April 2021 - Myanmar Special Weapons News

Myanmar approaching point of economic collapse: UN report UN News 30 Apr 2021 -- The turmoil following the military coup in Myanmar, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 could result in up to 25 million people – nearly half of the country's population, living in poverty by early next year, a United Nations report said on Friday.
COVID, Military Coup Pushing Half of Myanmar Into Poverty, UN Reports VOA 30 Apr 2021 -- The political fallout from the military coup in Myanmar and the coronavirus pandemic threaten to push half of the country's population into poverty by next year, the United Nations warned Friday.
Myanmar Fighting, Political Strife Swell Refugee Ranks, Affect Neighboring States Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2021 -- More than 30,000 Myanmar civilians have fled their villages in the eastern state of Kayin and are hiding in nearby jungles following air strikes in populated areas in response to the seizure of a government military post by a rebel ethnic army, an official from an NGO said Friday.
Myanmar Journalists Are 'Living in Fear' as Junta Curbs Freedoms Radio Free Asia 30 Apr 2021 -- Not long after enjoying their first taste of freedom, Myanmar's journalists say they are barely able to function, as the soldiers who toppled the country's democratically elected government three months ago have moved to choke off the flow of information through intimidation, arrests, and violence.
Two air bases in Myanmar attacked, reports say Press TV 29 Apr 2021 -- Unidentified individuals have attacked two airbases in Myanmar, with explosions reported at one base and rocket raids witnessed at another, reports say.
Myanmar Air Force Bases Hit by 'Improvised Rocket Attacks' Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- Two Myanmar air force bases in the cities of Meiktila and Magway were hit by rocket attacks Thursday, and several other cities were rocked by explosions, witnesses said, with unconfirmed social media reports saying as many as six government soldiers were killed.
Six Servicemen Killed in Explosions at Air Force Base in Myanmar's Centre, Reports Say Sputnik 29 Apr 2021 -- Three consecutive explosions rocked an air force base in Myanmar's central Magway Region, leaving six servicemen killed, local Delta News Agency reported on Thursday.
Social Support Groups Closing in Myanmar Due to Junta Violence, Lack of Funds Radio Free Asia 29 Apr 2021 -- Groups offering emergency medical services and help with funerals are closing around Myanmar amid a drop in funds and with volunteers targeted by junta forces for assisting anti-coup protesters injured in army and police crackdowns, sources said Thursday.
Myanmar military bombs rebel-held territory near Thai border Press TV 28 Apr 2021 -- For the second consecutive day in Myanmar, the military has conducted air assaults on the rebel-held territory near the eastern border with Thailand.
Renewed clashes displace thousands in Myanmar, UN reports UN News 28 Apr 2021 -- Fresh clashes between Myanmar security forces and regional armed groups have displaced thousands across the country, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday.
Coup Stymies Junta Peace Outreach to Myanmar Ethnic Armies Radio Free Asia 28 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's junta, which suffered casualties and attacks in two far-flung regions controlled by ethnic armies this week, has been frustrated in its effort to revive moribund peace talks with powerful militias who won't play ball with the unpopular military dictatorship, analysts and ethnic leaders said.
Myanmar Parallel Government Rejects Talks With Junta Before Political Prisoners Are Freed Radio Free Asia 28 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's parallel government on Wednesday rejected holding talks with the junta that seized power in early February until the military regime releases more than 3,000 political prisoners, rebuffing a plan by the country's Southeast Asian neighbors.
Myanmar's shadow government says no talks with junta until all prisoners freed Press TV 28 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's newly-formed shadow government says it will not enter into talks with the military junta, which seized power in a February coup, until it releases all political prisoners.
Interview: 'The Military Coup Was Not Supposed to Happen' Radio Free Asia 28 Apr 2021 -- A small number of Myanmar military officers have made a risky decision to quit the armed forces and join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) of striking workers who abruptly left their jobs to protest against the coup that seized power from the elected government on Feb. 1, citing voting fraud in November 2020 elections. Three military officers who recently left their posts at a defense equipment factory became the latest servicemen to join the CDM. One of the officers, a graduate of the Defense Services Technological Academy, fled to the Indian border after going AWOL. He spoke to reporter Soe San Aung of RFA's Myanmar Service about his views on the protests and his military experience. The officer asked that his name, rank, and personal information not be disclosed so as to ensure the safety of the two other officers and their families. The following Q&A has been edited for clarity.
Ethnic rebels in Myanmar 'seize army base' near Thai border Press TV 27 Apr 2021 -- A major armed group in Myanmar says it has captured an outpost of the army near the country's eastern border with Thailand, as armed resistance ramps up against the military junta.
Myanmar Rebels Claim to Have Captured Army Base Near Thai Border VOA 27 Apr 2021 -- A Myanmar ethnic rebel group says it has taken over an army outpost near the eastern border with Thailand.
Thailand Evacuates Villagers from Border after Karen Rebels Attack Burmese Army Outpost Radio Free Asia 27 Apr 2021 -- Hundreds of Thai villagers who live along Thailand's border with Myanmar were evacuated to safe areas after Karen rebels attacked a Burmese army outpost near the frontier on Tuesday, the governor of Mae Hong Song province said.
Myanmar's Anti-Junta Protesters Turning to Rebel Armies for Military Training VOA 27 Apr 2021 -- As the death toll from the military crackdown against peaceful protesters in Myanmar mounts, some in the Southeast Asian nation are turning to armed combat to fight back. They are trading peaceful resistance against the coup in the cities and heading to the country's remote borderlands to join a patchwork of rebel armies.
Myanmar's Parallel Government Gets Moral Support But No Political Recognition Radio Free Asia 27 Apr 2021 -- Despite gaining widespread support among the people of Myanmar, the newly formed National Unity Government (NUG) is struggling to gain international recognition as it takes on the junta, overcoming a setback dealt by the 10-member ASEAN's welcome of military leader Min Aung Hlaing last weekend.
Right to freedom of expression in Myanmar must be guaranteed, UN expert urges military coup leader UN News 27 Apr 2021 -- The leader of Myanmar's 'Tatmadaw' military has been urged to publicly commit to honoring the fundamental right to freedom of expression for those protesting the generals' February coup.
Attacks by an Ethnic Militia Kill Some 15 Junta Troops in Myanmar's Chin State Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2021 -- As many as 15 Myanmar soldiers were killed in western Chin state Monday by a newly formed ethnic militia, one of whose fighters vowed to "inflict damage" on the junta that ousted the country's elected government, witnesses and a local rights group said.
Observers: ASEAN Should Give Myanmar Junta Timeline for Acting on Consensus Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2021 -- ASEAN needs to set a timeline for implementing actions announced at a summit of regional leaders on Myanmar last weekend, analysts said, even as another civilian was shot dead in that country Monday despite the meeting's call for an immediate end to violence.
Don't pay electricity bills: Myanmar's anti-junta activists to nation Press TV 26 Apr 2021 -- Activists opposed to Myanmar's junta have called for refusal to pay electricity bills and agricultural loans as part of a larger civil disobedience campaign in the wake of the February 1 coup.
Russia favors internal solution to Myanmar crisis, Kremlin says as Myanmar junta postpones Suu Kyi court Press TV 26 Apr 2021 -- Russia has voiced concern about the situation in Myanmar, saying it favors an internal solution to tension in the wake of a February 1 military coup in the country.
Myanmar's Deposed Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Makes New Court Appearance VOA 26 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's deposed de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi made another court appearance Monday as the country's regional neighbors increase pressure on the military junta to bring an end to the deadly chaos.
Myanmar activists censure ASEAN-junta deal, vow to keep up protests Press TV 25 Apr 2021 -- Pro-democracy activists have sharply censured a deal recently reached between Myanmar's junta chief and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the post-coup turmoil in the Southeast Asian country.
ASEAN leaders agree on ending Myanmar violence; meeting believed to put brakes on escalating tension Global Times 25 Apr 2021 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed on a five-point consensus on Saturday regarding the Myanmar crisis in a special meeting attended by heads of state and the Myanmar military. The consensus urged an end to violence and called for constructive dialogue among all parties concerned, which ASEAN regarded as "beyond expectations."
ASEAN reaches consensus on ending Myanmar crisis Press TV 24 Apr 2021 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has made an agreement with Myanmar's coup leader on a plan to end the crisis in the country.
ASEAN Leaders Meet, Call for Immediate Stop to Violence in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 24 Apr 2021 -- Southeast Asian leaders called for an "immediate cessation" to killings in Myanmar and the opening of ASEAN-brokered talks between its military regime and parallel civilian government, as they and the Burmese junta chief met in Jakarta for an emergency summit Saturday on that country's post-coup strife.
Pan-Southeast Asian Agreement Aims to Stop Spillover of Myanmar Violence VOA 24 Apr 2021 -- Saturday's strongly worded call from a bloc of 10 Southeast Asian nations for an end to post-coup violence in Myanmar moves the region a step away from unrest infecting other countries and a step toward peacemaking, analysts say.
Weeks of Fierce Junta Attacks in Northwest Myanmar Send 10,000 Into Hiding Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2021 -- More than 20 civilians have been killed during the past 20 days during a vicious crackdown in northwestern Myanmar's Sagaing region, a hotbed of anti-junta rallies since the early February military coup overthrew the elected government, witnesses said Friday.
Junta Brutality Gives Myanmar's Majority a Taste of Ethnic Minorities' Plight Radio Free Asia 23 Apr 2021 -- A cabinet minister from Myanmar's parallel government has publicly apologized to all Rohingya Muslims in a pre-taped video for ignoring the suffering of the persecuted minority group during the past five years of civilian-led government that was overthrown on Feb. 1 in a military coup.
Ethnic Armed Organizations Building Unity With Myanmar Anti-coup Activists VOA 23 Apr 2021 -- In a sleepy Karen village on the Myanmar-Thai border in Kayin state, a day after the March 27 Myanmar government air strikes, rebel soldiers stood guard as two dusty trucks stopped near a Karen National Defense Organization camp at the edge of the hamlet.
Millions to face hunger amid Myanmar's worsening crisis: WFP Press TV 22 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations (UN) has warned that millions of people in Myanmar are expected to face hunger in the coming months as food insecurity rises sharply in the Southeast Asian country in the wake of a February military coup.
House-to-House Searches by Myanmar Junta Forces Nab Dozens of Protesters Radio Free Asia 22 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar junta forces detained dozens of protesters amid searches and arrests of protesters over the past 24 hours, including a schoolteacher and a former ward administrator who were participating in the civil disobedience movement, witnesses said Thursday.
Interview: Myanmar Police Take Unyielding Detainees in Handcuffs For 'Beatings And Torture' Radio Free Asia 22 Apr 2021
Philippine, Thai Leaders Cite COVID-19 for Decision to Skip ASEAN's Myanmar Summit Radio Free Asia 22 Apr 2021 -- The heads of the Philippine and Thai governments blamed surging COVID-19 infections at home for their decision not to attend a leader-level regional summit on the crisis in Myanmar, amid international expectations for the meeting to deliver "concrete outcomes," officials said Thursday.
Myanmar's Military Not Accusing Aung San Suu Kyi of Involvement in Unrest at This Stage Sputnik 22 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's military government that came to power in February secures all the rights and needs of the ousted national leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and currently has no plans to advance charges over her involvement in the unrest, military government spokesman Gen. Zaw Min Tun said in an interview with Sputnik.
Food aid operation begins to reach two million affected by Myanmar crisis UN News 22 Apr 2021 -- Two million people facing growing food insecurity linked to the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar are to receive nutrition assistance, amid rising "hunger and desperation", the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Thursday.
Interview: 'This Revolution is Something That Cannot be Stopped or Postponed' Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Dr. Tayzar San, a well-known physician, has led some of the anti-junta protests in Myanmar's second-largest city Mandalay. On April 19, military regime authorities publicly charged him with defamation of the state under Section 505(a) of Myanmar's Penal Code — a charge brought against scores of protesters across the country.
Myanmar Protesters Don Blue Shirts to Challenge Junta Amid Widespread Arrests of Youth Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- Demonstrators in Myanmar on Wednesday launched a "blue shirt" campaign, honoring a late veteran dissident who always wore blue prison garb, to press their demand for the release of 3,300 protesters held by the military regime since the Feb. 1 coup deposed the elected government.
UN Envoy to Meet With ASEAN Leaders on Sidelines of Myanmar Summit Radio Free Asia 21 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. Special Envoy on Myanmar will be in Jakarta this weekend to talk to Southeast Asian leaders on the sidelines of a special summit on the turmoil in Myanmar, the world body said Wednesday.
Imposing Sanctions on Two Burmese State-Owned Enterprises US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2021 -- The Burmese military regime continues to ignore the will of the people of Burma to restore the country's path to democracy. Instead of acceding to the clear aspirations of its citizens, the regime has intensified its violent crackdown, killing more than 650 people, including many children, and detaining more than 3,200 others since February 1.
Treasury Sanctions Key Timber and Pearl Enterprises in Burma US Treasury 21 Apr 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Burmese state-owned enterprises, Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (MPE), which are responsible for timber and pearl exports from Burma.
US Hits Myanmar Pearl, Timber Companies With Sanctions VOA 21 Apr 2021 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on the Myanmar state-owned Myanma Timber Enterprise and Myanmar Pearl Enterprise to further pressure the military government, which seized power in a February coup.
Protesters hold 'blue shirt' rally in Myanmar Press TV 21 Apr 2021 -- Protesters have taken to the streets in Myanmar in blue shirts to demand the release of those detained during weeks of a military crackdown on protests against the junta rule.
Myanmar Junta Mixes Violence With Extortion in Onslaught Against Protesters Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Security forces in Myanmar are increasingly robbing and extorting money from civilians during raids to arrest suspected anti-junta protesters and striking workers, victims and witnesses told RFA.
EU imposes fresh sanctions on Myanmar individuals, companies People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- The European Union (EU) on Monday imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and two companies in Myanmar.
ASEAN set to hold summit on Myanmar coup; junta leader to attend Press TV 20 Apr 2021 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is set to hold a summit in Indonesia to discuss a weeks-long crisis in army-ruled Myanmar, with the attendance of the country's junta chief.
At ASEAN Meet, Malaysia to Push Myanmar Junta to Allow in Observers Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Malaysia, during a special ASEAN summit Saturday that the Burmese military leader is expected to attend, will press the junta of member-state Myanmar to allow observers from the regional bloc into that country, the top Malaysian diplomat said Tuesday.
ASEAN Members to Discuss Myanmar at Jakarta Summit VOA 20 Apr 2021 -- Southeast Asian nations are set to discuss Myanmar's governance crisis at a summit in Jakarta on Saturday.
UN chief highlights key role of ASEAN in finding peaceful solution to Myanmar crisis People's Daily 20 Apr 2021 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Monday for leaders in Asia to bolster efforts towards finding a peaceful solution to the crisis in Myanmar, highlighting the key role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in this regard.
Interview: 'Military Leaders Are Afraid of Letting Their Power Go' Radio Free Asia 20 Apr 2021 -- Major Hein Thaw Oo from the Myanmar military's 99th Light Infantry Division recently went AWOL from his army base in Meiktila, Mandalay region, to join anti-junta protesters in northeast Shan state. He is the highest-ranked known military defector who has rejected the army amid bloody crackdowns on demonstrators and other civilians in the aftermath of the military's coup on Feb. 1 that overthrew the democratic government of country leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar Junta Charges 100 Healthcare Pros for Work Stoppage Protests Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's military junta has charged more than 100 healthcare workers for their refusal to return to government hospitals in protest of the military's violent crackdown on dissent over the Feb 1. coup, sources in the country told RFA.
EU imposes sanctions on Myanmar's junta officials Press TV 19 Apr 2021 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on two conglomerates linked to Myanmar's military and ten of its officials who were involved in seizing power in the coup of February 1.
ASEAN Denounced for Inviting Junta Chief to Summit on Myanmar Radio Free Asia 19 Apr 2021 -- Activists and regional analysts are slamming ASEAN for inviting the Burmese junta chief to a special summit called for this coming weekend to discuss the turmoil in member-nation Myanmar after the military coup.
UN chief highlights key role of Asian regional bloc in ending Myanmar crisis UN News 19 Apr 2021 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Monday for leaders in Asia to bolster efforts towards finding a peaceful solution to the bloody crisis in Myanmar, sparked by the military coup in February.
MYANMAR CRISIS: Stand with the people and protect them, urges UN rights expert UN News 19 Apr 2021 -- The international community has a responsibility to protect the people of Myanmar, under attack from their own military, the UN independent human rights expert on the country argues, in the second part of our in-depth interview, calling also for refuge to be given to those who have fled for their lives to neighbouring countries.
Former UN Chief: 'Fleeting Window' of Opportunity to Resolve Myanmar Crisis VOA 19 Apr 2021 -- Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the bloodshed in Myanmar on Monday, urging the U.N. Security Council and regional bloc ASEAN to take immediate and concerted action to prevent "ongoing atrocities" and a further escalation of violence.
Myanmar shadow government calls on ASEAN not to recognize coup regime Press TV 18 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's newly-formed shadow government has called on Southeast Asian leaders not to recognize the military regime that seized power in a February coup.
Myanmar Junta Says 23,000 Prisoners Pardoned, Released VOA 17 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's military government said Saturday it released more than 23,000 prisoners in observance of the country's traditional New Year holiday and that the country's new junta chief would take his first foreign trip since seizing power.
INTERVIEW: Myanmar military increasing efforts to keep truth from getting out, UN expert says UN News 16 Apr 2021 -- The crackdown on journalists, cutting off the Internet and disrupting the flow of information across Myanmar, is "not working", and the world is not buying the military leadership's "propaganda" that it is exercising restraint against protesters, the UN independent human rights expert on the country has said, in an in-depth interview with UN News.
UN Urges Bangladesh to Move Rohingya to Bay of Bengal Island Gradually Radio Free Asia 16 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations refugee agency is urging Bangladesh to slow down its relocation of Rohingya to a low-lying island because measures to protect residents from storms and flooding are not fully in place, UNHCR in Dhaka told BenarNews on Friday.
Parallel Myanmar Government Launched to Challenge Military Junta Radio Free Asia 16 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar civilian politicians and activists launched a "National Unity Government" on Friday, centered on ousted national leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other lawmakers elected last November, to marshal domestic and international support for ending the bloody rule of the military junta.
Myanmar security forces detain prominent anti-coup leader Press TV 15 Apr 2021 -- In the latest crackdown on protests, security forces have detained one of the main leaders of the campaign against military rule during an anti-coup rally in central Myanmar.
Political Punch But no Legal Merit Seen in Charges Against Myanmar Leader Radio Free Asia 15 Apr 2021 -- The charges that Myanmar's junta has piled on leader Aung San Suu Kyi since deposing and arresting her in February – ranging from possession of unlicensed walkie-talkie radios, to taking bribes, to sedition – lack legal merit but appear designed to end her political career, lawyers and analysts said Thursday.
Myanmar Security Forces Ram Bike Rally Leader with Unmarked Car Radio Free Asia 15 Apr 2021 -- Security forces in Myanmar arrested the leader of an anti-coup motorcycle rally Thursday after ramming him with an unmarked car, while police and military killed eight and arrested 30 protesters nationwide in the past 24 hours, sources in the country told RFA.
Protesters Paint Myanmar Streets Red as Junta Moves to Arrest Doctors Radio Free Asia 14 Apr 2021 -- Opponents of Myanmar's ruling junta splashed red paint and dye on buildings and streets across the country on Wednesday to symbolize the blood of hundreds of civilians killed by the regime, which searched houses in major cities to root out protesters and moved to arrest doctors who oppose the military takeover.
Myanmar heading towards a 'full-blown conflict', UN human rights chief warns UN News 13 Apr 2021 -- The ongoing repression of protests in Myanmar could spark a "full-blown conflict" on a par with Syria, the United Nations' top human rights official warned on Tuesday, urging States with influence to take immediate and impactful action to halt the "slaughter" of civilians.
Myanmar Could Erupt Into 'Full-blown Conflict', UN Warns VOA 13 Apr 2021 -- Anti-coup demonstrators across Myanmar turned the country's traditional New Year's celebration into a quiet protest against the military junta Tuesday, as the United Nations warned the situation could deteriorate into "full-blown conflict."
UN Rights Chief Warns Myanmar Heading Toward Syria-like Civil War VOA 13 Apr 2021 -- The U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Michele Bachelet, warns Myanmar could be headed toward a bloody civil war like Syria unless the violence is brought under control.
UN rights chief says Myanmar's junta committing crimes against humanity Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has accused Myanmar's military junta of committing crimes against humanity, warning that the situation in the country seems to be heading toward a "full-blown" conflict in the wake of a February coup.
Myanmar Protesters Swap New Year Blessings for Anti-Junta Statements Radio Free Asia 13 Apr 2021 -- With little to celebrate as they kicked off the Burmese New Year on Tuesday, people across Myanmar staged holiday-themed protests to defy the military junta in what an activist called "a funeral wake for the whole country," while the U.N. rights chief said she feared the nation faces a fate similar to war-shattered Syria.
Protesters in Myanmar cancel New Year festivities amid fury over coup Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- Opponents of Myanmar's military coup have canceled traditional New Year festivities and instead staged silent protests to voice their anger at the ruling junta.
Myanmar's Efforts to Control COVID-19 Crumble Since February Coup, Aid Groups Say VOA 12 Apr 2021 -- Aid groups say Myanmar's efforts to contain the novel coronavirus have been crumbling since a Feb. 1 coup that has plunged parts of the country into chaos, raising fears of a third wave of infections.
Tens of Thousands of Residents Flee Bago in Wake of Assault by Myanmar Security Forces Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2021 -- Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the central Myanmar town of Bago in the wake of a massacre by junta security forces that left at least 100 people dead during dawn attacks on anti-regime strongholds three days ago, residents said Monday.
Myanmar violence 'must cease immediately': UN agencies UN News 12 Apr 2021 -- The UN Country Team in Myanmar on Monday, reiterated its call for an end to violence against civilians, amid reports of dozens of deaths in the latest crackdown on protests against the military takeover.
Myanmar's Junta Levies New Charge Against Aung San Suu Kyi VOA 12 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's ruling military junta filed a sixth charge against deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday as demonstrations continued against the February 1 coup.
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with additional criminal charges Press TV 12 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been handed fresh criminal charges as a heavy-handed crackdown against her supporters continues across the country.
'The Dictators Will Not Have Good Days Forever,' Says Veteran Myanmar Activist Radio Free Asia 11 Apr 2021 -- Democracy activist Min Ko Naing, who has has spent more than half of his 58 years opposing military dictatorship in Myanmar, has been on the run following the military coup on February 1 that overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
India's Concerns Over Myanmar Drive Policy, Analysts Say VOA 11 Apr 2021 -- Analysts say India's concern that isolating Myanmar's military, which staged the country's February 1 coup, will drive it closer to China, and fears of instability in a country with a long common border are driving a desire by New Delhi to engage the regime to resolve the crisis there.
Myanmar unrest: Over 80 protesters killed, 19 sentenced to death Press TV 10 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar security forces have shot and killed more than 80 people in a brutal crackdown that protest organizers say was like "genocide."
Ethnic Army Alliance Kills 14 Myanmar Police in Dawn Raid as Death Toll Mounts in Bago Radio Free Asia 10 Apr 2021 -- Three ethnic armed groups that support Myanmar's anti-junta protest movement killed 14 police officers and burned their station to the ground in a dawn raid on Saturday in northern Shan state, witnesses told RFA.
Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Fear Deadly Fires VOA 10 Apr 2021 -- Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are living in renewed fear after deadly fires broke out more than 30 times in the southeastern Cox's Bazar district in recent weeks.
Myanmar Security Forces Kill More Than 80 Anti-Coup Protesters, Reports Say VOA 10 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar security forces killed more than 80 anti-junta demonstrators Thursday and Friday, according to reporting Saturday, as activists demanding the restoration of the ousted civilian government again took to the streets in the southeast of the country.
Russia Seen Advancing SE Asian Ambitions Through Myanmar Generals VOA 10 Apr 2021 -- Analysts say Russia is increasing arms sales to Myanmar's military and steadfastly standing by Myanmar's coup leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, an alliance they say will further Moscow's foreign policy ambitions across Southeast Asia through future weapons sales.
'No Cease-fire' in Myanmar's Ethnic Minority States, According to Humanitarian Group VOA 09 Apr 2021 -- Ethnic groups in Myanmar's Kayin State and elsewhere are reportedly still experiencing waves of attacks from the country's military, the Tatmadaw, after the February coup, despite the junta's declaration of a one-month cease-fire on March 31.
Myanmar Junta Kills Scores of Protesters in Bago, Decrees Death Penalty for 19 in Yangon Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar security forces mowed down more than 60 people with rifle grenades and machine guns as they cleared barricades built by anti-junta protesters in the central Myanmar city of Bago on Friday, leaving piles of bodies in pagodas and on school grounds of the ancient city, witnesses said.
UK Offers Shelter to Deposed Myanmar Ambassador After Junta Loyalists Seize Embassy Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2021 -- The British government has offered shelter to Myanmar's former ambassador in London, after he was ousted by diplomats loyal to the military junta that seized control of the country's embassy this week, British foreign affairs officials said.
Myanmar Envoy Appeals for No-Fly Zone, Arms Embargo VOA 09 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's U.N. envoy, who was appointed by the democratically elected government, appealed to the international community Friday to protect civilians from the country's military with a no-fly zone, arms embargo and targeted sanctions.
US Special Envoy: Restoring Democracy in Myanmar Will Ease Bangladesh's Rohingya Burden Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2021 -- Democracy must be restored in Myanmar to ease the Rohingya refugee burden on Bangladesh, U.S. special envoy John Kerry said Friday during a lightning visit to the South Asian nation to drum up support for a Washington-hosted climate summit.
Foreign Investors Reassess Ties With Myanmar VOA 09 Apr 2021 -- As recently as last year, Myanmar was being touted as an attractive destination for international investors, even in the face of bad publicity over the government's handling of the crisis in Rakhine State, where almost 1 million Rohingya residents had been massacred or driven into exile.
US Hits Myanmar's Gem Industry with Sanctions VOA 08 Apr 2021 -- The U.S. has imposed sanctions on one of Myanmar's biggest industries, gemstones, according to a Department of Treasury news release.
Imposing Sanctions on Burmese State-Owned Enterprise US Dept. of State 08 Apr 2021 -- The Burmese military regime has ignored the will of the people of Burma to restore the country's path toward democracy and has continued to commit lethal attacks against protesters in addition to random attacks on bystanders."
Treasury Sanctions Key Gems Enterprise in Burma US Treasury 08 Apr 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Myanma Gems Enterprise (MGE), a Burmese state-owned entity that is responsible for all gemstone activities in Burma. Gemstones are a key economic resource for the Burmese military regime that is violently repressing pro-democracy protests in the country and that is responsible for the ongoing lethal attacks against the people of Burma, including the killing of children. These sanctions are not directed at the people of Burma.
US Targets Myanmar's Junta-Controlled Jade Sector in New Sanctions Radio Free Asia 08 Apr 2021 -- The United States on Thursday announced new sanctions targeting the country's multi-billion dollar jade industry, a sector long controlled by Myanmar military figures responsible for ousting the country's democratically elected government in a coup on Feb. 1.
About dozen killed as troops, anti-coup protesters clash in northwest Myanmar Press TV 08 Apr 2021 -- Nearly a dozen protesters have been killed and several others injured in fresh anti-coup demonstrations and an ensuing crackdown by security forces in a town in northwest Myanmar.
Myanmar Junta Tries to Dim Star Power of Protests With Arrest of Beloved Actor Radio Free Asia 08 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar military authorities arrested a heartthrob model-actor with fans across Southeast Asia on Thursday, the latest and most famous of scores of celebrities to be rounded up for backing the anti-junta protests in a campaign that has driven other stars into hiding or exile.
China Focuses on Domestic, Strategic Interests as Myanmar Killings Continue Radio Free Asia 08 Apr 2021 -- China has joined Russia in opposing direct sanctions on Myanmar's military junta by the U.N. Security Council, and has restricted its public comments to wishes for peace and stability, while the country's foreign ministry has denied tacit encouragement for the coup.
Malaysia Defends Envoy's Meeting With Myanmar Military Government Radio Free Asia 08 Apr 2021 -- The Malaysian government defended itself Thursday over heavy criticism after an online video showed Kuala Lumpur's ambassador to Naypyidaw meeting with a minister from Myanmar's junta, whose forces have killed hundreds of people in crushing post-coup pro-democracy protests.
Myanmar Military Versus Ethnic Armies Would be 'David and Goliath Contest': IHS-Jane's Expert Radio Free Asia 08 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's military has shown itself to be a brutal force, meting out violence against the civilians it is meant to protect amid a popular rebellion against its Feb. 1 coup. The powerful Tatmadaw, as it is called in Burmese, has steadily escalated the violence directed at protesters, bystanders, and ordinary citizens, with indiscriminate shootings, shakedowns, break-ins, beatings and arbitrary arrests.
Myanmar Air Force Seen Using Chinese Drones to Monitor Protests-Jane's Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's Air Force appears to be using Chinese-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to monitor and perhaps to frighten protesters opposing the military junta, the British military intelligence publisher Jane's said in a report Wednesday, citing images on social media showing low-flying drones over Mandalay last month.
In Strongest Statement Yet, Thai PM Voices Disapproval of Post-Coup Myanmar Violence Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2021 -- Thailand made its strongest statement so far about the turmoil in neighboring Myanmar when Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said Wednesday he disapproved of post-coup violence by the Burmese junta that has killed close to 600 pro-democracy protesters.
12 Protesters Killed as Troops Attack Pocket of Resistance in Northwest Myanmar Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2021 -- Military junta forces fired rocket launchers and grenades to dismantle a protest camp in a city near Myanmar's border with India Wednesday, killing 12 protesters in a region of northwest Myanmar where civilians have inflicted casualties on troops.
Clashes in Myanmar displace thousands, UN humanitarian office reports UN News 07 Apr 2021 -- Clashes between the Myanmar security forces and regional armed groups, which have involved military airstrikes, have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 17 civilians in several parts of the country, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday.
Myanmar Security Forces Kill 11 Protesters in Kalay VOA 07 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar security forces killed at least 11 civilians and wounded at least 10 others Wednesday when they fired on government protesters in the northwestern town of Kalay, according to reports received by VOA's Burmese service.
Plunder by Troops a Byproduct of Military Rule in Myanmar as Economic Misery Deepens Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar citizens are struggling with shortages of food and other necessities after 65 days of rule under the military junta, whose troops shake down cargo trucks at roadblocks and steal goods and cash from vehicles, stores, and homes, residents said Tuesday.
Interview: 'All Charges Made Against Aung San Suu Kyi Are Not Really Lawful' Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2021 -- It's been 65 days since the Myanmar military seized power from the democratically elected government of country leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup that has evolved into the savage repression of largely peaceful protesters who oppose the junta. In the early days of the power grab, security forces arrested several government leaders, including the state counselor, President Win Myint, lawmakers, and state and regional officials from the ruling National League for Democracy.
China-Myanmar border city Ruili starts 2nd round of COVID-19 testing Global Times 06 Apr 2021 -- With pressure from a new surge of COVID-19, the China-Myanmar border city Ruili in Southwest China's Yunnan Province launched a second round of mass nucleic acid testing on Tuesday.
Russia warns sanctions against Myanmar's junta could spark civil war Press TV 06 Apr 2021 -- Russia has warned against imposing sanctions on Myanmar's military, saying punitive measures could spark a full-blown civil war in the Southeast Asian country following the recent coup there.
Brunei and Malaysia: ASEAN Leaders to Meet in Jakarta on Myanmar Crisis Radio Free Asia 05 Apr 2021 -- After lengthy discussions, leaders of Southeast Asian nations are to meet in Jakarta to talk about the crisis in Myanmar, the governments of Brunei and Malaysia announced Monday but without specifying a date.
ASEAN leaders to hold emergency meeting on Myanmar crisis: Brunei Press TV 05 Apr 2021 -- Officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries are set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss a solution to the ongoing unrest in Myanmar.
Brunei Calls for ASEAN Meeting to Discuss Myanmar Situation VOA 05 Apr 2021 -- Brunei, current leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has called for a regional leaders' meeting to discuss the situation in Myanmar, where the government has used violence to counter protests against the February 1 military coup.
'We Need to Prepare Ourselves to Show Up in Huge Numbers,' Says Monywa Activist Radio Free Asia 05 Apr 2021 -- Monywa – a city of 370,000 people noted for food processing, cotton textiles, and ancient Buddhist temples, and the largest city in northwestern Myanmar – has seen an uptick in violence and deaths in the recent weeks of protests against the Feb. 1 military coup. At least 15 people have been killed, and more 30 protesters – many students – have been arrested, with most of the student activists charged with defamation and incitement under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code. RFA's Myanmar Service spoke to Hein Zaw Win, a former student activist in Monywa, for an update on the state of play in the city.
Myanmar's junta has killed 564 since February 1 coup: Advocacy group Press TV 05 Apr 2021 -- A civil society organization says Myanmar's security forces have killed 564 protesters and detained thousands of others since the military junta staged a coup in the Southeast Asian country in February.
Weekend Crackdowns Kill Six Protesters as Local Media Report 10 Soldiers Killed Radio Free Asia 05 Apr 2021 -- At least six people, including an 18-year-old, were killed in 24 hours of crackdowns on civilians by Myanmar security forces, witnesses said Monday, while an online news outlet reported that 10 soldiers died in weekend attacks by citizens in a remote town near the border with India.
Anti-Junta Protests in Myanmar Hold 'Easter Egg Strike' VOA 04 Apr 2021 -- Demonstrations against military rule continued in Myanmar Sunday, with many protesters using Easter eggs to aid their movement.
Myanmar's junta kills 5 more protesters, death toll passes 550 Press TV 03 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's security forces have shot and killed five more protesters, pushing the death toll past the 550 mark.
Myanmar Internet Shutdown Chokes News Flow, Raises Citizens Fears Radio Free Asia 03 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's embattled citizens struggled with a drastic cut-off of internet and wireless data services Friday following a military junta order aimed at staunching the flow of videos and photos of atrocities to a global audience, activists and web users said.
Thailand: Offering Humanitarian Assistance to Around 1,200 Who Fled Myanmar Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2021 -- Thailand said Friday it was providing humanitarian assistance to more than 1,000 people who this week fled military action in Myanmar, a day after Bangkok issued a rare statement expressing grave concern about the post-coup violence in the neighboring nation.
India issues strong rebuke of Myanmar's junta Press TV 02 Apr 2021 -- India has censured the Myanmarese military's violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, calling for the release of political detainees and for democracy to be restored in the Southeast Asian country.
China, Russia Back Calls for ASEAN Special Summit on Crisis in Post-Coup Myanmar Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2021 -- China and Russia have backed calls for an ASEAN leaders' meeting to discuss the turmoil in post-coup Myanmar, where military and security forces unleashed their guns and killed more than 500 pro-democracy protesters during the past two months.
Stop 'widespread violence' against children in Myanmar, UN officials urge UN News 02 Apr 2021 -- Senior United Nations officials on Thursday strongly condemned the ongoing violence by Myanmar's security forces against civilians, including children, as the members of the Security Council expressed alarm at the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country.
Myanmar Junta Orders Shutdown of Internet, Providers Say VOA 02 Apr 2021 -- Myanmar's military junta ordered an internet shutdown in the country Friday that was met by defiance among anti-government protesters.
UN Security Council Calls for Release of Myanmar Detainees, End to Violence VOA 02 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations Security Council has repeated its call for the immediate release of all detainees in Myanmar, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, and an end to violence.
New Civilian Government Formed in Myanmar to Counter Military Regime VOA 01 Apr 2021 -- Anti-coup protesters in Myanmar symbolically burned copies of the country's constitution Thursday as a group of deposed lawmakers announced a new civilian government to run counter to the ruling military junta.
Aung San Suu Kyi Faces New Charge as Fires Burn Buildings in Myanmar's Two Biggest Cities Radio Free Asia 01 Apr 2021 -- Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was hit with a new legal charge Thursday, her first on-line arraignment in cases brought by the military regime that overthrew her elected government on Feb. 1, said her lawyers, one of whom quoted her as saying she had "prayed for the health of the people."
Donor Nations' Envoys to Make First Visit to Rohingya Island in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 01 Apr 2021 -- Envoys from several countries contributing to the Rohingya response will for the first time visit a remote island this weekend where Bangladesh has moved thousands of refugees, they said Thursday, amid widespread international concern about its safety and on-site facilities.
UK announces further sanctions on Myanmar military-linked companies UK FCDO 01 Apr 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has announced further measures targeting the Myanmar regime today and a boost to funding for evidence gathering of violations.
Protect all those fleeing Myanmar, UN offices urge countries in the region UN News 01 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) have called on Myanmar's neighbouring countries to offer refuge and protection to all those fleeing violence and persecution, as the crisis in Myanmar enters its third month.
UN envoy urges Security Council action to prevent civil war in Myanmar Press TV 01 Apr 2021 -- The United Nations (UN) special envoy for Myanmar has urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to prevent the further escalation of the crisis in the Southeast Asian country, warning of the risk of civil war as the military junta continues its brutal crackdown on protesters.

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April 2021 - Myanmar Special Weapons News