Monday, January 31, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Even Worse Than Expected, Myanmar Coup also a Failure for Junta

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 05:30 PM PST

After a year of failing to consolidate its power, the military regime is resorting to increasingly brutal methods.

The post Even Worse Than Expected, Myanmar Coup also a Failure for Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Defections and Victories Over Myanmar Junta This Year: NUG Defense Minister

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 06:27 AM PST

U Yee Mon, the defense minister in the parallel National Unity Government, says he expects increasing numbers of military defections bringing more weapons this year.

The post Defections and Victories Over Myanmar Junta This Year: NUG Defense Minister appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Resistance Kills Dozens of Junta Soldiers in Three Days of Clashes

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 05:13 AM PST

PDF groups and ethnic armies fought with and ambushed junta troops and pro-regime militias in six states and regions.

The post Myanmar Resistance Kills Dozens of Junta Soldiers in Three Days of Clashes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Officer in Charge for NLD Lawyer’s Killing Left Unpunished and Promoted

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 04:01 AM PST

Win Min Thein was Yangon Airport security chief when U Ko Ni was assassinated. He is not only a member of the coup leader's inner circle, but classmate of the culprits.

The post Police Officer in Charge for NLD Lawyer's Killing Left Unpunished and Promoted appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar People’s Assembly Pledges to Try Junta at ICC

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 02:17 AM PST

Among other atrocities, the military regime has killed at least 1,499 civilians and over 11,800 more have been arrested to date.

The post Myanmar People's Assembly Pledges to Try Junta at ICC appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Villagers Found Slain After Myanmar Junta Raids

Posted: 31 Jan 2022 02:11 AM PST

Regime troops have been raiding villages in Kayah State during January and residents say they fear there may be many more bodies to find.

The post Villagers Found Slain After Myanmar Junta Raids appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Year of Turmoil: From Coup to Jailing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Posted: 30 Jan 2022 11:42 PM PST

A timeline of events over the past year, during which nearly 1,500 people have been killed by the military regime.

The post Myanmar’s Year of Turmoil: From Coup to Jailing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Junta Watch: Ex-Air Force Chief Goes Missing, Strikers Warned and More

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 01:00 PM PST

This week the junta claimed devastated Kayah was at peace, and that the NLD, whose leaders are in jail, can operate as usual; it also unveiled plans for a big parade.

The post Junta Watch: Ex-Air Force Chief Goes Missing, Strikers Warned and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Diary: Eleven Months of Sleeping Under Strange Roofs

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 05:08 AM PST

A firsthand account of life in hiding from the forces of Min Aung Hlaing's brutal military regime.

The post Myanmar Diary: Eleven Months of Sleeping Under Strange Roofs appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Groups Claim Rising Numbers of Yangon Attacks on Myanmar Regime

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 04:40 AM PST

Numerous groups claim to be mounting a guerrilla war in the city, despite the recent loss of two apparent resistance leaders.

The post Resistance Groups Claim Rising Numbers of Yangon Attacks on Myanmar Regime appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Friday, January 28, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Two Aged NLD Prisoners Freed by Myanmar Junta

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 03:35 AM PST

U Han Tha Myint and U Soe Win of the National League for Democracy were both reportedly released because of health concerns.

The post Two Aged NLD Prisoners Freed by Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Washington Urged to Maintain Support for Myanmar’s Shadow Government

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 03:14 AM PST

US State Department stated its 'deep appreciation' for the NUG's leadership in the face of the military regime's ongoing oppression and violence.

The post Washington Urged to Maintain Support for Myanmar's Shadow Government appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Arrests and Threatens Shop Owners Over Planned Silent Strike

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 02:34 AM PST

With the country expected to close down on the first anniversary of the coup, the junta is escalating its efforts to prevent the protest.

The post Myanmar Junta Arrests and Threatens Shop Owners Over Planned Silent Strike appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Locks Down Indian Border Town After COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 02:23 AM PST

More than 150 coronavirus cases have been found in Tamu and the town is under lockdown, despite fighting with resistance groups in the township.

The post Myanmar Junta Locks Down Indian Border Town After COVID-19 Outbreak appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Over 1,000 Junta Soldiers Killed in Western Myanmar Last Year: Chin Resistance Forces

Posted: 28 Jan 2022 01:17 AM PST

There were almost two hundred clashes between regime troops and resistance groups in Chin State between April and December last year.

The post Over 1,000 Junta Soldiers Killed in Western Myanmar Last Year: Chin Resistance Forces appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Displaced Kayah Civilians Going Hungry as Myanmar Junta Blocks Supplies

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 03:55 AM PST

The rising price of rice and roadblocks by the regime have pushed many Kayah State civilians towards hunger.

The post Displaced Kayah Civilians Going Hungry as Myanmar Junta Blocks Supplies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Major Australian Energy Firm Woodside Announces Myanmar Pullout

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 03:34 AM PST

The petroleum giant attributed the move to Myanmar's 'deteriorating human rights situation'; it follows last week's exit announcements from Total and Chevron.

The post Major Australian Energy Firm Woodside Announces Myanmar Pullout appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s KBZ Group Dissolves Subsidiary That Operated Jade Mine With Military

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 02:57 AM PST

Nilar Yoma Gems Co. Ltd. once engaged in jade mining with military-owned MEHL in Sagaing Region but had been inactive for several years.

The post Myanmar's KBZ Group Dissolves Subsidiary That Operated Jade Mine With Military appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Forty Junta Soldiers Reported Killed in Upper Myanmar

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 02:08 AM PST

Resistance groups attacked a flotilla of eight military vessels on the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region over the course of five days.

The post Forty Junta Soldiers Reported Killed in Upper Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Indian rebels now brothers in arms with Myanmar military

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 01:58 AM PST

The junta has made a secret pact with rebel groups in India's northeast so they can join in attacks on PDFs in western Myanmar's Chin State and Sagaing Region.

The post Indian rebels now brothers in arms with Myanmar military appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime Arrests Striking Civil Servants in Chin State

Posted: 27 Jan 2022 01:51 AM PST

The Chin National Organization said staff betrayed their former colleagues to junta authorities.

The post Myanmar Regime Arrests Striking Civil Servants in Chin State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ex-Myanmar Military Officer-Turned-NLD Minister Charged With Corruption

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 10:29 PM PST

U Min Thu was Union Government Office minister in the ousted administration; he is the second ex-military officer appointed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to be charged.

The post Ex-Myanmar Military Officer-Turned-NLD Minister Charged With Corruption appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Current Tragedy Will Have Dire and Continuing Consequences

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 09:02 PM PST

Not even the military regime will want to celebrate the first anniversary of their coup amid the chaos, repression and violence it has sparked.

The post Myanmar's Current Tragedy Will Have Dire and Continuing Consequences appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Day Myanmar’s Military Chief Hinted at the Coup to Come

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 05:30 PM PST

On this day a year ago, Min Aung Hlaing voiced his displeasure at the 2020 election outcome by saying the Constitution should be scrapped if it was not being adhered to.

The post The Day Myanmar's Military Chief Hinted at the Coup to Come appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thousands More Villagers Flee Myanmar Junta Raids 

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 05:52 AM PST

Regime troops continue to burn villages in Sagaing Region in response to attacks by resistance forces. 

The post Thousands More Villagers Flee Myanmar Junta Raids  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Threatens Silent Strikers With Life in Prison

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 04:15 AM PST

Embarrassed by the nationwide success of previous silent strikes, the regime is threatening to prosecute participants under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

The post Myanmar Junta Threatens Silent Strikers With Life in Prison appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime Forces Shell Refugee Camp as Woman Gives Birth

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 03:49 AM PST

A heavily pregnant young woman had to flee her village in Karen State and gave birth to her second son in an IDP camp as regime artillery shells fell all around her.

The post Myanmar Regime Forces Shell Refugee Camp as Woman Gives Birth appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Town’s Residents Flee Myanmar Junta Airstrikes

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 01:41 AM PST

Regime troops are trapped in Pinlebu, Sagaing Region, and airstrikes are being used to clear a path out, according to resistance fighters.

The post Town's Residents Flee Myanmar Junta Airstrikes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KIO Suspends Military Operations Near Northern Border at China’s Request

Posted: 26 Jan 2022 12:47 AM PST

As it prepares to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, China has asked all seven ethnic armed groups based near its border to hold their fire.

The post KIO Suspends Military Operations Near Northern Border at China's Request appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monday, January 24, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta’s New Cyber Law to Jail Anyone Using VPN

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 05:25 AM PST

The regime is drafting a law in an attempt to stamp out online activism and anti-junta discussions.

The post Myanmar Junta’s New Cyber Law to Jail Anyone Using VPN appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Most Powerful Ethnic Armed Group Ready to Fight Rival

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 03:06 AM PST

The United Wa State Army has deployed hundreds of soldiers to southern Shan State, raising fears that it will clash with the rival Restoration Council of Shan State.

The post Myanmar's Most Powerful Ethnic Armed Group Ready to Fight Rival appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Insider Wins Myanmar Migrant Contract in Thailand

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 02:44 AM PST

U Khin Maung Kyaw of United KMK has won a lucrative contract to issue identity certificates to migrant workers in Thailand.

The post Junta Insider Wins Myanmar Migrant Contract in Thailand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New US Diplomatic Complex in Thailand Aimed at China and Myanmar

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 02:03 AM PST

Huge new US Consulate General in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai gives Washington an intelligence base close to both China and Myanmar.

The post New US Diplomatic Complex in Thailand Aimed at China and Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Resistance Raids Two Sagaing Police Outposts

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 12:43 AM PST

The regime confirmed the raids and that some police officers are missing.

The post Myanmar Resistance Raids Two Sagaing Police Outposts appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Tells Myanmar’s Civilian Govt to Spare Projects From Attack

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 12:38 AM PST

Resistance forces' recent attack on a China-backed nickel mine's power supply prompted the country's embassy to reach out to the shadow National Unity Government.

The post China Tells Myanmar's Civilian Govt to Spare Projects From Attack appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Civil Disobedience Movement Carries On in Face of Increasing Junta Repression

Posted: 24 Jan 2022 12:36 AM PST

Despite nearly a year of harassment by the regime and financial hardship, large numbers of civil servants still refuse to work under the junta.

The post Myanmar's Civil Disobedience Movement Carries On in Face of Increasing Junta Repression appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, January 22, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Sentences Lawmaker From Suu Kyi’s Party to Death

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 09:37 PM PST

A regime tribunal handed death sentences to U Phyo Zeyar Thaw, a former National League for Democracy MP, and activist Ko Jimmy for violating the counterterrorism act.

The post Myanmar Junta Sentences Lawmaker From Suu Kyi's Party to Death appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Watch: Regime Leader Repeats His Predecessor’s Palm Oil Folly, and More

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 05:30 PM PST

Also this week, the regime and its favorite monks gave each other gifts, and an NLD turncoat invited some unflattering comparisons.

The post Junta Watch: Regime Leader Repeats His Predecessor's Palm Oil Folly, and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Accomplices of Myanmar’s Murderer-in-Chief

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 06:07 AM PST

Min Aung Hlaing's regime is enabled by a handpicked crew of opportunists comprising failed politicians, self-serving advisers and monks corrupted by proximity to power.

The post The Accomplices of Myanmar's Murderer-in-Chief appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Coup Leader Approached to Allow Suu Kyi’s Presidency

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 05:20 AM PST

Min Aung Hlaing revealed he often had negotiations to remove the constitutional ban on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi becoming president under her NLD government.

The post Myanmar Coup Leader Approached to Allow Suu Kyi's Presidency appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Total, Chevron to Exit Myanmar Amid Rights Abuses

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 04:25 AM PST

The French and US oil giants will withdraw from the Yadana gas field in the Andaman Sea, in a move that will deprive the junta of a key source of revenue.

The post Total, Chevron to Exit Myanmar Amid Rights Abuses appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Organizations Call For Myanmar Military No Fly Zone and Civilian Safe Areas

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 03:47 AM PST

Three of Myanmar's oldest ethnic political organizations call on UN and ASEAN to declare no fly zone to protect civilians from regime's indiscriminate air attacks.

The post Ethnic Organizations Call For Myanmar Military No Fly Zone and Civilian Safe Areas appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nearly a Dozen Junta Soldiers Killed in Upper Myanmar Clash

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 03:13 AM PST

Two officers were among the regime troops killed in early morning battle with resistance groups in Sagaing Region.

The post Nearly a Dozen Junta Soldiers Killed in Upper Myanmar Clash appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Despite Sacrifices, a Twin Brother’s Anti-regime Mission Stays Alive in Myanmar

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 03:05 AM PST

"I want him to know that his older brother won't let his sacrifice be for nothing," said Ko Ko Aung Htet Naing, whose twin brother was shot dead by the regime at a protest.

The post Despite Sacrifices, a Twin Brother's Anti-regime Mission Stays Alive in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Lays Landmines Around Chinese-Backed Pipelines

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 02:23 AM PST

Villagers in Hsipaw Township, Shan State, fear for their safety since regime troops laid mines around an oil and gas pipeline control center.

The post Myanmar Junta Lays Landmines Around Chinese-Backed Pipelines appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s ‘Army’ of Overseas Workers Join Fight Against Junta

Posted: 21 Jan 2022 01:55 AM PST

Migrant laborers in Thailand and elsewhere are donating their time and meager wages to a variety of anti-regime causes, as well as to assisting refugees and IDPs on the border.

The post Myanmar's 'Army' of Overseas Workers Join Fight Against Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Day Hired Mobs Began Protesting the Military Proxy Party’s 2020 Election Loss

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 05:30 PM PST

On this day a year ago, USDP vice chair U Khin Yi organized the first of a series of protests targeting the Union Election Commission for announcing the NLD's poll win.

The post The Day Hired Mobs Began Protesting the Military Proxy Party's 2020 Election Loss appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Reports 118 Omicron Cases

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 03:48 AM PST

The regime claims the spread is under control and the cases of the latest COVID-19 variant have almost all come from abroad and it is not spreading domestically.

The post Myanmar Junta Reports 118 Omicron Cases appeared first on The Irrawaddy.