Friday, February 11, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Announces Union Day Prisoner Amnesty

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 09:50 PM PST

The regime issued a 'pardon order' for 814 prisoners and dropped criminal proceedings against alleged Arakan Army members to mark the 75th Union Day, state media said.

The post Myanmar Junta Announces Union Day Prisoner Amnesty appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Watch: A Disingenuous Call for ‘Peace’, Regime Boss Seeks Divine Help, and More

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 01:30 PM PST

Also this week, Cambodia's PM jumped the gun, diplomats snubbed the junta foreign minister, a loyal officer was promoted and a flag relay was held amid a COVID surge.

The post Junta Watch: A Disingenuous Call for 'Peace', Regime Boss Seeks Divine Help, and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dozens of Junta Soldiers Killed in Sagaing, Kayah, Myanmar Resistance Groups Say

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 04:38 AM PST

PDF, Chin and Karenni armed groups took part in a number of ambushes and attacks against regime troops on Thursday and Friday.

The post Dozens of Junta Soldiers Killed in Sagaing, Kayah, Myanmar Resistance Groups Say appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Around 70 Undocumented Myanmar Migrants Detained in Thailand

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 04:15 AM PST

Thousands of migrants are crossing in Thailand to avoid Myanmar's junta and look for work.

The post Around 70 Undocumented Myanmar Migrants Detained in Thailand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Officials Assassinated in Mandalay Region

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 03:59 AM PST

Almost 370 regime-appointed local officials have been killed since March last year as resistance groups aim to prevent the junta from governing the country.

The post Myanmar Junta Officials Assassinated in Mandalay Region appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thousands Flee as Myanmar Regime Raids Villages in Sagaing Region

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 03:48 AM PST

PDFs say that junta forces are raiding and burning down villages in Sagaing because they can't defeat resistance groups.

The post Thousands Flee as Myanmar Regime Raids Villages in Sagaing Region appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Petition Calls on Norway to Block Telenor Myanmar Sale to Junta-Linked Firm

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 02:58 AM PST

Campaigners say the sale of the telecoms network will hand the regime more than 18 million users' data to the regime.

The post Petition Calls on Norway to Block Telenor Myanmar Sale to Junta-Linked Firm appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta’s Union Day Peace Talks in Doubt as Most EAOs Won’t Attend

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 01:52 AM PST

Uncertainty over regime's plan to hold preliminary peace talks at the 75th Union Day celebrations with many ethnic armed organizations uninvited or declining to attend.

The post Myanmar Junta's Union Day Peace Talks in Doubt as Most EAOs Won't Attend appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Taiwan Shipping Giant Evergreen Stops Using Myanmar Junta-Linked Port

Posted: 11 Feb 2022 01:25 AM PST

Evergreen's ships will no longer dock at the Hteedan Port Terminal in Yangon; it is the latest in a growing number of companies to cut ties with junta-linked businesses.

The post Taiwan Shipping Giant Evergreen Stops Using Myanmar Junta-Linked Port appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Fighting With AA Claims Heavy Regime Casualties Including Officers, Video Shows

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 11:47 PM PST

The past week has seen the junta's forces engage in costly clashes with the Arakan Army in Maungdaw; footage of one military funeral has appeared on social media.

The post Fighting With AA Claims Heavy Regime Casualties Including Officers, Video Shows appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Education and Federalism in Myanmar

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 10:12 PM PST

Ethnic education systems can be a model for a just and inclusive federal union in Myanmar.

The post Education and Federalism in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Ranked Second-Least Democratic Nation in World

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 05:03 AM PST

Following the military's seizure of power last year, the country ranks below North Korea and above only Taliban-ruled Afghanistan on The Economist's 2021 Democracy Index.

The post Myanmar Ranked Second-Least Democratic Nation in World appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Blows Budget on Giant Parade

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 04:56 AM PST

Observers believe dictator Min Aung Hlaing is staging the giant military review in Naypyitaw this weekend to pose as a head of state.

The post Myanmar Junta Blows Budget on Giant Parade appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Fighters Claim To Have Killed Around 50 Myanmar Junta Personnel

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 03:19 AM PST

People's defense forces across Sagaing Region claim to have launched several successful attacks on regime forces.

The post Resistance Fighters Claim To Have Killed Around 50 Myanmar Junta Personnel appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

‘Cambodia Should Not Practice Cowboy Diplomacy’ on Myanmar

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 12:37 AM PST

Political scientist Sophal Ear shares his views on what we can expect from ASEAN chair Hun Sen as he steers the bloc's response to the Myanmar crisis this year.

The post 'Cambodia Should Not Practice Cowboy Diplomacy' on Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime Forces Detain 15 Civilians in Mandalay

Posted: 10 Feb 2022 12:18 AM PST

Junta troops searching for PDF fighters raided a restive ward in Myanmar's second city.

The post Myanmar Regime Forces Detain 15 Civilians in Mandalay appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Crony Uses Russia, Ukraine Military Ties to Amass Fortune

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 10:58 PM PST

U Kyaw Min Oo's Sky Aviator Co. supplies—at greatly inflated prices—spare parts for jet fighters and helicopters purchased by Myanmar's military from the two countries.

The post Myanmar Junta Crony Uses Russia, Ukraine Military Ties to Amass Fortune appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Faces COVID-19 Spike as Junta Prepares Ceremonies

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 06:19 AM PST

An estimated 1,145 cases, the highest number since December last year, was reported on Tuesday night.

The post Myanmar Faces COVID-19 Spike as Junta Prepares Ceremonies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Obituary: Myanmar’s Defiant Cartoonist Harn Lay Dies

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 05:12 AM PST

The renowned ethnic Shan political satirist, who thought of cartoonists as revolutionaries, died of liver cancer on Wednesday at the age of 59.

The post Obituary: Myanmar's Defiant Cartoonist Harn Lay Dies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Telenor Under Pressure for Its Myanmar Subsidiary Sale

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 03:55 AM PST

A client of the Norwegian firm's Myanmar subsidiary says its planned sale to a junta-linked firm will violate his rights under Norway's data protection law.

The post Telenor Under Pressure for Its Myanmar Subsidiary Sale appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Fighters Target Homes of Myanmar Junta Pilots After Airstrikes on Civilians

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 02:55 AM PST

Regime air raids have killed scores of civilians and displaced tens of thousands more.

The post Resistance Fighters Target Homes of Myanmar Junta Pilots After Airstrikes on Civilians appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Groups Claim to Kill 35 Myanmar Junta Troops 

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 01:56 AM PST

One people's defense force said it used drones to bomb regime soldiers. 

The post Resistance Groups Claim to Kill 35 Myanmar Junta Troops  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

CDM Strikers Will Fight Myanmar Junta Until the End

Posted: 09 Feb 2022 01:42 AM PST

Just over one year after the regime seized power, The Irrawaddy spoke to striking civil servants about why they continue to defy military rule.

The post CDM Strikers Will Fight Myanmar Junta Until the End appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Two Civilians Dead in Clash Between AA, Regime Troops in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 11:32 PM PST

The owner and driver of a vehicle carrying wounded junta soldiers were killed when AA troops reportedly attacked it.

The post Two Civilians Dead in Clash Between AA, Regime Troops in Myanmar's Rakhine State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

A Year Since Myanmar Junta Fatally Wounded First Protester

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 05:30 PM PST

Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 20, was shot in the head during a protest in Naypyitaw.

The post A Year Since Myanmar Junta Fatally Wounded First Protester appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Troops Clash With Arakan Army in Western Myanmar

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 03:28 AM PST

Tensions are rising in Rakhine State as the informal ceasefire between ethnic armed organization the Arakan Army and the military regime breaks down.

The post Junta Troops Clash With Arakan Army in Western Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Cambodian PM Embarrassed After Myanmar Junta Fails to Free Detained Australian

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 02:16 AM PST

Prime Minister Hun Sen wrongly claimed on Monday that Sean Turnell, a key advisor to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, had been released from prison.

The post Cambodian PM Embarrassed After Myanmar Junta Fails to Free Detained Australian appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta’s Use of China as a Shield Aggravates the Conflict in Myanmar

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 01:05 AM PST

China's border security and economic interests will benefit from stability in Myanmar; to achieve this, Beijing should support the people's efforts to end military rule.

The post Junta's Use of China as a Shield Aggravates the Conflict in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mandalay Mayor Detained by Myanmar Regime Hospitalized

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 12:50 AM PST

Dr. Ye Lwin was sentenced to eight years in jail by the junta and has now been hospitalized with suspected gastrointestinal problems.

The post Mandalay Mayor Detained by Myanmar Regime Hospitalized appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dozens of Regime Troops Killed in Resistance Attacks in Sagaing, Kayah

Posted: 08 Feb 2022 12:08 AM PST

The Kalay PDF, KNDF, Karen Army and CNDF reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on junta forces in firefights and mine ambushes on Monday.

The post Dozens of Regime Troops Killed in Resistance Attacks in Sagaing, Kayah appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monday, February 7, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Invites Some Ethnic Armed Groups to Preliminary Peace Talks

Posted: 07 Feb 2022 04:52 AM PST

Groups declared 'terrorist organizations' are not invited to the Union Day talks.

The post Myanmar Junta Invites Some Ethnic Armed Groups to Preliminary Peace Talks appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

38 Junta Soldiers Reported Killed in Upper Myanmar

Posted: 07 Feb 2022 03:42 AM PST

Resistance groups in Sagaing Region used drones to bomb regime forces as they conducted a series of daring attacks over the weekend.

The post 38 Junta Soldiers Reported Killed in Upper Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Contributing to Myanmar’s Drug Problem

Posted: 07 Feb 2022 01:33 AM PST

The UNODC continues to spread misinformation about drug production in Myanmar, while providing cover for official complicity in the narcotics trade.

The post UN Contributing to Myanmar's Drug Problem appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Over 200 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Three Days: Kachin Independence Army

Posted: 07 Feb 2022 12:43 AM PST

After suffering heavy casualties in Kachin State's Hpakant Township, the regime launched indiscriminate air strikes on KIA and civilian targets, the armed group said.

The post Over 200 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Three Days: Kachin Independence Army appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Fails the Sovereignty Test

Posted: 04 Feb 2022 12:30 PM PST

A year after the coup, the regime has no popular support, lacks territorial control and global legitimacy, and its diplomats are barred from international meetings.

The post Myanmar Junta Fails the Sovereignty Test appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Watch: Old Faces Reappear, Coup Leader Declares Himself Buddhism’s Savior and More

Posted: 04 Feb 2022 10:30 AM PST

Also this week, Min Aung Hlaing accused the PDF or war crimes and another silent strike embarrassed the regime.

The post Junta Watch: Old Faces Reappear, Coup Leader Declares Himself Buddhism's Savior and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime’s Deputy Chief Makes Trip to War-Torn Kayah State

Posted: 04 Feb 2022 02:37 AM PST

Vice Senior General Soe Win landed in the state capital Loikaw amid heavy security on Thursday as the junta looks to quell growing resistance activity there.

The post Myanmar Regime's Deputy Chief Makes Trip to War-Torn Kayah State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Fines Election Officials for Alleged Fraud Over 2020 Poll

Posted: 04 Feb 2022 12:45 AM PST

The regime has vowed to prosecute almost 2.500 people for electoral fraud, despite local and international observers stating that there were no major irregularities.

The post Myanmar Junta Fines Election Officials for Alleged Fraud Over 2020 Poll appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Myanmar Envoy’s Credibility in Tatters After Urging ‘Power Sharing’ With Military

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 11:00 PM PST

Noeleen Heyzer has prompted an outcry by urging opponents of the junta to negotiate a power-sharing deal, then refusing to acknowledge, let alone amend, her comments.

The post UN Myanmar Envoy's Credibility in Tatters After Urging 'Power Sharing' With Military appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Files 11th Corruption Charge Against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 09:08 PM PST

Police have filed a further corruption charge against the detained State Counselor over an alleged $550,000 donation to a charity foundation named after her mother.

The post Myanmar Junta Files 11th Corruption Charge Against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Too Sick For Court Hearing

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 04:54 AM PST

The detained Nobel laureate was reportedly suffering from dizziness and nausea.

The post Myanmar's Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Too Sick For Court Hearing appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Civilian Houses Torched by Myanmar Junta After Resistance Attacks on Military Ships

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 04:24 AM PST

Thousands of homes have been burned down in raids after regime supply ships on the Chindwin River have been attacked by resistance forces.

The post Civilian Houses Torched by Myanmar Junta After Resistance Attacks on Military Ships appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime Detains Over 100 People for Supporting Silent Strike Online

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 03:46 AM PST

At least 109 people were arrested over the last week for social media posts supporting the anti-regime movement.

The post Myanmar Regime Detains Over 100 People for Supporting Silent Strike Online appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Kachin Independence Army, PDFs Attack Myanmar Junta Bases in Kachin State

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 02:31 AM PST

Multiple military and police targets have been attacked and destroyed, and in some cases occupied, this week, the armed group said.

The post Kachin Independence Army, PDFs Attack Myanmar Junta Bases in Kachin State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Foreign Minister Barred From ASEAN Meeting

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 02:17 AM PST

The snub by ASEAN is the latest diplomatic blow to the military regime, which is increasingly isolated on the international stage.

The post Myanmar Junta Foreign Minister Barred From ASEAN Meeting appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Coup Leader’s Protégé Appointed to Junta Anti-Graft Body

Posted: 03 Feb 2022 01:02 AM PST

Major General Than Htut Thein joins Anti-Corruption Commission after Singapore rejected his proposed appointment as ambassador to the Lion City.

The post Myanmar Coup Leader's Protégé Appointed to Junta Anti-Graft Body appeared first on The Irrawaddy.