်အိတ်၉၀၀ကို စစ်ေကာင်စီက သိမ်းဆည်

150 Kantarawaddy Times (10 May 2024) Military Council Destroy Evidence of Downed Helicopter in Bawlakhe Township; Radio Free Asia (7 May 2024) Myanmar helicopter crash ends in shootout, killing pilot, anti-junta group says

151 Kantarawaddy Times (20 May 2024) Burma Army Commences Patrols in Loikaw Township

152 Kantarawaddy Times via BNI (29 May 2024) Resistance Forces Attack Junta Column Heading for Karenni Capital Near Shan- Karenni Border

153 Irrawaddy (30 May 2024) Myanmar Regime Advances on Karenni State Capital

 77 and 55.154 On 23 May, a captured child soldier prisoner-of-war from Operation Aung Zeya reported there were three child soldiers in his column and at least 10 forcibly recruited soldiers.155

On 28 May, Irrawaddy reported that the counteroffensive had advanced to the Taw Naw Waterfall, but had been stopped again by resistance forces. Junta forces proceeded to intensify its shelling and bombing of villages in Myawaddy Township. Myawaddy residents claimed that the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) had allowed junta troops to travel to Myawaddy via secret jungle routes.156 Anti-junta sources speculated that the junta would attempt a “dual-side assault” on resistance forces using junta troops in Myawaddy and Operation Aung Zeya troops traveling along the Asia Highway.157

KNLA seizes bases in three townships: On 3 May, in Kyainseikgyi Township, joint KNLA-PDF forces seized the junta’s LIB 284 outpost. The junta reportedly dropped 36 bombs on two nearby villages in retaliation, destroying 50 houses.158 On 30 May, in KNU-defined Mutraw District, it was reported that there were only 10 junta bases remaining in the entire district. Recent clashes had driven the number of IDPS in Mutraw district to almost 160,000.159

During 17-24 May, in Kawkareik Township, joint KNLA-PDF forces attacked the junta’s Phu Chi Mu outpost. On 19 May, around 20 junta troops who were fleeing from the camp towards the Thai border killed four people, including one pregnant woman.160 On 24 May, it was reported that 31 junta troops from Phu Chi Mu camp had fled across the border and surrendered themselves to Thai authorities.161

Bago Region

On 1 May, in Phyu Township, resistance forces carried out mine attacks on the old Yangon-Mandalay highway and a section of the Yangon-Mandalay railroad, derailing one train. A source close to a local PDF stated the attacks were aimed at taking control of the Yangon-Mandalay highway.162 In response, the junta carried out airstrikes on several nearby villages.163

On 13 May, in Thayawaddy District, it was reported the junta had seized up to 50 young men at checkpoints since Feb 2024. Most of those arrested were taken to junta interrogation centers and later forcibly recruited, although some were able to pay a bribe and be released. The bodies of three of the arrested men were later found dead with lanyards of the Dark Grim Reaper Group around their necks

- a pro-junta murder squad that targets resistance supporters.164 On the same day, in Htantabin Township, the junta's IB 73 shelled Ywa Lay Kone Village and killed four people. There had been no fighting at the time of the attack.165

Tanintharyi Region

On 16 May, FE5 Tanintharyi reported that junta attacks had forced nearly 60,000 people to flee their homes during 1 Apr - 16 May and that fighting remained intense in 8 of 10 Tanintharyi townships.166

Resistance attacks up: On 13 May, it was reported that, across Tanintharyi Region, resistance forces had increasingly gone on the offensive. In total, resistance forces had captured at least seven junta positions since April. A PDF Commander stated that strengthened cohesion between groups such as the KNLA and the PDF had allowed for better collective performance in combat.167

Junta pummels civilians after resistance seized Pe Det base: On 5 May, in Thayetchaung Township, joint resistance forces led by the KNLA attacked the junta’s base in Pe Det Village. On 8 May, resistance

154 Karen News (12 May 2024) Junta Sends Repeated Reinforcements But Resistance Ambushes Continue to Block All Roads from Kawkareik to Myawaddy – Regime Suffers Heavy Casualties; Mizzima (12 May 2024) Myanmar junta’s Aung Zeya Operation bogged down as it advances to retake Myawaddy

155 Karen News (23 May 2024) POWs Tell Resistance of Low Morale among the Aung Zay Ya Military Column Heading to Myawaddy

156 Irrawaddy (28 May 2024) Karen Forces Clash With Myanmar Military Along Strategic Highway to Myawaddy

157 Karen News (28 May 2024) Junta Reinforcements for Myawaddy Still Fail to Recapture KNLA’s Control over Road Access from Kawkareik

158 DVB (3 May 2024) Military regime bans conscription aged men from working overseas; UN alarmed over hate speech in Arakan

159 KIC via BNI (30 May 2024) KNLA-Led Forces Lay Siege to Junta’s Remaining Bases in Hpapun

160 Irrawaddy (21 May 2024) Myanmar Junta Troops Abandon Phuchimu Base After Fierce Attack by Karen Forces

161 Benar News (24 May 2024) Myanmar junta soldiers surrender in Thailand after border clash

162 Myanmar Now (2 May 2024) Routes linking Yangon and Mandalay hit by mine attacks

163 Myanmar Peace Monitor (2 May 2024) Junta carries out airstrikes, artillery shelling after Ka Nyut Kwin bridge blast

164 Irrawaddy (13 May 2024) Grim Reaper or Myanmar Army: Bago Checkpoints Exact Heavy Toll

165 Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (16 May 2024) Bago Region: Shell Explosion Near Family Gathering Kills Four

166 Myanmar Photopress Agency (18 May 2024) Nearly 60,000 Myanmar People Fleeing War due to Intense Fighting in Tanintharyi Region: Report

167 Than Lwin Times via BNI (13 May 2024) The Spring Revolution Captures 7 Military Posts in Tanintharyi Region troops seized the base and took 22 junta troops prisoner.168 In response, during 8-20 May in Thayetchaung Township, the junta carried out their longest offensive in Tanintharyi Region since the attempted coup.169 During 8-17 May, the junta carried out airstrikes on Ka Net Thiri Village and several nearby villages on at least four different occasions, killed six civilians, injured at least 25 others, and damaged a hospital.170 The attacks forced approximately 7,000 locals from four villages to flee.171

On 13 May, in Thayetchaung Township, resistance forces attacked a junta checkpoint near Eain Shay Pyin. Afterwards, the junta shelled nearby Maung Mae Shaung village, injured two civilians, and damaged two houses. Following the attack, the junta arrested two locals, tortured other civilians, and raided and looted Eain Shay Pyin village.172

Mon State

During 1-21 May, in Bilin, Thaton, and Kyaikto Townships, it was reported that the junta’s 314th Artillery Regiment, and the 8th and 9th LIB shelled and killed six civilians and injured 22 others173 On 3 May, in Ye Township, resistance forces attacked a naval base on Kalar Koke Island and torched three junta vehicles in nearby Ku Toet Seik Village. Afterwards, junta troops from IB 106 and LIB 588 demanded that Ku Toet Seik villagers pay junta troops MMK 28 million in compensation for the vehicles, and threatened to burn down the village.174

Bridge bombings in Bilin: On 11 May, in Bilin Township, resistance forces destroyed the Kyone Ate bridge along the Yangon-Mawlamyine Highway. During 12-16 May, junta forces shelled Shwe Yaung Pya and Dauk Yat villages in retaliation, killed five civilians, injured 18 others, destroyed ten houses, and forced over 5,000 residents to flee.175 On 23 May, an unknown group destroyed another bridge along the Yangon-Mawlamyine Road between Bilin Town and Shwe Yaung Pya Village. The explosion reportedly killed one civilian and injured two others.176 On 24 May, the junta’s 3rd LIB shelled a village north of Bilin Town, killed two people, injured five others, and destroyed about 10 houses.177

Ayeyarwady Region

On 15 May, a bomb exploded at a ward administration office in Kyonpyaw Township and injured two security staff.178 In response, junta forces arrested seven youths.179

Mandalay Region

In Madaya Township, 200 junta troops raided villages in the township’s east on 4 May, forced over 1,500 people from 12 villages to flee, killed a man, and torched 20 houses, including a school.180

In Myingyan Township, resistance forces attacked and destroyed four bases of the Pyu Saw Htee militia in Son village on 9 May. Shelling during the fighting killed 32 civilians and injured 14 others. Resistance forces stated that the junta’s shelling led to the casualties. The junta blamed resistance forces for the attacks.181 During 13-14 May, resistance forces and junta forces clashed in Ywar Shey Village. After junta drone attacks forced the resistance to retreat, junta forces entered and torched the village, killed five villagers, and seized their belongings.182 On 22 May, around 80 junta troops raided Nabuaing

168 Karen News (10 May 2024) KNLA’s 4th Brigade Seizes Junta’s Base in Dawei Over 20 Soldiers Captured Dawei District

169 Mizzima (29 May 2024) Longest junta offensive in Tanintharyi Region kills six and injures 17

170 Mizzima (10 May 2024) Myanmar Junta airstrike kills two teenagers injures eight more; HURFOM (10 May 2024) Two children killed and at least six injured by junta’s air assault in Tha Yet Chaung; Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (9 May 2024) Two Youths killed in Aerial Bombardment by Myanmar Junta in Thayetchaung Township; HURFOM (21 May 2024) Junta’s air assault kills child in Tha Yet Chaung

171 Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (11 May 2024) Three Civilians killed in Myanmar Junta’s Air and Sea Attacks in Thayetchaung Township

172 HURFOM (16 May 2024) Two local men arrested and other two injured during a battle in Dawei; HURFOM (15 May 2024) Civilian injured and two houses destroyed by artillery attack in Dawei

173 HURFOM (24 May 2024) Six killed and 22 injured by artillery attacks

174 Irrawaddy (9 May 2024) Fishing Families in Myanmar’s Mon State Given Fiery Ultimatum

175 HURFOM (15 May 2024) Junta launches artillery attack after bridge detonation killing two civilians and injuring four; HURFOM (16 May 2024) Junta’s artillery attack injures eight Bilin residents; Than Lwin Times via BNI (17 May 2024) Junta’s Artillery Shelling Forces 5,000 Residents to Flee

176 DVB (24 May 2024) Rohingya armed group accused of forced recruitment; Civil society groups condemn attacks in Arakan; Myanmar Now (23 May 2024) Blast destroys bridge in Mon State

177 HURFOM (28 May 2024) Two civilians killed by junta’s artillery attack in Bilin

178 DVB (17 May 2024) လပွတ� ာတွင် ရပ်ကွက်အုပ်ချုပ်ေရးမ�းдုံး ဗံုးပစ်ခံရ(ပီး дုံးအကူ ၂ ဦး ဒဏ်ရာရ

179 DVB (21 May 2024) လပွတ� ာတွင် အုပ်ချုပ်ေရးမ�းдုံး ဗံုးကွဲမ�@ှင့်ပတ်သက်၍ ေဒသခံ ၇ ဦး ဖမ်းဆီးခံရ

180 RFA (4 May 2024) မတ� ရာမှာ စစ်ေကာင်စီစစ်ေ�ကာင်းက အရပ်သားတစ်ဦးသတ်ြဖတ်ခဲ့(ပီး ေနအိမ်အလံုး ၂၀ မီးд�ိ� ခဲ့

181 Myanmar Now (13 May 2024) More than 30 civilians killed in Mandalay Region battle between junta, resistance

182 DVB (16 May 2024) ြမင်းြခံ၊ ဂန်ေဂါ@ှင့် ေရ�ဘုိတွင် တိုက်ပွဲြဖစ်၊ စစ်တပ်က ြပည်သူ ၅ ဦးအား သတ်ြဖတ်(ပီး ေကျးရွာများကို မီးд�ိ�

Village and forced over 2,000 civilians to flee. On 26 May, junta shelling killed an 80-year-old woman and injured one other.183

In Singu Township, 150 junta troops raided Taungyargyi Village on 14 May and reportedly beheaded a man. Locals later found his head mounted on a fence post.184 On 17 May, Pyu Saw Htee forces raided Sin Oo Kyun Village and torched 50 houses.185 On 23 May, the junta shelled a village, killed a 72-year- old woman, and injured her husband. There was no fighting before the attack.186

Naypyidaw Union Territory

On 10 May, resistance groups attacked Aye Lar Air Force Base in Lewe Township with 10 short-range missiles, seven of which hit the target. They killed 10 junta troops, injured eight others, and damaged two fighter jets.187

Yangon Region

On 27 May, the Dark Shadow group remotely bombed Hlaingtharya (East) Township’s municipal office twice in one night, with an unknown number of casualties. The group said that the officers were enforcing the junta’s order to demolish 300 houses in Kyungyi village in the township.188

Rohingya

See Arakan State conflict section for a an overview of junta and AA attacks on Rohingya in Arakan State and for more detailed coverage please see the Rohingya Flash Briefer. (PDF Download)

Poor Camp Conditions Lead To Arson, Murder

On 24 May, Amnesty Australia reported that conditions in Cox’s Bazar remain dire. They stated that semi-permanent huts lacked plumbing, forced reliance on communal toilets, and provided Rohingya refugees with little protection. Meanwhile, bans on employment led camp inhabitants to rely on limited foreign aid for food, and suffer high rates of malnutrition. Poor sanitation also contributed to repeated disease outbreaks. Camp restrictions forced many young people to turn to crime and had increased domestic violence and conflict in the camps.189

During 5-13 May, in three different camps in Cox’s Bazar, unknown assailants killed four Rohingya men, including one Majhi. Assailants slit the throat of one of the men.190 On 24 May, in Camp 13 in Ukhiya Upazila (Bangladesh), a fire burned down between 50 and 250 shelters, including several shops, a mosque, an NGO office, and two learning centers, and left more than 1,000 homeless.191 Citing a resident, DVB reported that camp leaders suspected RSO had started the fire.192

On 29 May, Rohingya Refugee Response Bangladesh reported that Cyclone Remal had completely destroyed 48 shelters and partially damaged a further 1,874 homes in Cox’s Bazar. Before the cyclone, UNHCR relocated 134 households out of landslide-prone areas.193

Governments Call For JRP Funding, Bangladesh Approves New Quality Of Life Projects

On 9 May, the US State Department and USAID announced USD 30.5 million in funds to support healthcare, nutrition, clean water, shelter, and a set of self-reliance initiatives for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the region.194 On 14 May, in a joint statement, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US called for sustained international support for Rohingya, and for the international community to

183 RFA (26 May 2024) ြမင်းြခံ နဘူးအုိင်ရွာမှာ လက်နက်�ကီးေ�ကာင့် တစ်ဦး ေသဆံုး၊ တစ်ဦး ဒဏ်ရာရ

184 RFA (15 May 2024) စဥ့်ကူးမှာ စစ်ေ�ကာင်းဝင်လာချိန် အရပ်သားတစ်ဦး သတ်ြဖတ်ခံရ

185 RFA (19 May 2024) စဥ့်ကူးမှာ ေနအိမ် ငါးဆယ်ခန်ကုိ ပျူေစာထီးအဖဲွ�ေတွ မီးд�ိ� ခဲ့ေ�ကာင်း ေဒသခံေတွေြပာ

186 DVB (26 May 2024) စ�့်ကူးတွင် လက်နက်�ကီးထိ(ပီး အဘွားအိုေသ၊ အဘုိးအုိ ဒဏ်ရာရ၊ မုန်း(မို�တွင် လူငယ် ၁ ဦး မိုင်းနင်း(ပီး ေြခေထာက်ြပတ်

187 DVB (10 May 2024) ဧလာေလတပ်စခန်းကို ေдှာ့တိုက်ဒံုးများြဖင့်ပစ်ခတ်၊ မတ� ရာစစ်စခန်းတခုကို MDYPDF သိမ်းပိုက်; DVB (13 May 2024) Jailed anti-coup protest leader given another 20 years; Military kills 30 in raid against People’s Defense Force

188 RFA (27 May 2024) လ�ိင်သာယာ(မို�နယ် စည်ပင်သာယာдုံး ဗံုးခွဲတိုက်ခိုက်ခံရ

189 Amnesty Australia (24 May 2024) THE INHUMANE CONDITIONS IN COX’S BAZAR AND WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SUPPORT REFUGEES LOOKING FOR A DIGNIFIED, HOPEFUL FUTURE

190 Dhaka Tribune (2 May 2024) Youth killed in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp; Dhaka Tribune (13 May 2024) Rohingya leader shot dead at Ukhiya camp; Dhaka Tribune (11 May 2024) Rohingya shot dead in Teknaf camp; Dhaka Tribune (5 May 2024) Another Rohingya killed in Ukhiya camp

191 Mohamed Zonaid via Twitter (24 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/yaacjfyh; The Business Standard (24 May 2024) Fire burns 50 homes, shops in Ukhiya Rohingya camp

192 DVB (27 May 2024) UN receives ‘frightening and disturbing’ reports from Arakan; Arakan Army calls them ‘baseless’

193 Rohingya Refugee Response Bangladesh (29 May 2024) Bangladesh: Cyclone Remal 2024

194 USAID (9 May 2024) United States Announces Nearly $31 million in Humanitarian Assistance for Rohingya Refugees support the Joint Response Plan 2024’s (JRP) funding target of USD 852.4 million. The US and Norway announced new JRP contributions of USD 7.6 million and USD 708,000 respectively.195 On 28 May, Bangladesh authorities approved two USD 700 million projects intended to improve Rohingya and host communities’ quality of life. World Bank loans would fund the projects. They would focus on infrastructure and improving health, nutrition, and crime indicators in Cox’s Bazar and surrounding communities. Implementation would occur between Jun 2024 and Jun 2028.196

On 23 May, The Gambia filed its Reply Brief for the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Rohingya genocide in Burma. It emphasized the “[large] volume of reliable and credible evidence that confirms that [Burma] is responsible for the commission of acts of genocide”.197

Survivor Recounts Rape and Drownings At Sea

On 8 May, AP published a report on the brutal events in March off the coast of Aceh Indonesia that killed 67 out of 140 Rohingya refugees. The refugees had set sail from Teknaf (Bangladesh). Survivors reported that the Burmese crew of their first ship transferred all 140 passengers onto an Indonesian fishing vessel that could only hold 60. The crew immediately separated the men from the women, beat the men, and then beat and raped many of the women. A 12-year-old girl, the only survivor of the sexual assaults onboard, reported that the crew beat and raped the women over three nights. On the third night, after threatening to capsize the vessel, the captain reportedly steered the boat into a wave, flipping the boat. Passengers trapped in the ship’s hold and those caught in fishing nets were drowned. Survivors clung to the upturned boat while the captain and three crew members swam away. Two nights later, a rescue ship picked up the survivors. Indonesian authorities later found the bodies of 12 women and three children but called off additional searches. Police charged three crew members and a fourth man with smuggling, but did not press rape or murder charges.198

On 22 May, in North Sumatra (Indonesia) a boat carrying 51 Rohingya arrived in Langkat Regency.199 The refugees, including three women and six children, reportedly spent more than a month at sea. A local village head claimed the boat had originated from Malaysia. In the afternoon of 23 May, locals demonstrated outside of the building that housed the Rohingya and demanded their resettlement.200

Women Remain Defiant (More Details at Women Tracker)

On 3 May, citing AAPP data, during Jan-Apr 2024, the junta killed 223 women, primarily with shelling and airstrikes.201 On 1 Jun, the AAPP reported that since the attempted coup, the junta had killed 999 women and 656 children, and detained 5517 women and 730 children.202 On 1 May, the MNDAA arrested a Kachin woman in Kutkai Township (N. Shan State) suspected of having connections to a forcibly conscripted Kachin MNDAA deserter. Locals reported that the MNDAA conscripted young Kachin men in the area, and tortured and killed many who had tried to escape.203

Conflict-related economic hardship for women: On 5 May, it was reported that over 160,000 Burmese women had sought official employment in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt from Apr 2023 – Feb 2024. Burmese women working in the region as domestic helpers frequently faced labor rights violations and human trafficking, but had no legal recourse to protect themselves. Employment agencies frequently confiscated identity documents and demanded extra payments from workers.204 On 15 May, a worker at a local social welfare organization reported that decreasing job opportunities inside Burma had led women from central and northeast Burma to seek work in China, where many became victims of human trafficking.205

Female political prisoners face sexual violence: On 18 May, citing the Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPN), prison staff members in Kyaikmaraw prison (Mon State) allegedly groped and touched the private body parts of two female political prisoners during strip searches, in front of soldiers and police officers. Prison authorities reportedly barred visits to those who refused the sexually abusive 195 IOM (14 May 2024) Joint statement by Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States following their visit to the Rohingya Refugee Camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

196 RFA (29 May 2024) Bangladesh accepts 2 World Bank projects to improve refugee lives

197 State House of The Gambia via Twitter (23 May 2024) https://tinyurl.com/4266vyh5

198 AP (14 May 2024) ‘They tortured us': Rohingya survivors of fatal capsize say captain raped girls, purposely sank boat

199 Reuters (23 May 2024) Around 50 Rohingya Muslims land in Indonesia's North Sumatra

200 Jakarta Post (24 May 2024) North Sumatra village rallies against newly arrived Rohingya refugees

201 Irrawaddy (3 May 2024) AAPP: Myanmar Junta Killed 223 Females This Year

202 AAPP (1 Jun 2024) https://tinyurl.com/mrb2m22f

203 Kachin News Group (3 May 2024) ကိုးကန်တ့ ပ်ဖဲွ� ကချင်အမျိုးသမီးတစ်ဦးကိုဖမ်းဆီးထား

204 DVB (5 May 2024) Myanmar women seeking work abroad deceived by job agencies

205 SHAN (15 May 2024) ြမန်မာ-တдုတ်နယ်စပ်ေဒသတွင် တдုတ်ဇနီးမယားအြဖစ် ေရာင်းစားခံရမ�တိုးလာ

searches. In Jan, it was reported that, in Maubin prison (Ayeyarwady Region), staff ordered female political prisoners to strip in front of other prisoners before and after court hearings.206

COVID-19, Health, Education (more at COVID-19, healthcare, and education tracker)

Soaring Heat As Deadly As Bullets

It was reported that in April, extreme temperatures killed at least 1,473 people in Burma, an average of 40 per day. Extreme heat killed 900 people in Mandalay alone, and during 13-16 May, killed around 100 people in central Burma.207 The junta health ministry did not release any figures to acknowledge heat related fatalities.208 Cities in Burma ranked among the hottest places in the world as temperatures in Chauk Town (Magway Region) reached 48.2ºC on 29 Apr.209 In western Burma, heat waves exacerbated drinking water shortages in nearly 50 villages.210

Junta’s Continuing War On Healthcare Workers

On 1 May, in Mawlamyine Township (Mon State), the junta ordered the closure of the Aye Thandar private hospital for three months for hiring CDM healthcare workers. The junta's health minister said that the regime would take action against private medical facilities that did not comply with its 'business regulations'.211 In Tanintharyi Township, malaria infections in IDP camps and villages surged with 46 reported cases in May, and junta checkpoints halted the flow of medicines and prevented healthcare workers from traveling to camps.212

On 21 May, it was reported that since the 2021 attempted coup, mental health services had deteriorated. Around 100 mental health doctors in Burma had joined the CDM. The only state-run mental health hospitals, located in Mandalay and Yangon, frequently experienced medicine shortages.213 On 27 May, it was reported that junta airstrikes had traumatized women and child survivors in Karenni State. A clinical psychiatrist for the NUG’s remote mental health support program said the attempted coup had exacerbated existing mental health service gaps in Burma.214

Junta Orders Schools Open Amid Conflict

On 10 May, it was reported that in a number of Arakan State townships, the junta had ordered teachers to return to schools by 25 May and facilitate enrollment for the 2024-25 school year. The junta threatened teachers with salary reductions and termination if they failed to report to their school by the deadline.215 On 16 May, it was reported that the junta planned to reopen schools in major cities and towns under its control in early June.216

Karenni State to See Growing Higher Ed

During 9-11 May, 40 students sat an entrance exam for a planned Karenni Medical College in Karenni State. It would be the first medical college in Karenni State and would operate autonomously in cooperation with Karenni IEC. The medical college would reportedly only accept students who are in the CDM and deny those who graduated from regime school.217 On 19 May, it was reported that resistance groups and CDM doctors established a medical network made up of five hospitals and 100 clinics that operated mostly in the state’s forests. The Luke Hospital, one of the network’s members, has treated over 1,500 patients since it opened in 2022. Since the KNDF initiated Operation 11.11 in Nov 2023, doctors at the hospital had performed around 100 operations per month.218

On 17 May, the Nway Oo Guru Education Center renamed itself the Karenni College of Social Sciences and Humanities and announced that it would offer 18 month-long courses. The head of the college stated their curriculum met international standards and could be considered a college.219

206 Irrawaddy (25 May 2024) Myanmar Female Political Prisoners Sexually Abused: Rights Group

207 RFA (20 May 2024) Heat wave kills 100 in Myanmar, mostly infants and elderly

208 RFA (1 May 2024) An estimated 40 people are dying each day in Myanmar as heat lingers in region

209 DVB (1 May 2024) Steps taken by Northern Alliance to reduce tensions; India-Burma border in Mizoram State to remain open

210 RFA (14 May 2024) Widespread Myanmar water shortage kills scores of people

211 RFA (3 May 2024) Myanmar junta closes hospital for employing protesters

212 Mon News Agency via BNI (24 May 2024) Junta's Blockade Leads to Malaria Drug Shortage in Tanintharyi Refugee Camps

213 Frontier Myanmar (21 May 2024) ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Myanmar’s mental healthcare vacuum

214 Aljazeera (27 May 2024) Scarred by war, Myanmar children ‘cannot have the life they used to have’

215 DMG via BNI (10 May 2024) Junta Demands Reopening of Schools in Rakhine State Despite Danger from Heavy Fighting

216 Mizzima (16 May 2024) Myanmar schools reopen amidst insecurity: Parents fear for children’s safety

217 Kantarawaddy Times (20 May 2024) Groundbreaking Medical College Planned for Karenni State; Kantarawaddy Times (20 May 2024) ကရင်နီြပည်မှာ ပထမဆံုး ကရင်နီေဆးေကာလိပ် ေကျာင်းဖွင့်ဖို ့ေဆာင်ရွက်ေန

218 Nikkei Asia (19 May 2024) Myanmar rebels create jungle medical network

219 Kantarawaddy Times (28 May 2024) Nway Oo Guru Education Center Opens as a College From Diploma Course

Thai Healthcare Initiative Risks Burmese Migrants’ Privacy

On 7 May, it was reported that Thailand had launched a pilot biometric data collection program to improve healthcare services for refugees and stateless individuals. The program collected personal and biometric information from 10,000 people in provinces with significant numbers of Burmese migrants and refugees. The Red Cross was tasked with data storage and policy development and declared that no data would be shared with any state or private agencies. Digital activists voiced concerns the information would be shared with authorities if a court order was issued, possibly endangering the security of Burma nationals.220

Business and economics (more details at business & economic responses tracker)

Junta Power Crisis Turns Lights Off at Factories

On 1 May, the junta’s electricity authority stated that the electricity grid could now produce only 2,800 megawatts out of the required 5,443 megawatts daily. They blamed this shortfall on low rainfall for hydropower, lower natural gas yields, and attacks by resistance forces on electricity infrastructure. Meanwhile, exporting natural gas to China and Thailand earned the junta USD 300 million monthly.221

Starting on 19 May, the junta reduced the daily electricity ration the industrial zones in Yangon Region from four hours to only two hours. This forced manufacturing businesses to rely on costly diesel generators. Electricity from the grid costs MMK 150 (USD 0.07) per unit, while diesel-generated electricity costs MMK 1,000 (USD 0.48).222 This had led to the closure of over 20 factories in Yangon Region. Others relocated for better electricity access. A business owner in Hlaingtharyar Industrial Zone 5 stated that only businesses which didn’t rely on constant electricity use had remained operational.223

On 17 May, CJ Feed Myanmar, a South Korean animal feed company, announced it would shut its factory in Hmawbi Township’s Myaung Ta Kar Industrial Zone (Yangon Region) on 28 May. The company cited difficulties with financial transactions, raw materials, and workforce maintenance. CJ Feed Myanmar has operated in Burma since 2018 and had invested USD 16.7 million in animal feed production and USD 1.4 million in poultry products.224

Volkswagen Linked To Atrocity Crimes Yet Again

On 9 May, Justice for Myanmar (JfM) and data analysis group C4ADS called on German truck manufacturer Traton SE and its parent company Volkswagen to cut ties with Chinese state-owned Sinotruk. Sinotruk supplied military trucks to the junta, which used these vehicles to move troops, attack civilians, and transport detainees. Traton owns 25% of Sinotruk (Hong Kong), and has a significant influence over Sinotruk (Hong Kong) operations.

Between Apr 2021 and Mar 2022, Sinotruk sent at least eight shipments of truck parts to the junta’s Directorate of Procurement and the Office of the Chief of Defence Industries (OCDI), both sanctioned by the EU and the US. Part of these shipments included vehicle parts which were sent for local assembly and then branded as Miltruk. Miltruk vehicles were reportedly produced under the instructions of Min Aung Hlaing and were intended for military use. Weichai, a company that works closely with Sinotruk, supplied engines for this process. Multiple sources showed that the Burmese military began manufacturing Sinotruk parts and assembling trucks in around 2010-2012, with a capacity to produce around 300 vehicles annually. Even if direct shipments had stopped, the report stated that this long- term relationship and lack of honesty regarding business operations indicated that the junta could still be gaining benefits from Sinotruk’s technology and expertise.225

Junta Resurrects Controversial Myitsone Dam Project, Resumes Other BRI Projects

On 13 May, it was reported that about 80 Chinese workers had recently arrived to restart operations at two notorious Chinese-backed copper mines in Sagaing Region. Myanmar Wanbao Mining Copper Ltd. and Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Ltd., which are subsidiaries of China’s state-owned Wanbao Mining Co. Ltd., operate as joint ventures in partnership with the junta-owned company and oversee the 220 RFA (7 May 2024) Thailand’s biometric data collection stirs debate for Myanmar nationals 221 Myanmar Now (3 May 2024) Myanmar grid meeting half of power needs amid conflict: junta 222 Myanmar Now (22 May 2024) Yangon factories now down to two hours of electricity per day223 Myanmar Now (14 May 2024) Myanmar factories close amid deteriorating economic conditions 224 Myanmar Now (21 May 2024) South Korean livestock feed company suspends multimillion dollar Myanmar operation 225 Justice for Myanmar (9 May 2024) Faulty Transmission: The Myanmar Junta’s Reliance on Global Military Truck Supply Chains mines. Following the attempted coup, the Letpadaung mine reduced its operations by over 80%, however, Wanbao continued to produce copper and for shipment to China.

On 17 Apr, Wanbao announced plans to inspect and repair equipment in four dormant plants to restore full operations. The junta had deployed hundreds of troops and heavy weapons in nearby residential areas to provide security for the newly arrived staff. On 7 May, the Yinmarbin-Salingyi Multi-Villages Strike Steering Committee protested and demanded the halt of the mining operations.226

On 13 May, in Arakan State, it was reported that China had sent over 300 technicians and workers to the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) deep-sea port project despite repeated intense fighting between AA and the junta nearby. On 28 Apr, the Chinese workers, along with heavy machinery, and food, arrived at Maday Island in Kyaukphyu Township. China and Burma had initially signed an agreement for the Kyaukphyu SEZ project under the NLD government in Nov 2020. On 26 Dec 2023, China signed another agreement with the junta and requested heightened security around the project. Efforts to recruit local workers for the project had been met with suspicion and distrust.227

On 17 May, the junta announced they had established a new 11-member committee to resume the controversial Myitsone hydropower dam project in Kachin State on 22 Apr. The project had been suspended 13 years prior. This committee, led by the junta deputy energy minister, would conduct research, seek technical solutions, and manage public relations with the Chinese state-owned State Power Investment Corporation Yunnan International Power Investment Co. Ltd. (SPICYN), previously known as China Power Investment (CPI).

The Than Shwe regime had signed the project’s initial agreement in 2009 and planned to implement it in 2019. However, the Thein Sein government suspended the project in 2011 due to strong public opposition. The junta was now attempting to resume the project by claiming that power generated by the 6,000 MW dam would help address the country’s current severe power shortages. In reality, Burma would receive only 10% of the power output, with the rest sold to China. It was reported that the junta were likely using the project to encourage China to bring the KIA under control.228

Rare Earth Mining Puts Local Environment and People at Risk

On 17 May, UK-based campaign group Global Witness reported there had been a surge in unregulated heavy rare earth elements (HREE) mining in Kachin State following the attempted coup. During 2021- 2023, in Chipwe Township’s junta militia-controlled Kachin Special Region 1, the number of mining sites increased by over 40%. In largely-KIO-controlled Momauk Township, the number of sites increased sharply as well.

This unregulated HREE mining has had detrimental impacts on the environment and local livelihoods. Workers commonly suffered from numbness, skin conditions, and kidney issues. Global Witness reported one case where a teenager and young man working at the mines died from ruptured organs and fluid buildup in their abdomens. Meanwhile, drug use and petty crime was on the rise in local communities while young women were increasingly involved in providing sexual and domestic services to Chinese mine workers. Recent water samples from rivers in Kachin Special Region 1 were highly acidic and contained high levels of arsenic. A local reported that the mining runoff had killed off large amounts of local wildlife.

Chinese trade data showed a huge increase in chemical exports for HREE mining from China to Burma. In 2023, 1.5 million tonnes of ammonium sulphate were imported from China, up from 93 thousand tonnes in 2015 while 174 thousand tonnes of oxalic acid was imported from China, up from 342 tonnes in 2015. As well, during 2021-2023, China’s imports of HREE from Burma doubled. By 2023, Burma’s trade in HREE was worth USD 1.4 billion.

They reported that at least one of the two Chinese state-owned companies, China Northern Rare Earths Group and China Rare Earths Group (REGCC) had previously sourced HREE from Burma. Meanwhile, REGCC had HREE supply agreements with ZH Mag and JL Mag Rare Earth. JL Mag and ZH Mag in turn listed Tesla, Volkswagen, Siemens Gamesa, among others, as clients. Although JL Mag claimed that its heavy rare earth materials came 100% from recycled materials, Global Witness pointed

226 RFA (13 May 2024) Chinese workers return to copper mines in Myanmar

227 RFA (3 May 2024) China sends 300 workers to deep sea port project in Myanmar’s Rakhine state

228 Myanmar Now (22 May 2024) Myanmar junta moves to revive China-backed Myitsone hydropower project; Irrawaddy (23 May 2024) Myanmar Junta, Chinese Firm Step Up Cooperation on Irrawaddy River Dam Planning out that recycled materials often originated from the magnet-making process and, as such, did not reduce the profitability of rare earth mining in Burma.229

BGF Leader’s Family-Run Criminal Enterprise

On 22 May, JfM exposed details about a transnational network of illegal and abusive businesses run by the junta-aligned Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), now rebranded as the Karen National Army (KNA). The Karen BGF/KNA is responsible for crimes against humanity within its operating areas, including killings, rape, torture, arbitrary detention, forced portering, the use of human shields, forced conscription, forced labor, forced displacement, extortion, and land confiscation. Karen BGF/KNA leaders had profited from criminal activities in a number of sectors, including land control, real estate ventures, taxation, illicit trade, security, smuggling fuel from Thailand, human trafficking, and the sale of utilities. In turn, the junta has benefited from revenue generated by Karen BGF/KNA organized crime.230 In Apr 2024, United States Institute of Peace reported that the junta had earned USD 96 million annually from the Karen BGF/KNA’s Shwe Kokko Project.231

Companies and individuals from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, China, and Hong Kong are involved in BGF businesses, which include cyber scam parks, illegal casinos, and illegal online gambling. JfM’s investigation further uncovered that Karen BGF/KNA’s leader San Myint (AKA Saw Chit Thu) and his three children owned 50% or more of six Karen BGF/KNA businesses and had a minority stake in two notorious cyber scam parks: Apollo Park and Yulong Bay Park. Two other high- ranking Karen BGF/KNA members, Saw Min Min Oo, and Saw Tin Win held shares and controlled some of the businesses. Notably, all 13 BGF battalions held shares in the junta’s MEHL. Despite human rights abuses and involvement in transnational crime, only the UK has imposed sanctions on San Myint, Saw Min Min Oo, and one of their business associates. JfM called for governments to sanction the Karen BGF/KNA, its businesses, and key individuals.232

International responses (more details at international responses tracker)

ASEAN Cozies Up to Junta

On 15 May, in Naypyitaw, ASEAN officials including ASEAN special envoy to Burma, ASEAN secretary-general, and AHA Executive Director held talks with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to discuss Burma’s future cooperation with ASEAN. The junta remained barred from top-level ASEAN meetings.233 A NUG representative said that one-sided talks with the junta would not change anything and that ASEAN representatives needed to meet with resistance forces and the NUG.234 On 24 May, the US and ASEAN met for the 36th annual ASEAN-US dialogue to discuss increased cooperation. The junta chargé d'affaires of Burma’s embassy in Washington attended the meeting.235

Burma off the runway at Miss Grand

Miss Grand International announced on 23 May that the beauty pageant would no longer be held in Yangon in Oct 2024 due to the ongoing conflict. Yangon was automatically selected as the 2024 host country after Burmese delegate Ni Ni Lin Eain was awarded the 1st runner-up at the 2023 edition.236

Thailand Lets Junta Propagandize Aid

On 2 May, the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) stated that Thailand’s Apr 2024 cross-border aid initiative had been shaped by Thailand's political interests in "promoting dialogue and collaboration amongst conflict actors", and protecting trade interests. As a result, the distribution did not deliver priority items to the most urgent areas and allowed the junta to propagandize the delivery. The ASEAN AHA Center oversaw the distribution, yet the Myanmar Red Cross Society distributed the aid, which the KNU described as a junta reserve force. KPSN urged further initiatives to work with KNU authorities and existing community aid networks to provide more effective relief.237

229 Global Witness (23 May 2024) Fuelling the future, poisoning the present: Myanmar’s rare earth boom

230 Justice for Myanmar (22 May 2024) The Karen Border Guard Force/Karen National Army Criminal Business Network Exposed

231 USIP (22 April 2024) Beijing’s crackdown pushes Myanmar criminal groups to Karen State as the junta’s control of these groups and their revenue weakens.

232 Justice for Myanmar (22 May 2024) The Karen Border Guard Force/Karen National Army Criminal Business Network Exposed

233 Myanmar Now (16 May 2024) Top ASEAN officials meet Myanmar junta chief for ‘cooperation’ talks

234 RFA (16 May 2024) ASEAN special envoy meets with Myanmar junta leader

235 Irrawaddy (28 May 2024) Washington Calls on Myanmar Junta to End Violence, Release Political Prisoners

236 Irrawaddy (23 May 2024) Myanmar Ditched as Global Beauty Pageant Host Over War

237 Karen peace Support Network (2 May 2024) Conflicting Priorities: A review of Thailand’s humanitarian initiative in Karen State

Japanese Government Rep Meets NUG And Resistance Groups

During 10-17 May, representatives of the NUG and several ERO’s including the KNU, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Chin National Front (CNF) traveled to Japan.238 On 14 May, KNU Chairman, Karenni IEC Chairman, as well as others met with the Japanese parliamentary vice minister for Foreign Affairs.239 It was the first time a Japanese government official had officially met with members of the NUG.240

Regional Actors Push Back Refugees

During 15 Feb - 27 May, Thailand arrested at least 918 individuals attempting to enter the country to evade the junta’s conscription law.241 On 2 May, the Manipur State Government (India) forcibly returned 35 women and four child refugees,242 and announced on 8 May it would forcibly return nearly 5,500 more.243 On 3 May, on the Burma-Laos border, Lao authorities granted a junta extradition request and handed over 17 Burmese activists in a clear case of Transnational Repression (TNR).244 On 15 May, Human Rights Watch published a report highlighting the prominence of TNR in the South East Asia, and urged regional governments to respect the principle of non-refoulement.245

On 27 May, IDPs from Dawnoekhu (Karenni State) requested Thai authorities provide designated safe areas for their shelter on the Thai-Burma border. A Karenni civil society leader stated that Thailand didn't have a clear policy to support refugees when violent events occurred repeatedly.246

On 17 May, published eyewitness accounts confirmed that Thai authorities forcibly returned approximately 200 refugees to an active conflict zone in Myawaddy Township (Karen State) on 24 Apr.

Since the attempted coup, Thai policy had prevented refugees from accessing camps and forced them to shelter in “temporary safe areas” (TSA’s). At least two of the provided TSA’s in April in Tak Province (Thailand) were open-air barns that lacked raised bedding, cooking, or sanitation facilities.247 On the same day, The Border Consortium released a report documenting how many refugees instead hid from Thai authorities and lived in small villages along the border. Their lack of Thai language skills and legal status limited access to adequate housing, education, healthcare, and employment.248

238 Nikkei Asia (15 May 2024) Myanmar resistance leaders present united front in Tokyo

239 Ministry of foreign Affairs of Japan (14 May 2024) Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. KOMURA from representatives of ethnic organizations of Myanmar and others

240 RFA (16 May 2024) Myanmar rebel leaders meet senior Japanese official; Kantarawaddy Times (20 May 2024) Ethnic Leaders Requested Humanitarian Aid for Myanmar During Meeting with Japan’s Foreign Affairs Committee

241 Irrawaddy (30 May 2024) Illegal Entry Arrests Surge in Thailand Amid Forced Military Conscription in Myanmar

242 Mizzima (8 May 2024) Women and children prisoners repatriated from India to Myanmar; Reuters (2 May 2024) India deports Myanmar refugees who fled 2021 coup

243 RFA (17 May 2024) Indian authorities in Manipur state force Myanmar refugees out of border villagers; India Today (12 May 2024) Over 5,800 illegal migrants in Manipur, will be deported soon: Biren Singh

244 RFA (8 May 2024) Lao police arrest and hand over 17 Myanmar citizens to military junta

245 HRW (15 May 2024) We thought we were safe: Repression and refoulement of refugees in Thailand

246 Kantarawaddy Times via BNI (27 May 2024) Karenni IDPs Urge Thai Authorities To Designate Clear Safe Location for Temporary Refugees

247 Fortify Rights (17 May 2024) Fortify Rights witnesses Thai soldiers push back hundreds of Myanmar refugees

248 The Border Consortium (17 May 2024) Voices of the displaced: Perspectives of newly arrived Myanmar refugees in Thailand

 

URL:      https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/burma-brink-adn-forum-asia-wpn/d/132638

 

New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism