Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Refugees Running Out of Rice in Lower Myanmar

Posted: 23 Feb 2022 01:21 AM PST

Human rights groups warn that food shortages mean that 170,000 people displaced by fighting in Kayah State face starvation within three months.

The post Refugees Running Out of Rice in Lower Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China, Russia Arming Myanmar Junta: UN Rights Expert

Posted: 23 Feb 2022 12:12 AM PST

The UN's Special Rapporteur called for a Security Council resolution banning 'arms transfers that the Myanmar military are known to use to attack and kill civilians.'

The post China, Russia Arming Myanmar Junta: UN Rights Expert appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Impasse Challenges ASEAN

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 05:30 PM PST

The much-awaited foreign ministerial retreat last Thursday showed once again that ASEAN remains a closely knit, pragmatic family.

The post Myanmar Impasse Challenges ASEAN appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pregnant Woman Miscarries, 4 Detained as Myanmar Regime Cracks Down on ‘Six Twos’ Protest

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 06:14 AM PST

The woman was forced from a motorbike after junta personnel in a car attempted to ram protesters in Sagaing Region's Monywa; one detainee was shot and wounded.

The post Pregnant Woman Miscarries, 4 Detained as Myanmar Regime Cracks Down on 'Six Twos' Protest appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Turns to China for Help Policing Internet Use

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 03:26 AM PST

Deploying Chinese firewall and surveillance technology could prove a double-edged sword for the regime, however, given Beijing's record of spying on its 'partners'.

The post Myanmar Junta Turns to China for Help Policing Internet Use appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Asks UN’s Top Court to Drop Rohingya Genocide Case at Hearing in The Hague

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 02:23 AM PST

The junta said the ICJ lacks jurisdiction because the 'real applicant' in the case against Myanmar is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which is not a state.

The post Myanmar Junta Asks UN’s Top Court to Drop Rohingya Genocide Case at Hearing in The Hague appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Cobra Gold Military Exercise Kicks Off in Thailand Without Myanmar

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:52 AM PST

Bangkok denies the Tatmadaw was shunned due to the coup; meanwhile, the regime said it would send a ship to take part in an India-led naval exercise later this month.

The post Cobra Gold Military Exercise Kicks Off in Thailand Without Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

EU Adds More Myanmar Companies, Regime Officials to Sanctions List

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:17 AM PST

Junta ministers, election officials and senior military officers, as well as four firms, are among the latest sanctions targets over the continuing violence in Myanmar.

The post EU Adds More Myanmar Companies, Regime Officials to Sanctions List appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta-Appointed Chief Minister Attacked For Sixth Time in Upper Myanmar

Posted: 22 Feb 2022 01:11 AM PST

The motorcade of the Sagaing Region Chief Minister was ambushed by resistance groups.

The post Junta-Appointed Chief Minister Attacked For Sixth Time in Upper Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Monday, February 21, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar People Urged to Join ‘Six Twos Revolution’ General Strike Against Regime

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 05:02 AM PST

Organizers are urging people to take to the streets on 22.2.2022 in traditional hats and face powder, and bang pots, in a reprise of last year's 'Five Twos Revolution'.

The post Myanmar People Urged to Join 'Six Twos Revolution' General Strike Against Regime appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Airstrikes Hit Lower Myanmar as Fighting Intensifies

Posted: 21 Feb 2022 04:34 AM PST

Thousands of people have been displaced by fierce clashes between regime soldiers and resistance groups in Kayah State.

The post Junta Airstrikes Hit Lower Myanmar as Fighting Intensifies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Rejects ASEAN Envoy’s Request to Meet Shadow Govt Representatives

Posted: 20 Feb 2022 09:26 PM PST

The regime told Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn he cannot meet with National Unity Government members because it is a 'terrorist organization'.

The post Myanmar Junta Rejects ASEAN Envoy's Request to Meet Shadow Govt Representatives appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Team to Make 1st Appearance Before ICJ in Rohingya Genocide Case

Posted: 20 Feb 2022 09:11 PM PST

The military regime representatives have taken over the defense of Myanmar from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whom it has detained; it will ask the court to dismiss the case.

The post Myanmar Junta Team to Make 1st Appearance Before ICJ in Rohingya Genocide Case appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Friday, February 18, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Junta Watch: Military Throws a Party as COVID Rages; Another ASEAN Snub and More

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 05:45 PM PST

Also this week, the regime boss continued his preoccupations with pagoda rituals and disparaging the democratically elected government he overthrew.

The post Junta Watch: Military Throws a Party as COVID Rages; Another ASEAN Snub and More appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Day the Myanmar Junta’s Crackdown Claimed Its First Life

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 05:30 PM PST

On this day in 2021, Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine became the first person to die as a result of the junta's crackdown on protesters, 10 days after being shot in Naypyitaw.

The post The Day the Myanmar Junta's Crackdown Claimed Its First Life appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Myanmar Junta Jails Ousted NLD’s Bago Chief Minister for 20 Years

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 04:54 AM PST

A regime court found U Win Thein guilty on all seven corruption charges he faced.

The post Myanmar Junta Jails Ousted NLD’s Bago Chief Minister for 20 Years appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

ASEAN a Source of Arms, Investment for Myanmar Junta: Report

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 04:48 AM PST

Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand continue to do business with junta-ruled Myanmar, JFM said.

The post ASEAN a Source of Arms, Investment for Myanmar Junta: Report appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Fighters Suffer Heavy Losses During Sagaing Clash With Myanmar Junta

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 04:40 AM PST

The Armed Revolutionary Force in Sagaing Region says it lacks the weaponry to challenge the regime in open conflict.

The post Resistance Fighters Suffer Heavy Losses During Sagaing Clash With Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Notorious Junta General Removed from Upper Myanmar Command as Resistance Intensifies

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 03:01 AM PST

Lt-Gen Than Hlaing oversaw lethal crackdowns on anti-coup protesters, before leading clearance operations that failed to pacify the country's most restive region.

The post Notorious Junta General Removed from Upper Myanmar Command as Resistance Intensifies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Denies Medical Treatment to Political Prisoners

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 01:30 AM PST

Anti-coup activists detained by the regime are being refused proper healthcare for injuries sustained in junta beatings.

The post Myanmar Junta Denies Medical Treatment to Political Prisoners appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Both Sides Sustain Casualties as Fighting Rages Between PDFs and Myanmar Junta

Posted: 18 Feb 2022 01:20 AM PST

Intense fighting continues in the strategically important town of Mobye on the road between largely rebel-held Kayah states and Naypyitaw.

The post Both Sides Sustain Casualties as Fighting Rages Between PDFs and Myanmar Junta appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New ASEAN Envoy to Myanmar Says He Wants to Meet Junta Opponents

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 09:12 PM PST

Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn plans to visit junta leaders next month and has urged them to allow him to meet with members of the National Unity Government.

The post New ASEAN Envoy to Myanmar Says He Wants to Meet Junta Opponents appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta-Appointed UEC’s Report on 2020 Election Ignores History, Facts and the Law

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 05:29 AM PST

Military loyalist U Thein Soe's report also disregards the fact that his commission violated the law and the Constitution by annulling the result of the 2020 election.

The post Myanmar Junta-Appointed UEC's Report on 2020 Election Ignores History, Facts and the Law appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Allied Forces Seize Myanmar Junta Artillery Outpost

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 05:16 AM PST

The Karen National Liberation Army says it seized the hilltop camp near the Thai border despite a regime airstrike.

The post Allied Forces Seize Myanmar Junta Artillery Outpost appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Civilians Flee as Myanmar Junta Fights to Secure Strategic Town Near Capital

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 04:36 AM PST

Mobye in southern Shan State has been deserted amid heavy fighting between regime troops and resistance groups.

The post Civilians Flee as Myanmar Junta Fights to Secure Strategic Town Near Capital appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Over 4,500 Homes Torched by Myanmar Junta Forces Since Coup

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 03:27 AM PST

Regime arson attacks are increasing, especially in the areas where resistance groups are most active.

The post Over 4,500 Homes Torched by Myanmar Junta Forces Since Coup appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Veteran Peace Activist Faces Myanmar Junta Charge Over 2015 Ceasefire Deal

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 01:40 AM PST

Ko Mya Aye of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society is charged with incitement for sending an email to a Chinese citizen in 2014.

The post Veteran Peace Activist Faces Myanmar Junta Charge Over 2015 Ceasefire Deal appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Regime Soldiers and Pro-Junta Militia Reportedly Killed in Upper Myanmar Raids

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 01:16 AM PST

Resistance groups attacked regime troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia in Sagaing Region.

The post Regime Soldiers and Pro-Junta Militia Reportedly Killed in Upper Myanmar Raids appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pilot Killed as Myanmar Air Force Jet Fighter Crashes

Posted: 17 Feb 2022 12:33 AM PST

The junta said the crash was caused by a technical failure during a training mission; the plane was based in Mandalay Region and went down in a lake in Sagaing Region.

The post Pilot Killed as Myanmar Air Force Jet Fighter Crashes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Zugzwang in Myanmar

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 09:34 PM PST

The military regime has lost the battle for the country, but there is no end in sight to the suffering of the people.

The post Zugzwang in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

COVID-19 Cases Spike Again in Myanmar

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 04:38 AM PST

Observers suspect the actual number of cases will be far higher because many people isolate at home.

The post COVID-19 Cases Spike Again in Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Seizes Anti-Regime Celebrity and Journalist Homes

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 04:31 AM PST

The junta sealed off the home of Myanmar's celebrity vocalist couple Lynn Lynn and Chit Thu Wai, in the latest case targeting the properties of civilians who challenge military rule.

The post Myanmar Junta Seizes Anti-Regime Celebrity and Journalist Homes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Resistance Fighters Warn Local Officials in Myanmar Capital to Resign

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 03:11 AM PST

Naypyitaw is experiencing an increasing number of attacks on junta targets as PDFs seek to prevent the regime from governing the country.

The post Resistance Fighters Warn Local Officials in Myanmar Capital to Resign appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Rounds Up NLD Members After Pipeline Attack

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 02:46 AM PST

The Natogyi resistance in Mandalay Region attacked regime troops guarding the Chinese-owned oil and gas pipelines in the townships, sparking a backlash by the regime.

The post Myanmar Junta Rounds Up NLD Members After Pipeline Attack appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Letting Junta Defend Myanmar in Rohingya Genocide Case Sets Troubling Precedent

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 01:32 AM PST

Allowing illegitimate regimes to represent their nations at the ICJ would undermine the UN Charter and call the court's role in promoting the rule of law into question.

The post Letting Junta Defend Myanmar in Rohingya Genocide Case Sets Troubling Precedent appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Regime Forces Torch Houses in Upper Myanmar in Latest Arson Attack

Posted: 16 Feb 2022 12:45 AM PST

Over 4,500 houses nationwide are thought to have been damaged or destroyed by junta arson attacks since last year's coup.

The post Regime Forces Torch Houses in Upper Myanmar in Latest Arson Attack appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Russian Military Pilots Visit Myanmar as Junta Steps Up Air Strikes

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 11:03 PM PST

The country is Myanmar's main provider of military aviation hardware and training; the junta has become increasingly reliant on air power in battling resistance groups.

The post Russian Military Pilots Visit Myanmar as Junta Steps Up Air Strikes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Regime Downplays Japanese Brewer Kirin’s Exit From Country

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 09:53 PM PST

Kirin this week quit a brewing joint venture with a military-owned firm, citing economic and human rights concerns; the junta said it would be 'easy to substitute'.

The post Myanmar Regime Downplays Japanese Brewer Kirin's Exit From Country appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Major Myanmar Hospital Closes Outpatient Departments as Doctors Hit by COVID-19

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 04:23 AM PST

With medical staff either suffering from COVID-19 or on strike in protest at the coup, Yangon General Hospital is forced to close outpatient departments.

The post Major Myanmar Hospital Closes Outpatient Departments as Doctors Hit by COVID-19 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Why the Arakan Army Attended Myanmar Junta’s Union Day Event

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 04:15 AM PST

The Arakan Army forced the regime to release its members in Myanmar's jails in exchange for sending a delegation to Naypyitaw.

The post Why the Arakan Army Attended Myanmar Junta's Union Day Event appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thousands of Myanmar Migrants Detained as Thai Border Remains Closed

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 03:19 AM PST

Many of those crossing have Thai work permits but the border is closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The post Thousands of Myanmar Migrants Detained as Thai Border Remains Closed appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China-Backed Pipeline Facility Damaged in Myanmar Resistance Attack

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 02:02 AM PST

A wall of an off-take station for the oil and gas pipelines was damaged in the PDF attack in Mandalay Region; the group said it targeted junta forces, not the station.

The post China-Backed Pipeline Facility Damaged in Myanmar Resistance Attack appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Meet Myanmar Military-Linked Crony Taking Stake in Telenor Sale

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 01:46 AM PST

Sources suggest that U Thein Win Zaw, who has close links to the Myanmar Navy, may be acting as a front man for senior junta figures who want to own the telecom operator.

The post Meet Myanmar Military-Linked Crony Taking Stake in Telenor Sale appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar’s Slain Karen National Union Leader Mahn Sha: ‘60 Years in Vain’

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 12:26 AM PST

The Irrawaddy revisits a 2008 interview with the late KNU leader, conducted days before his assassination.

The post Myanmar's Slain Karen National Union Leader Mahn Sha: '60 Years in Vain' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Chin Armed Group’s Rivalry With Indian Rebel Outfits Dates Back Decades

Posted: 15 Feb 2022 12:05 AM PST

In 1995, the Chin National Army aided the Indian army's Operation Golden Bird to intercept a weapons shipment by the PLA and other Indian rebels via Myanmar territory.

The post Myanmar Chin Armed Group's Rivalry With Indian Rebel Outfits Dates Back Decades appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Junta Says Won’t Attend ASEAN Summit After ‘Regrettable’ Snub

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 10:04 PM PST

The regime won't send a nonpolitical representative to this week's foreign ministers' meeting in Cambodia after its top diplomat was shunned by the bloc.

The post Myanmar Junta Says Won't Attend ASEAN Summit After 'Regrettable' Snub appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Japan Still Training Myanmar Military Personnel Despite Condemning Coup

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 04:55 AM PST

Currently, 10 members of the Myanmar military—including two senior officers—are receiving practical security training in the country.

The post Japan Still Training Myanmar Military Personnel Despite Condemning Coup appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Myanmar Low-Level EAO Representatives Attend Junta Union Day Event

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 04:48 AM PST

Eleven out of 18 of Myanmar's ethnic armed groups attend the event, in an apparent attempt to preserve the ties.

The post Myanmar Low-Level EAO Representatives Attend Junta Union Day Event appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Japan’s Kirin Brewery to Withdraw From Myanmar

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 04:28 AM PST

The move follows months of wrangling after last February's coup, which prompted the brewer to seek to end its joint venture with a military-linked company.

The post Japan's Kirin Brewery to Withdraw From Myanmar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Junta Soldiers Killed; Social Media Users Boycott Myanmar Coup Leader’s Parade

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 03:51 AM PST

Regime forces were attacked over the weekend in Naypyitaw and elsewhere while the junta boss was presiding over a grand military review to mark Union Day.

The post Junta Soldiers Killed; Social Media Users Boycott Myanmar Coup Leader's Parade appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KIA Chief Demands Myanmar Shadow Govt Commitment to Federal Democracy

Posted: 14 Feb 2022 02:55 AM PST

The Kachin Independence Army has marked the 75th anniversary of the 1947 Panglong Agreement by demanding the National Unity Government revive its federal vision.

The post KIA Chief Demands Myanmar Shadow Govt Commitment to Federal Democracy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.