Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has blacklisted 49 government officials in Yangon Region—including former military personnel transferred to the civil service, deputy director generals, and directors of the Yangon City Development Committee—for collaborating with the junta to persecute striking civil servants. The 49 personnel are not only continuing to serve the “illegal” military junta, they are also persecuting civil servants who joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM), an announcement released on Thursday by the office of NUG Prime Minister Mahn Winn Khaing Than said. The 49 personnel on the blacklist have threatened striking civil servants, filed lawsuits against them or dismissed them from their posts, the announcement said, adding that they had also implemented all junta plans they were told to execute in Yangon Region. The 49 blacklisted personnel have been dismissed effective immediately, the announcement said. The 49 blacklisted staff worked in the Committee Office, Administration Department, Engineering Department, City Planning and Land Administration Department, Playgrounds, Parks and Gardens Department, Market Department, and the Budget and Accounts Department among others. Twenty-eight former military personnel are among those on the blacklist. Civil servants have been repeatedly invited not to continue working for the junta and to stand instead on the side of those participating in the CDM, the announcement said. Following the invitations, the NUG has made records of those who have not joined the CDM participants, but have instead bullied and threatened CDM participants. These records will be used for adjudication purposes after the military dictatorship is abolished and those who directly intimidated striking civil servants will be blacklisted, the announcement said. The PM’s office added it had also provided social welfare and safety measures for striking civil servants. Following after the February 2021 coup, government employees—including doctors, nurses, teachers, railway workers, engineers, municipal staff, garbage collectors, electricity workers, administrative staff, bankers, and employees of government ministries—joined the CDM. In a widespread protest movement against the regime, they refused to work under the military in an effort to make it impossible for the junta to govern the country. More than 400,000 civil servants refused to work for the regime and joined the CDM following the coup, according to the NUG. Infuriated by the collective resistance, the regime has attempted to intimidate striking workers by torturing and arresting them, filing criminal charges against them, dismissing or suspending them from their posts, and evicting them from government housing.

Two civilians including a teenage boy were killed and three wounded when junta forces bombarded territory controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) in Bago Region on Wednesday and Thursday. Junta troops rained shells down on villages in Muu (Kyaukkyi) and Kyauktaga townships, territory under Brigade 3 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the KNU’s armed wing. The KNU is the country’s oldest ethnic armed group and has been fighting for greater autonomy for decades. Its KNLA and Karen National Defense Organisation have allied with local armed resistance groups to topple the military regime. The KNU reported on Thursday that junta troops had conducted indiscriminate shelling of civilian targets for two straight days. Paing Soe Thu, 16, died of head injuries after being hit by shrapnel on Thursday morning as junta forces bombarded Tha Min Inn Kone village. The shelling was reportedly conducted by the regime’s Light Infantry Battalion 274 based in Kyauktaga town. On Wednesday, a woman in her 30s was killed on the spot and three people were injured when a shell hit their house in Mway Twin village. Six-year-old Ma Chit Phone Thwe and U Tin Oo, 71, were among those injured in the attack. Light Infantry Battalion 599 based in Tone Taw village targeted the village with three artillery rounds on Wednesday, according to the KNU. Kyauktaga and Muu townships are located in eastern Bago, where junta troops are launching frequent artillery bombardments against civilian targets, according to the KNU. Junta infantry has been conducting raids and heavy shelling of villages in KNU Brigade 3 territory since July. Another six civilians were wounded by junta shelling between July 20 and 22. Residents from 70 local villages have fled their homes, according to the Brigade 3 media relations team. In the first week of July, the shelling killed two civilians and wounded six others. Junta troops also detained 20 civilians from three villages between July 6 and 11. One detainee has been released but the rest were taken to Kyauktaga police station, according to the KNU. Their fate is still unknown. The first half of 2023 saw around 2,495 clashes in KNU territory and at least 599,400 civilians displaced, the group reported in July.

Thirty-one political prisoners, including 15 women, were beaten and placed in solitary confinement in Bago Region’s Tharyarwaddy Prison for commemorating Martyrs’ Day, according to groups that monitor political prisoners in Myanmar. The 15 women were removed from group cells and placed in solitary confinement for wearing black ribbons on Martyrs’ Day, said Ko Thaik Tun Oo, a spokesperson for the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar. All 15 have been kept in solitary confinement since that day, said Ko Thaik Tun Oo, who is a former political prisoner. He said the 16 male political prisoners were beaten and then placed in solitary confinement for saluting fallen heroes on Martyrs’ Day, which falls on July 19. “We received reports that men were beaten once they were taken out of their dormitories and females were beaten when they arrived in solitary confinement,” Ko Thaik Tun Oo said. His network received the reports from inmates released from Tharyarwaddy Prison following the junta’s pardon on August 1. The reports from newly released inmates follow a report in early June that said torture of political prisoners was on the rise in Myanmar. A National League for Democracy (NLD) youth member,  Ko Than Toe Aung, and three other male prisoners were so severely injured during their assaults that they had to be transferred to the prison’s hospital, Ko Thaik Tun Oo said. Ko Than Toe Aung, a member of the NLD youth affairs committee in Yangon Region’s Thanhlyin Township, sustained head injuries and his condition is alarming, the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar said. He lost consciousness while he was being assaulted and sustained a life-threatening brain injury, a source close to the prison’s staff said. Four of the 15 female political prisoners required medical treatment as a result of the physical attacks on them, Ko Thaik Tun Oo said. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) also received reports that political prisoners had been placed in solitary confinement at Tharyarwaddy Prison. It confirmed that the female political prisoners were placed in solitary confinement for wearing black ribbons on Martyrs’ Day. “Besides being put into solitary confinement, we also heard they were tortured,” an AAPP spokesperson said, adding that the condition of the prisoners remains unknown. Most of the 15 female political prisoners placed in solidarity confinement are in their 20s, but one is 54 years old. They are: Ma Hnin Lae Nandar Lwin, Ma Shune Ei Phyu, Ma Nilar Sein, Ma Su Yee Paing, Ma Wutt Yee Lwin, Ma Aye Thida Kyaw, Ma Yi Yi Swe, Ma Lwin Lwin Nyunt, Ma Sandi Nyunt Win, Ma Aye Thet San, Ma Shwe Yee Nyunt, Ma Yamin Htet, Ma Htoo Htet Htet Wai, Ma Myoo Thandar Htun and Ma Moe Myat Thazin. “Martyrs’ Day is celebrated all over the country,” the AAPP spokesperson said, adding: “How much harm does it do to wear a ribbon on that day?” “Now they [the junta] are even scared of [Martyrs’ Day], and cruelly oppress those participate in it,” the spokesperson added. Tharyarwaddy Prison holds about 2,000 political prisoners. It is notorious for assaults on and torture of political prisoners, including during prison transfers. “The junta deliberately oppresses and tortures political prisoners for revenge. We have been informed about severe human rights violations and torture in every prison,” the AAPP spokesperson said. The Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar and the AAPP said they are deeply concerned about political prisoners kept in solitary confinement because their condition is unknowable. Myanmar celebrates Martyrs’ Day on July 19 every year to mark the assassination of independence hero General Aung San—the father of the jailed leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi—and eight colleagues in 1947. This year, the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and its armed wing, the People’s Defense Forces, commemorated the day to honor General Aung San and eight colleagues as well as those killed in the ongoing anti-regime Spring Revolution. The junta, however, downgraded Martyrs’ Day from a state-level event and barred jailed civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the ceremony. She has not been allowed to attend the annual event for the three years since the February 2021 coup.

Around 10 Myanmar junta troops were killed and 26 others, including a captain, were injured during the clashes in Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region, on July 22, according to resistance forces. A clash broke out near Maung Mae Shaung village in Dawei Township on July 22 when around 150 troops traveled to villages between Dawei and Launglon. Three resistance fighters from the Ba Htoo Column were killed and one injured during a 20-minute clash. The junta troops triggered a series of mines between Kha Maung Taung and Taung Min Pyaung villages in Launglon Township. Ten soldiers were killed and at least 20 were injured in mine blasts, according to the Dawei Guerrilla Revolutionary Force, which is allied to the Ba Htoo Column. «There is only one way in and out, so it's like a minefield. They triggered many mines,» a Dawei Guerrilla representative told The Irrawaddy. The troops then raided Taung Min Pyaung village and torched three houses. They were attacked by drone bombs and improvised grenade launchers while they were raiding Phwar Boat Pyin village in the afternoon. A captain and five regime soldiers were injured during the 30-minute clash. Some village homes were destroyed by regime shelling and two residents were injured. «A captain and other soldiers were hit by a drone bomb at the village school. The captain was seriously injured in the face,» the Dawei Guerrilla representative said. Thousands of villagers fled their houses for a week during the clashes but are currently returning to their villages, he added. On Thursday, the Dawei Guerrilla attacked a military vehicle near Maung Mae Shaung village in Dawei Township, leaving five soldiers de‌ad and many injured. Around 50 civilians from Maung Mae Shaung village were detained by soldiers after the clash, according to the Dawei Guerrilla. The villagers were released in the evening, except four Dewei Technological University students, the resistance group said. The whereabouts of the four students are unknown. Tanintharyi Region is becoming an increasingly solid resistance stronghold after around two years of fighting.

At least 31 Myanmar junta forces were killed in the past four days as People’s Defense Force groups (PDFs) and an ethnic armed organization (EAO) continued to attack regime targets across the country. The incidents were reported in Sagaing, Magwe, Bago and Tanintharyi regions and Shan State. The Irrawaddy has rounded up the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and the EAO. Some military casualty figures could not be independently verified. Junta suffers losses in northern Shan [caption id=«attachment_126963» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Weapons and ammunition seized from regime forces in Muse Township on Wednesday. / TNLA[/caption] At least 10 regime forces were killed and 13 others injured in Muse Township, northern Shan State on Wednesday when the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) clashed with four military battalions and pro-regime militia forces near a village for several hours, the ethnic rebel group said. The junta forces were attempting to raid a TNLA base. TNLA troops also seized a large quantity of ammunition and weapons from the regime forces. Nine clashes between the regime forces and the TNLA broke out in Muse from July 23 to Aug. 2, in which 25 junta soldiers were killed, 27 were injured and one was arrested, the TNLA claimed. Police officers killed in drone strikes in Sagaing [caption id=«attachment_126964» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Makeshift drones produced by Kani Township-based Kyauk Lone Gyi PDF for drone attacks / KLG PDF[/caption] Kyauk Lone Gyi PDF said it used makeshift fixed-wing drones to drop four bombs on the birthday party of a police chief at the Kani Township police station in Sagaing Region on Thursday. Tun Myint, the chief of the police station, and police officer San Htay were killed in the bombardment. A policewoman and two relatives of police officers suffered injuries, the PDF group said. Intense clashes break out in Sagaing’s Depayin  Resistance fighters clash with a military unit in Depayin Township on Wednesday. / Shwebo PDF A fierce clash broke out in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region on Wednesday when four resistance groups attacked a military unit of 130 troops from Ye U Township that was raiding villages in Depayin, said Shwebo Township People’s Defense Force, which joined the resistance attack. Ten regime forces are believed to have been killed as the resistance groups triggered land mines to attack the military unit from five locations. With the help of surveillance drones, the regime forces attacked the resistance members with heavy explosives. Seven resistance fighters also suffered minor injuries. Another seven resistance groups continued to attack the military unit in Marakan Village on Wednesday afternoon, inflicting many regime casualties, said Bagan Ogre Force, which joined the attack. Regime forces attempting to take down an anti-regime slogan bombed in Shwebo [caption id=«attachment_126965» align=«aligncenter» width=«468»] An anti-Min Aung Hlaing banner is seen at the entrance of Shwebo town on Tuesday. / BSFF[/caption] Buffalo Soldiers Freedom Force said five regime forces were killed in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region on Tuesday when the resistance group triggered land mines on two occasions to attack 50 regime forces attempting to take down an anti-regime banner at the entrance of the town. The resistance group had hung a slogan reading, “Welcome to the town where the Motherf…er Min Aung Hlaing doesn’t dare to visit,” referring to the leader of the military junta. Military unit ambushed in Sagaing [caption id=«attachment_126966» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Resistance fighters of Myanmar’s Royal Dragon Army / MRDA[/caption] At least two regime forces were killed and five others injured in Pale Township, Sagaing Region on Thursday when Myanmar’s Royal Dragon Army (MRDA) used land mines to ambush a military unit of 80 troops between two villages. A 30-minute shootout erupted after the mine ambush. The MRDA said it used guerrilla tactics to attack regime forces and retreated from the ambush site without casualties. Police station pounded in Sagaing  Resistance groups fire improvised mortar rounds at a police outpost in Kyar Tat Village in Salingyi Township on Tuesday night. / Royal Tiger Fore Royal Tiger Forces said it and other resistance groups used many improvised mortar rounds to bombard the Kyar Tat police station, where junta soldiers and police are stationed, in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region on Tuesday night. Regime casualties were unknown. Regime forces, junta base bombed by resistance drones in Magwe  Resistance members conduct drone strikes on regime targets in Myaing Township, Magwe Region on Tuesday. / SSTF Salingyi Special Task Force (SSTF) said it and other resistance groups used improvised fixed-wing drones to bomb regime forces and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members from the pro-regime village of Sinn Chaung in Yesagyo Township, Magwe Region on Thursday. The junta forces were bombed while they were extorting money from vehicles and inspecting civilians on the Yesagyo-Pakokku highway. That evening, the resistance groups conducted more drone strikes on regime forces stationed at the police station in the town of Myaing. The groups said they lost a drone in the operation. Military casualties in both attacks were unknown. Junta base bombarded in Magwe  Troops of Myaing PDF during a recent drone strike and ambush against regime forces in the pro-regime village of Kan Ni in Myaing Township. / Myaing PDF Five regime forces were seriously injured in Myaing Township, Magwe Region on Tuesday when 20 resistance groups conducted over 12 hours of bombardments against the pro-regime village of Kan Ni, a base for regime forces and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia using drones and improvised mortar rounds, according to the resistance groups. The attack started at 12 a.m. Tuesday and lasted until the afternoon, they said. Another soldier was killed and three more injured on the same day when the resistance groups ambushed regime forces leaving Kan Ni, said Myaing PDF, which coordinated the attacks. After the ambush, regime forces torched two houses and eight motorbikes in nearby Lat Htoke Htaw Village and stole six cows. On Sunday, one more soldier was killed and some others injured when Myaing PDF ambushed regime forces and militia members from Kan Ni. Military checkpoint attacked in Bago Myanmar Revolution Force (Nattalin) said it used bomb launchers to attack a military checkpoint at the Taung Nyo Dam in Nattalin Township, Bago Region on Tuesday night. Regime forces responded with firearms and heavy explosives but there were no resistance casualties. Military casualties were unknown. Military bases attacked in Tanintharyi [caption id=«attachment_126967» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Resistance fighters of Tanintharyi PDF during an anti-regime operation in Tanintharyi Township / Tanintharyi PDF[/caption] Tanintharyi Township PDF said it and other PDF groups attacked the base of the Myanmar military’s Light Infantry Battalion 561 in Nyaung Pin Kwin Village in the township in Tanintharyi Region on Tuesday afternoon. That night, the groups attacked the military security affairs office and another police outpost in Tanintharyi town. Military casualties were unknown.

#DoMoreSingapore campaign calls on city state to stop supply of arms to junta committing atrocities.

Almost 25,000 civilians have been displaced in Sagaing’s Depayin and Shwebo townships amid a fresh outbreak of fighting between junta troops and resistance forces, according to local sources. Resistance forces attacked at around 11 am on Wednesday, shortly after junta infantry raided Ma Ya Kan village in Depayin, a local resistance fighter said. “The fighting lasted for about 45 minutes. They lost seven soldiers while a few comrades from our side sustained minor injuries,” he said. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the casualty numbers. The clash came after around 100 junta troops advanced into Depayin Township from nearby Ye-U Township on Tuesday, according to locals. Junta soldiers reportedly torched around 27 houses in Ma Ya Kan village, which was hosting around 1,000 displaced people sheltering in monasteries and relatives’ homes. Sources said two residents of Ywar Shey village were wounded by the junta’s indiscriminate shelling during the attack. On Wednesday, Depayin volunteers said they were overwhelmed by an unprecedented influx of new refugees, adding to about 10,000 who had already fled from Shwebo over the last few days. “Yesterday was a complete nightmare for us. There was no room for newly displaced people and we could not provide food for all of them,” said Ko Phyo, a member of the Depayin Township Brothers volunteer group. Another volunteer said they had to borrow rice after running out of funds, and stressed the inadequate provision of humanitarian aid in their area. “We could only provide one meal for them [displaced people] because our funding was insufficient,” the volunteer said. Depayin villagers eventually returned to their homes after junta infantry moved to Depayin town on Thursday morning. However, nearly 10,000 Shwebo villagers remain stranded in eastern Depayin after fleeing junta infantry in Seik Kon village, western Shwebo, on Sunday. Displaced Shwebo residents are currently sheltering at monasteries and schools in Mu Thit, Mu Kan, Hpoke Tan Taw, Su Tat, and Taik villages, according to Depayin volunteers. Moreover, around 600 families have been permanently displaced in Depayin Township since the 2021 military coup. Of the displaced families, around 100 need urgent food supplies and shelter, say volunteer groups.

Ten senior members of the military government have been forced into retirement on health grounds following the extension of emergency rule for another six months, according to an announcement issued by the junta on Wednesday. Chief Justice Tun Tun Oo, Auditor-General Tin Oo, Myanmar Anti-Corruption Commission chairman Htay Aung and Myanmar National Human Rights Commission chairman Hla Myint were among those forced to resign. Tun Tun Oo has served as chief justice since President Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian administration. He was an official at the Office of Military Advocate General for 25 years, rising to the post of assistant advocate general before leaving the office. He was appointed deputy chief justice in 2007 and became chief justice in 2011. He continued to hold the post under the now ousted civilian government and after the 2021 coup. The 67-year-old was sanctioned by the European Union in November 2022. Others forced to retire include Religious Affairs and Culture Minister Ko Ko, Electricity Minister Thaung Han, Energy Minister Myo Myint Oo and Labor Minister Pwint Hsan. Members of the junta’s governing body, the State Administration Council (SAC), Maung Ko and Aung Kyaw Min were also forced to step down, while council member Kyaw Tun was promoted to the central advisory body of the SAC. Following his extension of emergency rule starting on August 1, junta boss Min Aung Hlaing also reconstituted his 18-member SAC with all the generals keeping the same positions in the new body.

After Pheu Thai leaders and pro-military party figures were seen in talks toasting iced chocolate-mint drinks, it was dubbed "friend-betraying beverage.”

Two pro-junta militia members were killed when the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) ambushed a junta convoy carrying soldiers and allied local militias in Muse Township, northern Shan State on Wednesday. TNLA troops attacked 10 junta vehicles carrying over 100 soldiers and militias near Auktungkhan village, between Muse town and 105th-mile border trade zone on the border with China. The TNLA ambushed the convoy by detonating mines, while junta troops responded by opening fire and shelling the scene until 4 pm, according to locals. “Streets are deserted in the 105th-mile border trade zone due to [junta] artillery strikes. They are still shooting near Auktungkhan village,” a local resident told The Irrawaddy at 3 pm on Wednesday. [caption id=«attachment_119386» align=«aligncenter» width=«1594»] A section of road near the 105th-mile border trade zone in Muse. / Supplied[/caption] Locals voiced fears that the fighting would affect border trade with China. The attack killed two convoy personnel immediately while also wounding junta soldiers, according to a source from the front line. The source claimed that a People’s Defense Force (PDF) group fought alongside the TNLA, but the ethnic armed organization did not mention any PDF involvement. Junta artillery deployed in the Muse border trade zone shelled the scene of the ambush, wounding a civilian woman, who was rushed to hospital. The ambush took place on the cargo route from the 105th-mile trade zone to Jinsanjiao gate on the Myanmar-China border. The TNLA is active in the area. On July 19, junta troops attacked a TNLA hill-top outpost near Mankan village on the Muse-Namkham road, sparking a day-long clash. On July 25, junta troops launched air and artillery strikes on a TNLA unit near Sai Khaung village, close to the 105th-mile border trade zone. A male resident of Sai Khaung was killed by the shelling, after which junta soldiers seized his body. Junta troops and the TNLA have clashed at least five times in Muse since late December, with military tensions remaining high in the area.

More than 120 political prisoners were among the 7,749 inmates freed on Tuesday in a general amnesty, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). However, those granted amnesty were only a tiny fraction of the thousands of pro-democracy supporters detained by the military regime since the February 2021 coup, it added. The junta announced Tuesday’s amnesty to mark the Buddhist holiday of Dhamma Cakka Day, which falls on Tuesday. Detained civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was pardoned on five criminal charges, reducing her 33-year prison term by six years. Ousted President U Win Myint also received pardons in two cases – incitement and breaching the disaster management law – but continues to serve sentences handed down in six others. He faces a further 10 years in prison out of his original 12-year sentence. As of 10am on Wednesday, AAPP had confirmed that more than 120 political detainees had been released in the amnesty, adding that this represented only a small proportion of people jailed under the junta for political activities. The released political prisoners had only months left to serve on their sentences, according to the group’s statement on Wednesday. U Tate Naing, AAPP secretary, said that forcibly arresting and then releasing people who should not have been arrested in the first place does not mean that political repression has been eased. “The regime often issues these statements to influence international opinion and give the impression to the outside world that it has a moderate attitude. But in fact, the military has no interest in any kind of dialogue. You can see this clearly if you look back at the decades of injustice and brutality against ethnic groups,” he said. The military regime’s refusal to disclose the personal information of the political prisoners released was hindering the identification process, the AAPP said. U Bo Kyi, AAPP’s joint secretary, said the “terrorist” military regime was merely using political prisoners as hostages to apply diplomatic pressure, and there were no good intentions behind the amnesty. “Even as the military regime grants such amnesties, it continues its campaign of oppressive violence throughout the country. Given that it arrested 144 people and killed 101 people last month, it is obvious that junta troops are still terrorizing the people,” U Bo Kyi said. According to AAPP, the junta has arrested 24,130 opponents of military rule since the coup, 19,716 of whom remain in detention.

Rumor: Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint have been released from prison by the junta. Fact: Suu Kyi and Win Myint remain behind bars along with their cabinet members and thousands of other political prisoners. Myanmar’s descent into chaos and turmoil continues. The recent partial pardon of Suu Kyi, which saw her total sentence reduced from 33 years to 27 years, is appalling but laughable. Suu Kyi’s former economic adviser Sean Turnell, who was also jailed in Myanmar before his release last year, said it was meaningless. Indeed, they are cowards! On Monday, amid rumors and speculation about the forming of a transitional government and the release of several politicians including Suu Kyi, the regime held a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) and extended the state of emergency. This is the fourth time the regime has done so, violating the charter. But it was joined by all NDSC members, including Vice President Henry Van Thio, who has served continuously as second vice-president under the National League for Democracy government and now the junta. It is just a divide and conquer scheme: Henry Van Thio is also under house arrest. 2008 Constitution violated [caption id=«attachment_119329» align=«aligncenter» width=«2560»] Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is seen on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN in Hanoi on Sept. 13, 2018. / AFP[/caption] The state of emergency was initially declared in February 2021, when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Suu Kyi. However, the country’s 2008 constitution drafted under the guidance of the military states that an emergency can be declared for an initial period of one year and can “normally” be extended for a maximum of two half-year terms at the discretion of the military-dominated NDSC. The extension means the regime will continue to rule illegally and unleash its terror campaign in Myanmar, where an unprecedented armed rebellion has been taking place since the coup. At the meeting, the junta chief called for increased military operations in Sagaing Region as well as Chin and Kayah states, saying “terrorist” attacks are the worst there. Last week, hundreds of military trucks entered Kayah State, where resistance forces have taken control of the territory. More slaughter and air raids are expected there. Min Aung Hlaing has admitted that the regime has no control over 130 townships, with martial law imposed in nearly 50 townships in Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe regions, as well as Chin and Kayah states. The regime has responded to the growing resistance movement with indiscriminate air strikes, raids and arbitrary killings across the country. As of last week, the junta had killed more than 3,850 people, including those engaged in anti-regime activities and civilians killed in indiscriminate attacks, according to independent watchdogs. World’s tallest Buddha … and most downtrodden people Around the same time that the regime made the announcement that it would reduce Suu Kyi and Win Myint’s sentences, its murderer-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing offered up another carefully orchestrated news item to confuse the world and the media, holding a lavish ceremony in Naypyitaw to officially bless and open to the public the Maravijaya Buddha image, reportedly the world's tallest. The gesture is absurd in light of the regime’s record. Since the coup, the Myanmar junta has caused the displacement of over 1.5 million people, scorched at least 70,000 homes, and killed more than 3,747 civilians. Dozens of detained activists and politicians have been executed, some hanged, as there is no rule of law in Myanmar. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the regime has committed “sexual violence, mass killings, extra-judicial executions, beheadings, dismemberments and mutilations” and created an appalling humanitarian crisis, plunging millions into dire poverty. Millions of people in Myanmar need humanitarian assistance due to the economic crisis sparked by the coup, which has only brought more poverty and distress to the population. But in July, addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the military was engaged in a “systematic denial” of humanitarian relief to the millions of civilians in need of help. There is a terrible irony in the regime leaders’ building the tallest Buddha image to show that they are the defenders of the faith in Buddhist-majority Myanmar; the country’s people feel they are the smallest, most defenseless and least protected people in this part of the world. Neighbors making friends with junta The question now is who can act as a broker between the regime and the opposition and apply any pressure? Other than China and Russia, the regime has few friends. In July, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai met with Suu Kyi during a secret visit to Naypyitaw, becoming the first international dignitary to be granted permission by the regime to meet her. However, the meeting has caused controversy, as it took place shortly before the start of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministerial meeting. He described his encounter with Myanmar’s former State Counselor as “a good meeting”, going on to say that, in regards to the current situation in Myanmar, “She encouraged dialogue.” There has been no direct communication from Suu Kyi. The regime’s spokesman said the two met freely for more than one hour. Critics pointed out that Don has no right to speak for Suu Kyi, and no one can verify his claim that she has called for dialogue. The opposition remains fragmented but still wants to bring down the regime, despite having limited resources. Anyone seeking to appease the regime, or harboring the delusion that they can be successful in taming the wolf, will be surprised to see this meaningless and ludicrous gesture from the criminals in Naypyitaw. Last week, Chinese special envoy Deng Xijun arrived in Naypyitaw and met with regime leader Min Aung Hlaing. China is said to be increasingly concerned with the growing instability in Myanmar and was reportedly unhappy with the previous extension of the state of emergency in February. [caption id=«attachment_119330» align=«aligncenter» width=«1280»] Myanmar regime leader Min Aung Hlaing speaks at the NDSC meeting in Naypyitaw on Monday.[/caption] Whenever Beijing sends high-level delegations to Myanmar it is believed that they consistently and repeatedly raise the issue of Suu Kyi and her well-being. Some China-Myanmar watchers have even speculated that China wants to see Min Aung Hlaing removed. If it is true, this largely echoes the opinion of the majority of Myanmar citizens. Who would want to endorse, defend and prop up a murderous regime leader and his cabinet in this region? Nevertheless, China also wants to expand its business activities and resume its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Myanmar. This conflict of interest means Beijing cannot be viewed as an honest broker. Time to act It is time for China, the US, the EU, certain Scandinavian countries previously involved in Myanmar’s political transition process, and Myanmar’s neighbors to do more the resolve the country’s deepening crisis. Ironically, the Southeast Asian nation’s location between rivals China and India has so far rendered it more of an international blind spot than a strategic hot spot such as Taiwan or Ukraine. But it is time to wake up: Myanmar’s growing instability is in danger of spreading to its neighbors China, India and Thailand—and beyond, throughout the region. The surge in refugees, insurgency, arms smuggling, organized crime, trafficking, money laundering, online scams, illegal drug production and illicit trade since the coup is in danger of contaminating the whole region. No one in the region can escape Myanmar’s crisis. It will only get worse if we fail to stop it. All players should demand the immediate release of Suu Kyi and other detained leaders of the ousted government, as well as elected MPs and all other political prisoners. They should never have been put in prison in the first place. Western governments should continue to impose targeted sanctions and arms embargoes on military enterprises, junta leaders’ families and associated crony businessmen. Across ASEAN, elected MPs, prominent politicians, institutions, and civil society groups should keep up the pressure on their governments to do more on the Myanmar crisis, and continue to pressure companies that are assisting the regime. If ASEAN and the international community want to see a restoration of stability and peace in Myanmar, it is time to increase—not reduce—the pressure on the regime and support the democratic opposition.

Myanmar’s military regime has committed at least 144 massacres over the past two years and killed 1,595 civilians around the country, according to the civilian National Unity Government’s Ministry of Human Rights. Evidence indicates a campaign of mass killing that is escalating as the junta struggles to contain the popular uprising following the 2021 coup, the ministry reported on Monday. The junta committed 11 massacres of five or more people in 2021, 85 massacres in 2022, and 48 massacres between January and July this year, the ministry said. The resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region has experienced the highest death toll, suffering 90 massacres in which a total of 920 civilians were killed over the two and a half years. The worst massacre was the Pazigyi village aerial bombardment, which killed 157 civilians including 42 children on April 11 this year. In the largest mass killing committed by the regime since the coup, a jet fighter dropped bombs on Kantbalu Township’s Pazigyi village where around 200 civilians had gathered for a housewarming ceremony, causing carnage. Later that same day, an Mi-35 helicopter gunfire sprayed the area with gunfire and a jet fighter conducted another airstrike as locals collected bodies from the morning attack. “The military terrorizes people with arson attacks and massacres because the people don’t accept their rule,” a representative of the Depayin Refugee Support Group told The Irrawaddy. “Their behavior is very cowardly,” he said. Depayin Township has suffered the highest number of junta arson attacks, with 6,024 homes torched, as well as the highest toll from civilian massacres, he added. Thirteen people including seven children were killed by a junta airstrike on Depayin’s Let Yat Kone village in late September. Two Mi-35 helicopter gunships swept down and opened fire on the village school where more than 200 students were attending. “The people have sacrificed everything for the revolution. So, they will never go back,” a representative of the Depayin Refugee Support Group told The Irrawaddy. In late October, a total of 80 people, including well-known Kachin musicians and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) personnel, were killed in Hpakant Township, Kachin State when three junta fighters bombed an outdoor concert at A’Nang Pa village. The concert was held to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Kachin Independence Organization, the KIA’s political wing. The latest massacre came on July 22 when junta troops raided Sone Chang village in Sagaing’s Yinmabin Township and killed 11 civilians and three resistance fighters. Ko Banyar, founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group, said he expected more massacres in the future as the military is commiting the mass killings to counter its heavy losses on the ground. Destroying villages to deter local support for resistance is a longstanding tactic of the military. “They kill the civilians and torch the houses. They want to send a message to the people who are against them. This kind of human rights violation has occurred in ethnic areas for years but is now also happening in the heartland,” Ko Banyar said. He welcomed the NUG ministry’s report, saying it was vital to uphold justice even as the junta had suspended human rights. The Ministry of Human Rights has said it will make every effort to bring those accused to justice and has asked the public to pass on information of human rights violations committed by the military.

Junta airstrikes on civilian and resistance targets in Kayah State have risen sharply over the past six months, doubling the combined total in 2021 and 2022, according to the Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF), which monitors regime atrocities in the state. THE PKPF’s report on Tuesday recorded a total of 572 airstrikes on civilian targets and battlegrounds in the resistance stronghold of Kayah State, as junta forces increasingly rely on aerial assaults amid heavy losses for their ground troops. However, the first half of 2023 saw twice as many regime airstrikes than in 2021 and 2022 combined. This period accounted for 68 percent of the total number of airstrikes conducted by the junta in the two and a half years since the coup. Meanwhile, at least 766 clashes have erupted between regime forces and allied resistance groups in Kayah State since the military takeover, the Karenni rights group said. The death toll among junta troops in Kayah is estimated at 2,230 – seven times larger than casualties suffered by resistance forces. Around 310 resistance fighters have been killed fighting the junta in Kayah State, according to the PKPF. Resistance groups had also destroyed 64 junta vehicles and seized a large quantity weapons and ammunition during the battles. Meanwhile, junta forces have killed around 516 civilians and detained 196 since the coup, the group reported on Tuesday. Junta shelling and bombing raids targeting civilians had also destroyed at least 1,639 houses and 39 religious buildings. On June 6, resistance forces established the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) as an interim government body, while junta administration only functions in the state capital of Loikaw, according to local sources. Meanwhile, fighting has escalated in Hpaswang and Mese townships after the regime sent heavy reinforcements to Kayah State last month. The United Nations estimates that at least 98,400 people were displaced in the state as of July 17. However, local aid groups on the ground report that more than 270,000 people have been displaced in Kayah State and neighbouring Pekon township of Southern Shan State. Aid groups said around 100,000 people are in urgent need of food supplies and healthcare assistance.

At least 54 Myanmar junta forces were reportedly killed in the past week as People’s Defense Force groups (PDFs) and some ethnic armed organizations continued to attack regime targets in many parts of the country. Incidents were reported in Kayah and Karen states and Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and the ethnic armed groups. Some military casualty figures could not be independently verified. Over a week of fighting in Kayah [caption id=«attachment_119272» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] A killed soldier is seen hanging out of a military truck after a resistance ambush in Loikaw Township, Kayah State last week. / KNDF[/caption] Nine days of clashes occurred in Kayah State’s capital Loikaw from July 20 to 28. Karenni resistance groups including the Karenni Army ambushed military convoys carrying reinforcements on the Mobye-Loikaw Highway, as well as regime forces who were providing security for the convoy, said the Karenni Nationalities Defense Forces (KNDF), which joined the attacks. On July 24 and 25 alone, at least 20 regime forces were killed. Resistance forces seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition and managed to destroy a military vehicle. Heavy blast rocks notorious military checkpoint in Hpa-an [caption id=«attachment_119273» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] The aftermath of a car bomb attack on a junta checkpoint in Hpa-an Township on Monday / CJ[/caption] One person was killed and 13 others including regime personnel were reportedly injured in Hpa-an town, Karen State early Monday when a heavy explosion hit a military checkpoint that has been conducting strict security checks on civilians and vehicles near the Salween Bridge, according to local media reports. Hpa-An Guerilla Force claimed responsibility for a car-bomb attack on the junta checkpoint. Soldiers and other regime personnel at the checkpoint are notorious for arresting anti-regime activists and extorting money from civilians. Military unit ambushed in Sagaing At least four regime forces were killed in Pale Township, Sagaing Region on Tuesday when 11 fighters from the Myanmar Royal Dragon Army staged a guerrilla ambush on a military unit of 80 troops near a village, the resistance group claimed. The bodies of four soldiers were retrieved from the area with a bullock cart. All resistance fighters retreated without casualties. Junta base attacked in Sagaing  Resistance forces attack regime forces in Kyauk Yit Village in Myaung Township on Sunday. / MRDA Myanmar’s Royal Dragon Army said it and other resistance groups jointly attacked regime forces stationed at the police station in Kyauk Yit Village in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday, killing two soldiers and injuring many others. Police station, administration office attacked in Sagaing  Joint resistance forces attack regime targets in Myaung town on Monday. / MSPDF At least two regime soldiers were killed and four injured in Myaung town, Sagaing Region on Monday when resistance groups conducted surprise attacks against regime forces stationed at the police station and junta-run township administration department office in the town, said Myaung Special People’s Defense Force (MSPDF), which joined the attacks. On the same day, the MSPDF triggered land mines to ambush a military unit that was stationed in Kyauk Tan Village for three days, inflicting regime forces. Junta troops killed in urban attacks in Sagaing  Fighters of Black Dragon Force stage a surprise attack on regime forces in Monywa Township on Monday. / Black Dragon Force Black Dragon Forces, a group that forms Monywa District PDF battalion 27, told the media it killed two regime forces and injured three others when it attacked junta soldiers and policemen conducting security checks on civilians on a road in Monywa town, Sagaing Region on Monday. Six junta troops killed in resistance raid in Depayin [caption id=«attachment_119274» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Military weapons and ammunition seized by resistance groups in Depayin town on Sunday / DRPA[/caption] Six regime soldiers were killed in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when three resistance groups raided a military checkpoint outside the town, said the Anti Dictatorship Revolution People’s Army, which was involved in the attack. Some weapons, ammunition and military equipment were seized by the resistance forces from the checkpoint. Military unit raiding villages ambushed in Sagaing [caption id=«attachment_119275» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Student Armed Force takes part in an anti-regime operation in Upper Myanmar. / SAF[/caption] Student Armed Force (S.A.F.) said it coordinated with local resistance groups on July 28 and 29 to attack a military unit that was raiding villages and committing war crimes in Budalin Township, Sagaing Region. In one clash, four regime forces including a captain were killed and many others injured, the group said, adding there were no resistance casualties. Pro-junta militia unit bombed in Sagaing [caption id=«attachment_119276» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Improvised land mines produced by Wild Tiger Local People’s Defense Force / Wild Tiger LPDF[/caption] At least nine pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia forces were killed and many others injured in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when six local resistance forces jointly triggered mines to attack a militia unit comprising members from nine pro-regime villages, said the Wild Tiger Local PDF group, which joined the ambushes. The militia members were ambushed while traveling to collect their salaries from the military regime. Regime sentries raided in Magwe [caption id=«attachment_119277» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Resistance fighters of MG 6 Guerilla Force (Myingyan) / MG 6 Guerilla Force[/caption] Resistance group MG 6 Guerrilla Force claimed to have killed five soldiers and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia members in Yesagyo Township on Monday when it raided a regime sentry camp outside Min Ywar Village, where regime forces are stationed. Military command bombed in Mandalay [caption id=«attachment_119278» align=«aligncenter» width=«936»] Mandalay Palace in Mandalay city, where the military's Central Command is based / The Irrawaddy[/caption] The underground resistance group No More Dictatorship People’s Defense Force said it used 80-mm improvised mortar rounds to bomb the Myanmar military’s Central Command based at Mandalay Palace in the country’s second-largest city Mandalay early Tuesday. The group later attacked another military base in Amarapura Township in the city. Details of the damage and military casualties were unknown.

Myanma Economic Bank swiftly transfers officers from headquarters to branches after Washington sanctions two other Myanmar banks.

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing again vowed to take whatever action was necessary for his regime to regain control of Myanmar as he extended emergency rule for another six months on Monday. More than two-and-a-half years after the coup, the regime is still struggling to impose control in large parts of the country. He justified the six-month extension by saying it was intended to speed up measures to restore stability and rule of law in parts of the country experiencing “terrorist acts”, referring to the resistance movement. The regime has labeled the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) as terrorists. At a meeting of his regime’s cabinet on July 13, Min Aung Hlaing also called for increased security operations in Sagaing Region as well as Chin and Kayah states, which he described as hotbeds of terrorism. Speaking at a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) on Monday, Min Aung Hlaing reiterated his plan to hold a general election. Foreign governments and blocs have rejected the plan, saying any vote held under the junta would be a sham. PDF groups and some ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are making it difficult to organize polls in Sagaing, Magwe, Bago and Tanintharyi regions as well as Karen, Kayah, Chin and Mon states, Min Aung Hlaing said. He also warned ethnic people not to press their demands by wielding arms. On Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day on March 27, Min Aung Hlaing vowed to crush EAOs helping the NUG and PDFs. He has admitted that more than 130 townships across the country are outside of the military’s control, while imposing martial law in nearly 50 townships in Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing and Magwe regions as well as Chin and Kayah states. While it has greater firepower and troop strength than the resistance forces, which began forming and training a few months after the 2021 coup, Min Aung Hlaing’s military is stretched thin fighting a multi-front war, making it necessary for the junta chief to create incentives to buy loyalty from his soldiers. The dictator has twice sponsored beach holidays for junta soldiers who were badly wounded in fighting with resistance forces. On July 23, he awarded medals of honor to 45 police officers in Sagaing and Magwe regions, resistance strongholds in central Myanmar. The state of emergency was initially declared in February 2021 when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The country’s constitution states that an emergency can be declared for an initial period of one year and can “normally” be extended for a maximum of two half-year terms at the discretion of the military-dominated NDSC. However, Min Aung Hlaing has extended the emergency rule twice beyond the “maximum of two years”, thereby breaching, or at least bending, the constitution. Washington is “deeply concerned” by the junta’s extension of the state of emergency, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday. Canada echoed the concern, saying the extension prolongs the regime’s illegitimate rule over Myanmar.

Myanmar’s military regime cut six years from detained democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 33-year combined sentence as part of a general amnesty on Tuesday. The amnesty marking an important Buddhist religious day—Dhamma Cakka Day, which falls on Tuesday—also saw a four-year reduction in the sentence of ousted President U Win Myint of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) government, which was toppled by a military coup in 2021. The regime announced pardons for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in five criminal cases filed against her in 2021 for alleged offenses including incitement and violations of the disaster management, telecommunications and export-import laws. She has been convicted in a total of 19 cases. The 78-year-old continues to serve a combined 27-year sentence in the remaining 14 cases. U Win Myint was pardoned in two cases—incitement and breaching the disaster management law—and continues to serve sentences handed down in six others. Both have been detained by the regime since the first day of the takeover. Though they were put under house arrest initially, they were later transferred to prisons. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was reportedly moved to home confinement late last month but the junta has yet to confirm the move. The regime’s partial pardons for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint failed to impress Myanmar people, many of whom took to social media to express their views. “Why should we bother to thank them [for the pardons], as they [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint] should not have been arrested in the first place?” said one. U Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG), told The Irrawaddy that the pardons were nothing more than “cosmetic” and called for the unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint and all political prisoners. The NUG was formed by elected lawmakers from the NLD and their ethnic allies to challenge the junta politically at home and abroad. Many in Myanmar consider it their legitimate government. “The move comes straight out of the regime’s dirty politics playbook to ease international pressure,” he said. Since the coup and the ensuing bloody crackdowns on protesters, the regime has been struggling to cope with the impacts of international sanctions and widespread armed resistance at home. Tuesday’s amnesty saw the release of more than 7,000 people detained at prisons across the country. Among them were 71 people detained for their affiliations with ethnic armed organizations. At the time of reporting on Tuesday afternoon, some political prisoners had reportedly been released but the exact number was not available yet. The clemency came one day after the junta extended its military rule for another six months—the fourth such extension since the coup.

As coup leader Min Aung Hlaing lost more territory and troops in July, his regime intensified its reign of terror.

The extension is expected to further delay the regime’s election plan; the US vowed to hold the regime accountable for its ongoing ‘widespread brutality’.

The military regime unconstitutionally extended the state of emergency on Monday, prolonging harsh military rule for another six months in a country already devastated amid two and a half years of junta rule. The extension was issued at the regime’s National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) meeting on Monday, according to the junta’s Myawady TV channel. It added that the meeting was joined by all NDSC members, including Vice President Henry Van Thio, who has served continuously as second vice-president under the National League for Democracy government and now the junta. [caption id=«attachment_119203» align=«aligncenter» width=«1280»] Regime Acting President Myint Swe at the NDSC meeting, where the extension of military rule was issued on Monday.[/caption] The state of emergency was initially declared in February 2021, when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar has been in chaos since then. The country’s constitution states that an emergency can be declared for an initial period of one year and can “normally” be extended for a maximum of two half-year terms at the discretion of the military-dominated NDSC. However, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing in January this year extended the emergency for a third time, breaching the constitution and citing an “extraordinary situation” – resistance against the regime. Monday’s extension is thus the second time that the regime boss has violated the charter regarding the state of emergency. The constitution also states that an election must be held within six months of a state of emergency being lifted. The latest extension came as no surprise after he hinted two weeks ago at a cabinet meeting  that “much remains to be done to restore stability and rule of law across the union,” referring to nationwide armed resistance against his military rule. [caption id=«attachment_119204» align=«aligncenter» width=«1280»] Vice President Henry Van Thio, who has served continuously as second vice-president under the National League for Democracy government and now the junta, at Monday’s NDSC meeting.[/caption] Myanmar has been ravaged by armed conflicts between the junta and widespread armed resistance since the 2021 takeover. The regime is struggling for control in vast swaths of the country, with Min Aung Hlaing telling his Cabinet that there were a total of 489 explosions from January 1 to July 11 this year, resulting in 782 fatalities. The junta chief also called for increased military operations in Sagaing Region as well as Chin and Kayah states, saying “terrorist” attacks are the worst there. Sagaing, Chin and Kayah are major resistance strongholds. Min Aung Hlaing has admitted that the regime has no control over 130 townships, with martial law imposed in nearly 50 townships in Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magwe regions, as well as Chin and Kayah states. The regime has responded to the growing resistance movement with indiscriminate air strikes, raids and arbitrary killings across the country. As of Friday, the junta had killed more than 3,850 people, including those engaged in anti-regime activities and civilians killed in indiscriminate attacks, according to independent watchdogs.

A convoy of regime vessels has been under attack by resistance groups on both sides of the Ayeyarwady River after it departed Mandalay City for Kachin State on July 26. It has been under sustained attacks from anti-regime People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) in Mandalay Region’s Thabekkyin Township and by PDFs near Kyauk Myaung Township in Sagaing Region. The Ayeywardady River forms a natural boundary between the two regions in upper Myanmar, and is a major transport route. The junta convoy comprises two battleships, one barge and six vessels carrying more than 300 troops. Besides troops, it is reportedly transporting food, weapons and ammunition to Kachin State. Thirty-seven junta troops were killed and many more were injured in the first attack last Thursday when fighters from combined PDFs shelled the convoy near Sagaing Region’s Kyauk Myaung Town. Two vessels were destroyed in the attack, according to the Captain Eagle PDF. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the claim. The injured soldiers were sent to the Thabekkyin and Kyauk Kyi hospitals. The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement that battalions it controls and resistance forces shelled the convoy and that a vessel in its middle was hit twice. The convoy was attacked again on Friday by combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army and Thabekkyin Township PDF. A spokesperson for the PDF confirmed the attack but declined to provide details. On Saturday, the junta military unit providing security to the convoy marched into land-mine trap near Shar Taw Village in Thabekkyin Township, according to the Kyar Nyut PDF. Although causalities were reported, the exact number was unknown. The convoy is still passing through Thabekkyin Township and is expected to arrive in Kachin State in a few days, according to the Myo Hla PDF in the northeastern state. It issued an emergency alert for the people residing on the banks of the river. “People who live in the villages along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River should listen to the news and remain cautious,” the PDF said. Battleships in the convoy shelled riverside sites, killing two civilians in Mandalay’s Mattayar Township on July 26. In late October last year, a 12-year-old girl from was killed and another girl was injured when military vessels traveling by the river to Kachin State shelled a village in Sagaing Region’s Katha District.

Dictator Min Aung Hlaing has increased the pensions for retired officials from previous juntas, which had been as low as 2,000 kyats per month, to as much as 1.5 million kyats (US$ 715) a month effective immediately. The move was announced in the junta’s gazette on July 21, less than one month after the World Bank issued a dire warning about malnutrition in Myanmar. The pension increases will only flow to those who held important offices under juntas before April 1, 2006, and their widows or widowers. Among the beneficiaries are the successive junta leaders who ruled the country under cognitively dissonant titles—the Burma Socialist Program Party, the State Law and Order Restoration Council, and the State Peace and Development Council. Officials in these military governments who held one of more than 20 ranks will also benefit from the higher pensions. They include presidents, prime ministers, ministers, chief justices, attorney generals, auditor generals, chairs of civil-service commissions, mayors of Yangon and Mandalay, and council members of the successive juntas. The move serves the military, critics says, pointing out that almost all the beneficiaries—from coup leaders Ne Win and Than Shwe to Yangon Mayor Ko Lay—are former soldiers. The Political Pension Law enacted by Myanmar’s first military dictator Ne Win in 1980 set the political pension at 2,000 kyats for presidents, 1,800 kyats for prime ministers and 1,500 kyats for ministers. With the increase, former presidents will receive 1.5 million kyats, former prime ministers 1 million kyats, and former ministers 400,000 kyats. Other ranks will also receive a significant increase. If a pensioner has died, family members are entitled to 75 percent of their tax-free pension payments. Members of the government led by Myanmar’s independence hero General Aung San, and the subsequent Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League government and its parliament, were entitled to political pensions under the law enacted by Ne Win. But Min Aung Hlaing’s notice did not mention either government. The higher pensions will only benefit those with ties to the military starting from the country’s first coup in 1962. While the junta boss has been using his propaganda machine to urge people to spend less money on food, electricity, fuel and other necessities, he has been squandering public funds on vanity projects. These include lavishing honorary titles on dictators and generals of previous regimes, from Ne Win and Saw Maung to Than Shwe, as well as himself. Min Aung Hlaing conferred the country’s two highest honors on himself last year. The titles were originally intended for those who made immense and selfless contributions to Myanmar and the welfare of its people.

A female villager has been killed and another two injured by indiscriminate Myanmar regime shelling in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State. Shelling hit three houses in Loi Kon village on Saturday night, according to a volunteer group. «A 60-year-old woman died on the spot. Her daughter and 16-year-old granddaughter sustained injuries,» a group representative said. The injured were taken to Kutkai Hospital by a township volunteer group. A villager said there was no reported fighting in the area at the time of the bombardment but junta troops have been frequently shelling villages in the area. Two villagers were killed by shelling in Hseng Hkwang village, Muse Township, on July 25. On July 18, a 15-year-old died on the spot and three villagers, including a nine-year-old boy, were wounded in Zee Da Ban village during clashes between junta forces and the TNLA, according to Kutkai volunteers. Clashes have continued between junta troops and the TNLA since Saturday near Nam Kat village tract in Muse Township. Meanwhile, thousands of villagers were displaced amid fighting between the junta and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in nearby Muse Township. A Nam Kat villager said around 1,800 residents from three villages had fled their homes amid bombardments since Saturday. «Most of the residents are taking refuge at monasteries in their villages and they are trapped amid the fighting,» a villager said. A monk from Nam Kat village said at least 200 villagers have been taking refuge in the monastery since fighting broke out in the area. Nam Kat village tract consists of Nam Kat, Mant Kan Loi and Pan Hoke villages with around 400 households. Meanwhile, tension is high as over 100 junta troops are reportedly stationed at Mant Kan Loi village. «Fighting will continue as long as junta troops remain in our village. We have nowhere to go,» a Nam Kat villager said. Fighting has been escalated near Hseng Hkwang village in Muse since July 23, leaving at least three junta soldiers dead, according to the TNLA.

Civilians and security personnel were among the victims when a vehicle exploded near a checkpoint at the Thanlwin Bridge, an official said.

Around 50 regime troops raided a Budalin office of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, killing three members.

U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations, calls for unity and work to break the dictatorship.

A Myanmar junta captain and lieutenant were killed when their fighter jet was shot down by resistance forces above Bawlakhe Township in Kayah State last month, the Karenni Nationalities People's Liberation Front (KNPLF) announced. On June 30, the KNPLF and other resistance forces shot down the aircraft while it was flying low to attack the group's camp. It crashed near Ywar Thit town. The group was unable to identify the aircraft at that time as the crash zone was in junta territory and troops quickly removed the wreckage. The KNPLF said on Thursday that it had confirmed the aircraft was a K-8 W, an upgraded fighter jet from Taungoo Air Force Base flown by Captain Thaw Zin and Lieutenant Aung Phyo Kyaw. «We do not have any anti-aircraft weapons but our forces fought bravely with all their weapons, forcing the crash. Their brave and adventurous spirit is deeply honored and recorded,» the KNPLF said. The group thanked those who helped reveal the information. KNPLF spokesman Lawrence Soe told The Irrawaddy: «We only aim to repeat this feat, working with other resistance forces.» The two pilots were given posthumous honorary titles for bravery by the junta and promoted to major and captain, according to a regime announcement on July 23. Former army captain Lin Htet Aung, who defected after the 2021 coup, said gallantry awards were often given to disguise mistakes as bravery. The KNPLF, which formerly served as the Border Guard Force in Kayah State under the command of Myanmar's military for nearly 30 years, turned on junta troops during June 13's attacks on regime outposts and police stations in Maese town. On Saturday, the group officially announced it had joined the revolution to topple the regime and added that it is ready to work with the civilian National Unity Government to carry out revolutionary tasks.

Also this week, the regime moved Daw Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of expected meet with Chinese envoy, and the junta chief celebrated his favorite elephant’s birthday.  

Myanmar junta cronies gathered around regime leader Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday and donated cash for the colossal Maravijaya Buddha statue in Naypyitaw. The statue is due to be consecrated on August 1 and the list of those attending events has been used to chart who is showing solidarity with Min Aung Hlaing. He first officially invited his business allies to the site on June 29 with a second event on Sunday. Present on Sunday were former actress Nandar Hlaing, daughter-in-law of Zaykabar Co owner Khin Shwe, assistant to ex-dictator Than Shwe Dr Tha Yin Myint, U Yang Ho, Shwe Than Lwin Co owner Kyaw Win and business owners with ties to military-owned conglomerates Myanmar Economic Corporation and Myanma Economic Holdings Ltd. Min Aung Hlaing thanked former dictator Than Shwe for donating the giant marble block to Myanmar’s military in 2017. At the first donation in late June, 101 business owners contributed over 16 billion kyats (about US$4.8 million). Present were CB Bank founder U Khin Maung Aye, Max Myanmar Group of Companies chairman U Zaw Zaw, Tun Myint Naing of Asia World, U Zaw Win Shein of Ayeyar Hinthar Holdings, Yuzana Co founder U Htay Myint, Dagon Company founder U Win Aung and Shwe Thanlwin Co owner U Kyaw Win. On Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing received 17.4 billion kyats from 377 individuals. A notable donor was former spy chief Khin Nyunt. The ex-general reportedly has Alzheimer’s disease and did not attend Sunday’s event. Min Aung Hlaing visited Khin Nyunt at his Yangon house in late 2021 and reportedly offered treatment at military hospitals and had Khin Nyunt’s pension restored. Khin Nyunt, who was notorious for masterminding deadly interrogations and prosecutions of political dissidents, was purged in 2004 by former dictator Than Shwe. He was given a 44-year prison sentence which was later commuted to house arrest. He was freed in a 2011 amnesty by Thein Sein’s quasi-civilian government. Shwe Hmaw Wun, a charity founded by Khin Nyunt, donated 300 million kyats to the construction in the name of Khin Nyunt and his wife. Khin Nyunt founded the charity after his release with 7.5 million kyats of his own money and 2.5 million kyats from prominent Buddhist monk Sitagu Sayadaw, who funded Khin Nyunt after his prison release. On July 16, Min Aung Hlaing gathered ex-generals in Maravijaya Park, including acting president Myint Swe, former president Thein Sein, former Union Election Commission chair Tin Aye and Union Solidarity and Development Party chair Khin Yi. US-sanctioned Pyae Phyo Tay Za, son of tycoon U Tay Za, donated 150 million kyats. Nandar Hlaing, the daughter-in-law of U Khin Shwe, who is reportedly in junta custody, donated 100 million kyats. U Kyaw Win donated 200 million kyats and Dr. Thar Yin and U Yang Ho donated 100 million kyats each. U Tay Za and U Aung Ko Win, the owner of the Kanbawza Group of Companies, did not attend the ceremonies but a Kanbawza subsidiary donated 300 million kyats. U Aung Ko Win is reported to have close ties with Min Aung Hlaing and funded the construction of a Bagan-style pagoda in Moscow, which Min Aung Hlaing consecrated in July last year. Sitagu Sayadaw, who publicly supported the 2021 coup, on Sunday was given the Thray Sithu title for performing religious rituals at the statue. Zaykabar U Khin Shwe and Dr Tha Yin Myint are also known to have close ties to Khin Nyunt. The two business owners used to make donations with the former spy chief. Dr Tha Yin Myat served as a broker for Than Shwe’s regime to buy weapons and export Myanmar’s resources. He also made donations with ex-president Thein Sein. He funded a religious building in Yangon which he opened together with Min Aung Hlaing on the junta boss’ birthday on July 3 last year. Yang Ho, an ethnically Chinese resident from Kokang, is a military business partner in steel and iron production to make weapons. He has been a partner of Myanmar’s military since the Than Shwe regime with close ties to U Aung Ko Win, and A Bank owner U Zaw Win Shein. Pyae Phyo Tay Za is sanctioned by the US along with his father U Tay Za and brother Htoo Htet Tau Za. In February, Min Aung Hlaing extended emergency rule by six more months until the end of July, postponing a proposed election from August this year.

With the junta’s six-month state of emergency expiring on Monday, Myanmar people and observers have one question on their minds: what’s next? One possibility is that the regime will again violate the Constitution to extend the emergency for another six months from July 31. The junta has so far extended it three times, most recently in February. The Constitution permits only two six-month extensions. An alternative option would be for the junta to form an interim government with retired generals to maintain its rule under the guise of a civilian administration. Speculation about Myanmar’s post-July 31 political landscape is being fueled by the junta’s recent political moves, as it struggles to quell a two-year-old nationwide popular armed resistance. On July 9, the regime allowed Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to meet the imprisoned Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, making him the first foreign visitor to gain access to her since the coup in February 2021. Two weeks on, it reportedly transferred the civilian leader from prison to house arrest this week. She then reportedly met with Ti Khun Myat, the Lower House Speaker under her National League for Democracy (NLD) government prior to the 2021 putsch. She is also likely to meet Deng Xijuan, China’s special envoy for Asian Affairs, who is visiting the country. The regime’s spokesperson told Voice of America Burmese on Friday that he had no idea about these developments – from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest to the meetings. This coming Tuesday, the junta is likely to announce an amnesty for political prisoners to mark the consecration of its new giant sitting Buddha statue. Some sources said the amnesty announcement would incorporate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest along with the transfer of other NLD government leaders like President U Win Myint and Mandalay Chief Minister Dr Zaw Myint Maung from prison to home confinement. Yet for all these developments and more in the pipeline, analysts expect no meaningful changes in Myanmar after July 31. They point out that the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest is another tactic used by the junta to ease international pressure against its rule. The previous military regime that ran Myanmar from 1988 until early 2011 also allowed visiting foreign envoys to see her whenever it faced mounting international pressure. Some observers say the extension of emergency rule remains a strong possibility, given junta boss Min Aung Hlaing recently hinted to his Cabinet that “much remains to be done to restore stability and rule of law across the union.” However, analysts do not dismiss the possibility of an interim government being formed with ex-generals. But they said the chances were thin given Min Aung Hlaing’s well-documented craving for absolute power, which could be thwarted by an interim administration. Formation of an interim government would occur only if the regime boss recognizes he cannot control the current deteriorating situation in the country. And if that happens, Myanmar would still be under a military-guided transition for years to come. In other words, military rule would be here to stay.

Family members and residents fear for the lives of four Christian religious leaders who have gone missing after being detained by junta forces in Mindat Township, Chin State, the Mindat People’s Administration said on Thursday. On July 16, drunken junta troops from Infantry Battalion 274 based in Mindat abducted a pastor and three church elders from a church in a residential ward of Mindat town. The junta had allowed the church to be used as a shelter for displaced people fleeing clashes between regime forces and the Chin resistance. The township people’s administration said junta troops arrested the four church members on the pretext that ‘too many’ motorbikes were found at the displacement shelter. When first contacted about the situation of the detainees, military forces told church officials and family members that they were still interrogating the four Christian leaders. But after a second inquiry on Wednesday, the military base said it did not know about the detainees. The administration group said all four detainees are now believed to have been killed by junta troops during interrogation. A Mindat People’s Administration official told Chin media outlet Khonumthung that residents living near the military base heard sounds of the detainees being tortured. However, the military denied any knowledge of the detainees when asked to return the bodies of the Christian leaders, the official said. The people’s administration condemned the military regime for arresting and killing religious leaders. On April 10, a Christian pastor was among nine Chin residents killed in Chin’s Falam Township when junta aircraft bombed civilian targets in Waybula town, according to the Chin National Front, which has formed the Chin National Army (CNA) to confront the junta. Two Chin pastors were also detained and tortured to death by junta forces in Chin’s Kanpetlet Township and nearby Saw Township in Magwe Region in early December 2021. In September 2021, junta forces shot dead a pastor and cut off his finger to steal his wedding ring during a clash with resistance fighters in Thantlang town, Chin State.

Several analysts in Ukraine and Myanmar say 120mm mortar rounds are from the junta, with special modifications made for Russia’s military.

The price of pharmaceuticals has risen and stocks are low ahead of the release of new 20,000 kyats banknotes by Myanmar’s junta this month. After the note announcement, the US dollar rate hit nearly 3,500 kyats, which affected the drugs market as Myanmar imports around 85 percent of its medicines. Drugs for high-blood pressure, coronary heart disease, antibiotics for lung problems and diabetes have increased by 10 to 40 percent this week after steady rises for a year with some companies currently halting sales, according to Yangon pharmacists. The prices of contraceptive medicines like OK and Marvelon 28 had risen 15 to 76 percent by Tuesday. “All prescription medicine prices have increased. We have to sell at 10 percent higher than the original price but some pharmacies sell at higher prices,” a North Okkalapa Township pharmacist told The Irrawaddy. Another pharmacist said the weak kyat affected some distributors, with some companies storing medicines knowing prices would rise ahead of the banknote release. “Patients are forced to buy alternative, worse medicines at a higher price,” a distributor told The Irrawaddy. Patients who were buying the Portuguese medicine Cinnarizine, for instance, are now looking for alternatives from Thailand, which might be lower quality. A Yangon resident said she is struggling to find liver cancer medicines for her brother. “The pharmacy could not help me and a private hospital refused to sell them to me and told me to go back to my brother’s hospital. I was really angry. Why do they want to be so difficult?” she told The Irrawaddy. She bought a reduced quantity of medicines at a private hospital at an inflated price. The new 20,000 kyats banknotes have sparked fears of inflation and led to hoarding among consumers who can afford to buy in large quantities, boosting inflationary pressures. A North Dagon Township resident told The Irrawaddy: “I normally buy blood pressure and diabetes medicines for my father for a month but now I get them only for a week.”

The ousted civilian leader is likely to meet China's visiting special envoy for Asian Affairs Deng Xijuan.