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.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Regime Forces Tortured and Massacred Ethnic Chin Journalist and Civilians

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 03:14 AM PST

Evidence from witnesses and photos reveal the journalist and nine other civilians in western Myanmar's Chin State suffered appalling torture before being executed by junta soldiers.

The post Myanmar Regime Forces Tortured and Massacred Ethnic Chin Journalist and Civilians appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rise of Rakhine Rebels Poses Challenge for Myanmar Junta

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 03:04 AM PST

The Arakan Army has used the ceasefire with regime forces in Rakhine State in western Myanmar to establish its own separate administration.

The post Rise of Rakhine Rebels Poses Challenge for Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Karen Armed Group Commander Sacked Over Execution of Alleged Myanmar Junta Spies

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 01:51 AM PST

The Karen National Union has dismissed Major General Saw Nerdah Mya as the head of one of its armed wings in response to the deaths of 25 men in May last year.

The post Karen Armed Group Commander Sacked Over Execution of Alleged Myanmar Junta Spies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime’s Reliance on Air Power a Sign of Weakness: US Security Expert

Posted: 20 Jan 2022 01:32 AM PST

The junta's forces 'can no longer win on the ground,' says Burmese-American scholar and former US Army lieutenant colonel Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd.

The post Myanmar Regime's Reliance on Air Power a Sign of Weakness: US Security Expert appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Professor Jailed for Three Years for Leading Anti-Coup Protest

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 11:09 PM PST

Dr. Akar Moe Thu of Yangon University was arrested in March last year while organizing an anti-coup demonstration by university teachers in the city.

The post Myanmar Professor Jailed for Three Years for Leading Anti-Coup Protest appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime to Present Objections in Rohingya Genocide Case to ICJ Next Month

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 04:54 AM PST

The next hearings in the case brought by Gambia have been scheduled for the third week of February.

The post Myanmar Regime to Present Objections in Rohingya Genocide Case to ICJ Next Month appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Jails Rakhine State Ministers on Corruption Charges

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 03:42 AM PST

The detained National League for Democracy ministers face numerous charges from the military regime for alleged corruption.

The post Myanmar Junta Jails Rakhine State Ministers on Corruption Charges appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Arrests Two More Journalists in Southern Myanmar

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 03:16 AM PST

At least 46 reporters are currently being detained, making the military regime the world's second-biggest jailer of journalists after China.

The post Junta Arrests Two More Journalists in Southern Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ex-Army Captain Shot Dead For Being Myanmar Junta Informant

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 12:57 AM PST

The former army officer and head of the local Veterans Association was assassinated at his home in the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw.

The post Ex-Army Captain Shot Dead For Being Myanmar Junta Informant appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Executes Sagaing Resistance Fighters

Posted: 19 Jan 2022 12:50 AM PST

Villagers in Monywa Township said four resistance fighters were killed and four civilians abducted during a raid by regime troops.

The post Myanmar Junta Executes Sagaing Resistance Fighters appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nearly 160 Myanmar Regime Troops Killed in First Half of January: KNU

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 10:46 PM PST

The group added that regime forces' artillery and airstrikes have displaced tens of thousands of civilians, creating a humanitarian crisis in southeastern Myanmar.

The post Nearly 160 Myanmar Regime Troops Killed in First Half of January: KNU appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Resistance Forces China-Backed Nickel Plant Shut Down

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 05:28 AM PST

A Sagaing Region people's defense force blew up electricity pylons supplying the major ferronickel-processing plant in Tigyaing Township.

The post Myanmar Resistance Forces China-Backed Nickel Plant Shut Down appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Arming, Training Civilians as Losses, Defections Mount

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 05:16 AM PST

Pro-military individuals and militias, USDP members and ex-soldiers are among those receiving weapons and tactical training from the regime.

The post Myanmar Junta Arming, Training Civilians as Losses, Defections Mount appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Kayah Civilians Urged to Dig Bomb Shelters Amid Myanmar Junta Airstrikes

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 04:40 AM PST

The Karenni State Consultative Council, a civilian alliance formed to oppose the regime, claims the junta is committing genocide in the state.

The post Kayah Civilians Urged to Dig Bomb Shelters Amid Myanmar Junta Airstrikes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Worst Myanmar Regime Airstrikes on Civilians

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 04:34 AM PST

The attacks have displaced nearly 200,000 civilians, breaching the Geneva Convention and international law that prohibits aerial attacks designed to terrorize civilians and destroy their property.

The post The Worst Myanmar Regime Airstrikes on Civilians appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Sacking of Myanmar Air Force Chief Fuels Personal Rift Rumors

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 04:15 AM PST

Myanmar's air force chief Maung Maung Kyaw has retired as the junta relies increasingly on airstrikes to support its struggling ground troops.

The post Sacking of Myanmar Air Force Chief Fuels Personal Rift Rumors appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Villagers Flee Junta Raids in Upper Myanmar

Posted: 18 Jan 2022 01:13 AM PST

Hundreds forced from their homes in at least 20 villages in Magwe Region as regime troops torture civilians and torch houses.

The post Villagers Flee Junta Raids in Upper Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Envoy, Thai Leader Hold Talks on Myanmar

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 10:59 PM PST

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told Special Envoy Noeleen Heyzer that Thailand would not push any Myanmar refugees back across the border.

The post UN Envoy, Thai Leader Hold Talks on Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monday, January 17, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Progress Needed Before Engaging Myanmar Junta, Singapore PM Says

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 04:18 AM PST

Lee Hsien Loong said in a video call with ASEAN chair Hun Sen of Cambodia that the group should continue to shun Min Aung Hlaing until he implements its consensus.

The post Progress Needed Before Engaging Myanmar Junta, Singapore PM Says appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Girl, 7, Among Three Civilians Killed as Myanmar Junta Bombs Camp for War Displaced

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 03:16 AM PST

Her sister, 18, and a man in his 50s were also killed as the regime continued its indiscriminate air and ground attacks in Kayah State.

The post Girl, 7, Among Three Civilians Killed as Myanmar Junta Bombs Camp for War Displaced appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Suu Kyi to Face 164 Years Imprisonment as Myanmar Junta Adds Five More Charges

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 02:58 AM PST

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint are accused of breaking the law over the purchase of a helicopter.

The post Suu Kyi to Face 164 Years Imprisonment as Myanmar Junta Adds Five More Charges appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Victory is around the corner for Myanmar

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 02:24 AM PST

The Myanmar people have shown that they are committed to the NUG's Federal Democratic Charter and the end of military dictatorship.

The post Victory is around the corner for Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Revolution Will Succeed if the Myanmar People Are United

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 02:14 AM PST

The Irrawaddy speaks to the leader of Pale PDF in Sagaing Region about the conflict in his township.

The post The Revolution Will Succeed if the Myanmar People Are United appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

How Myanmar’s Coup Leader Got Hold of Residences on Yangon’s Inya Lake

Posted: 17 Jan 2022 01:05 AM PST

When he became military chief in 2011, Min Aung Hlaing did not own a home. Now he has two in the wealthy neighborhood, both far outside the range of his official salary.

The post How Myanmar's Coup Leader Got Hold of Residences on Yangon's Inya Lake appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Junta Watch: Coup Leader Finds a ‘Godbrother’, Sacks a General, Backs a Friendly Monk and More

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 05:30 PM PST

Also this week, the junta followed one of its worst atrocities by claiming it was the victim of war crimes.

The post Junta Watch: Coup Leader Finds a 'Godbrother', Sacks a General, Backs a Friendly Monk and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Near Thai Border Injure Displaced Civilians

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 05:12 AM PST

At least 10 civilians were injured in territory held by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Association armed group in Karen State.

The post Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Near Thai Border Injure Displaced Civilians appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘I Will Fight to the End,’ Says Yangon Resident Turned Resistance Fighter

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 04:44 AM PST

A 26-year-old who less than a year ago was focused on social media and city life talks to The Irrawaddy about his new life fighting the regime from a jungle base.

The post 'I Will Fight to the End,' Says Yangon Resident Turned Resistance Fighter appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

After Residents Flee Fighting, Myanmar Soldiers Loot Town

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 03:01 AM PST

Regime forces steal from homes in the Kayah State capital Loikaw after majority of residents flee ongoing clashes.

The post After Residents Flee Fighting, Myanmar Soldiers Loot Town appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NUG Accuses Myanmar Junta of Committing Crimes Against Humanity

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 02:51 AM PST

The parallel civilian government says the regime is mocking international law with its ongoing atrocities.

The post NUG Accuses Myanmar Junta of Committing Crimes Against Humanity appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Suspended International Infrastructure Projects Resumed in Myanmar

Posted: 14 Jan 2022 01:24 AM PST

Construction of new bridges and upgrades to railway lines funded by Japan and South Korea stalled after the coup, but have now been resumed.

The post Suspended International Infrastructure Projects Resumed in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Video Showing Rohingya Militants Causes Alarm in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Posted: 13 Jan 2022 04:12 AM PST

Maungdaw residents are afraid to leave their villages and fear a return to sectarian strife after a video emerged showing ARSA fighters holding a drill in the area.

The post Video Showing Rohingya Militants Causes Alarm in Myanmar's Rakhine State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Expands its Intelligence Operation

Posted: 13 Jan 2022 03:45 AM PST

Once feared across the country, the regime's military intelligence office is now believed to be much less capable than before.

The post Myanmar Junta Expands its Intelligence Operation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.