November 2023 - Myanmar Special Weapons News

Myanmar exile government seeks foothold by supporting overseas workers Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Some 210,000 migrants from Myanmar have flooded into Thailand over the past two years under a renewed bilateral labor agreement with Myanmar's junta.
Chin allied resistance claims big junta losses in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Allied resistance armies seized two towns in northwestern Myanmar, one of the groups said this week.
Hospitals under fire amid widening Myanmar conflict Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- At least three hospitals were damaged in clashes between Myanmar's military and armed resistance groups in the third week of November alone, according to rights groups and residents, further straining a healthcare system already reeling from dwindling resources and widespread conflict under junta rule.
In rare admission, junta chief acknowledges military losses in Shan state Radio Free Asia 30 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing confirmed the loss of several military outposts in northern Shan state to an ethnic rebel offensive in the region, in a rare acknowledgement of the month-long campaign's successes.
Shootout in central Myanmar kills 4 at restaurant Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- A shootout in central Myanmar between junta forces and locals killed four men, residents said on Wednesday.
Myanmar court jails former minister for decade over social media posts Radio Free Asia 29 Nov 2023 -- A court in Yangon's Insein Prison sentenced Myanmar's former Information Minister Ye Htut to 10 years in prison Wednesday following a trial highlighting the ruling junta's clampdown on online dissent, sources with ties to the facility told RFA Burmese.
Myanmar's junta fires into Rakhine villages, killing 3 children Radio Free Asia 28 Nov 2023 -- Junta bombing in western Myanmar killed four people, locals told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday.
Chinese navy drops anchor in Myanmar for joint drills Radio Free Asia 28 Nov 2023 -- Three Chinese naval vessels have arrived at Thilawa Port in Yangon for joint drills with Myanmar's navy amid insurgent conflict along the neighboring nations' shared border, according to the country's military and pro-junta media reports.
National Unity Govt army claims it arrested 16 Myanmar policemen Radio Free Asia 27 Nov 2023 -- A resistance group in central Myanmar arrested 16 junta policemen after capturing their police station, the people's defense force told Radio Free Asia.
Chinese authorities fire tear gas at people fleeing Myanmar fighting Radio Free Asia 27 Nov 2023 -- Chinese authorities fired tear gas at people attempting to flee from intensifying fighting between Myanmar's military junta and allied ethnic armed groups.
PLA conducts drills on border as conflicts continue in north Myanmar Global Times 26 Nov 2023 -- Live-fire drills and training exercises conducted by the Chinese military force along the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border are defensive and aimed at safeguarding Chinese sovereignty, stability of border area and safety of personnel from impacts caused by the civil war in Myanmar, rather than an act to intervene in the internal affairs of the neighboring country, experts said on Sunday.
Indonesia prevents Myanmar's Muslim refugee boats from reaching shore Press TV 25 Nov 2023 -- Indonesian police and fisherman have started patrolling parts of the country's westernmost province to prevent boats of Myanmar's Muslim refugees from reaching the shore.
Chinese Army Spokesman Announces Military Drills on Myanmar Border Sputnik 25 Nov 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday launched military drills on the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border, Tian Junli, the spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command of the PLA, has said.
PLA conducts real combat drill along China-Myanmar border, 'a necessary act to deal with emergencies, potential escalation:' experts Global Times 25 Nov 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command announced on Saturday that it will conduct a series of real combat training and drills along the Chinese side of the China-Myanmar border, which is aimed to test the rapid maneuverability, border sealing and firepower capabilities of locally positioned troops.
Hundreds of Myanmar villagers report diseases from toxic mine waste Radio Free Asia 24 Nov 2023 -- Residents in northern Myanmar are contracting diseases from nearby chemical waste, residents told Radio Free Asia. In Kachin state, rare earth mining produces toxic chemicals that end up in water sources, they said.
Over 1,000 Myanmar schools empty as fighting resumes in Rakhine Radio Free Asia 23 Nov 2023 -- Over 1,000 schools in western Myanmar have been abandoned by pupils, education officials told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
Myanmar junta uses pregnant women and monks as human shields: Arakan Army Radio Free Asia 22 Nov 2023 -- Nearly 100 civilians were caught in a battle in western Myanmar on Tuesday, locals told Radio Free Asia. As fighting in Rakhine state between the Arakan Army and junta forces continues over the disputed town of Pauktaw, residents report an increase in abductions and injuries across the region.
Myanmar junta arrests 50 in Yangon-area crackdown Radio Free Asia 22 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's military junta has arrested nearly 50 young people in and around Yangon over the past three weeks, residents told Radio Free Asia.
Myanmar junta troops arrest and stab 6 men to death Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- Villagers in central Myanmar recovered the bodies of six people who were stabbed to death, locals told Radio Free Asia. On Friday, junta troops arrested the group in Mandalay region on suspicion of being resistance fighters in local People's Defense Forces.
Karenni officials: 200 university workers are safe after evacuation Radio Free Asia 21 Nov 2023 -- More than 200 civilians evacuated from a university during recent fighting in the Kayah state capital in eastern Myanmar are being provided health care at a safe location, Karenni officials told Radio Free Asia.
Junta troops block road, water transport amid Arakan Army clashes Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2023 -- Junta soldiers have blocked highways and waterways throughout western Myanmar's Rakhine state, halting the flow of medicine, fuel and other basic commodities as the regime contends with renewed attacks from the Arakan Army, an ethnic rebel group, several local residents told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
Ongoing conflict in northern Myanmar kills 2, including child Radio Free Asia 20 Nov 2023 -- Residents in northeastern Myanmar are facing both a humanitarian crisis and intense conflict, people living in the area told Radio Free Asia. On Sunday night, airstrikes by junta forces killed two people, including a child, in Shan state.
China facilitates evacuation of certain countries' citizens from Myanmar to avoid conflict: Chinese FM Global Times 20 Nov 2023 -- China has facilitated the evacuation of some certain countries' citizens from northern Myanmar through China to avoid a conflict, and will continue to maintain communication with relevant countries and provide assistance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday, in response to the question about citizens from some other countries such as Thailand are being evacuated through China.
Myanmar Rebel Offensive Helps China's Cybercrime Crackdown VOA 20 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar rebels have launched a series of coordinated attacks known as "Operation 1027" that outside analysts say have given them new momentum in their struggle against the military junta. The operation also reportedly aligns with China's interest in cracking down on transnational crime in the region, particularly cybercriminals who target Chinese consumers.
Boats carrying 525 Rohingya land in Indonesia's Aceh region Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2023 -- Up to 525 Rohingya were allowed to disembark in western Indonesia's Aceh province when their three boats landed there on Sunday after weeks at sea, the latest in a wave of new Rohingya arrivals since Nov. 13, according to officials.
Brotherhood Alliance campaign in Shan State spawns contagion effect in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2023 -- The Three Brotherhood Alliance's Operation 1027 in northern Shan State has caused a contagion effect, with its sweeping victories since late October followed by major gains by ethnic resistance organizations across Myanmar.
Myanmar junta attacks by air, river during Arakan Army clash Radio Free Asia 17 Nov 2023 -- Clashes this week in western Myanmar between the Arakan Army and junta troops have driven more than 26,000 people from their homes, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said on Friday.
Junta amendment kneecaps Myanmar broadcasting oversight Radio Free Asia 17 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has amended the country's law on broadcasting media in a move journalists say has ended independence of the industry's oversight board as part of a wider crackdown on dissent.
Thais trapped in Myanmar seek help leaving over fear of attack Radio Free Asia 17 Nov 2023 -- Dozens of Thais stranded in Myanmar after being allegedly trafficked there pleaded online Friday to be evacuated from the war-torn country amid reports that anti-junta forces were planning a major attack in Laukkaing town, near the Chinese border.
Myanmar: Intense fighting spreads to cities, as civilians seek shelter UN News 17 Nov 2023 -- The conflict between ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar military has expanded to the country's eastern and western regions, with urban areas increasingly affected by intense fighting and aerial bombardment, UN agencies have reported.
Statement on Germany's intervention in the proceedings against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice for alleged genocide Germany Federal Foreign Office 17 Nov 2023 -- This statement was issued today (17 November) by a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson in connection with Germany's intervention in the proceedings against Myanmar before the International Court of Justice against Myanmar for alleged genocide:
Myanmar military orders civil servants, veterans to prepare for emergencies Press TV 16 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's military rulers have ordered all government staff and those with military experience to prepare to serve in case of emergency after the junta reported "heavy assaults" in several places.
12 men in tea shop massacred by junta troops for no apparent reason Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2023 -- A dozen men drinking their morning tea at a shop in central Myanmar were massacred by junta troops on Thursday for no apparent reason, local residents told Radio Free Asia, in the latest spasm of violence in the country's civil war.
Villagers in Indonesia's Aceh province turn away boat carrying 200-plus Rohingya Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2023 -- More than 200 Rohingya reached Indonesia's Aceh province in a boat on Thursday, bringing the number of new arrivals this week to nearly 600, but villagers in separate locations forced the latest batch to return to sea, officials said.
Myanmar's junta ambushes Rakhine village at night, killing 3 Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2023 -- Shrapnel from a shell explosion killed three villagers and injured several others in western Myanmar on Tuesday night, residents told Radio Free Asia. Four children were among the eight injured in Rakhine state as attacks escalate.
Intervention by UK and partners in The Gambia v Myanmar ICJ case: joint statement UK FCDO 16 Nov 2023 -- On 15 November the UK and five partners filed a joint declaration of intervention in the International Court of Justice case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar.
EU releases €10.5 million in humanitarian aid for people in Myanmar and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh European Commission 16 Nov 2023 -- Due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the EU has released €10.5 million in emergency aid to address the needs of people in Myanmar and of Rohingya refugees and their host communities living in Bangladesh. Out of this new funding, €7 million is allocated for Myanmar, and the remaining €3.5 million for Bangladesh.
Expanding conflict in northern Myanmar displaces more than 200,000 Radio Free Asia 15 Nov 2023 -- Fierce fighting between Myanmar's military and ethnic armies in northern Shan state in recent weeks has expanded to include parts of the northwest, southeast and Rakhine state, displacing more than 200,000 people, according to the United Nations.
US Congress Pushes Myanmar Aid Debate Into Early 2024 VOA 15 Nov 2023 -- The debate over U.S. aid to Myanmar will remain unresolved until at least early next year, as U.S. lawmakers once again this week delayed passage of a final budget for 2024.
Increase in Use of Land Mines Triggers Rise in Civilian Casualties in Ukraine, Myanmar VOA 14 Nov 2023 -- The use of anti-personnel land mines by Russia and Myanmar triggered a surge in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine and Myanmar last year, according to a new report by a land-mine monitor.
Another junta battalion surrenders to rebels in Myanmar's Shan state Radio Free Asia 14 Nov 2023 -- A light infantry battalion with more than 120 troops surrendered to ethnic rebels - the second time in two weeks that a battalion belonging to Myanmar's military junta has laid down arms to rebel forces in northern Shan state.
Arakan Army attacks junta, ending year-long ceasefire in Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 14 Nov 2023 -- The Arakan Army has attacked the Myanmar junta's military in the western state of Rakhine, ending a ceasefire brokered one year ago on humanitarian grounds, residents told Radio Free Asia. Five civilians were killed and nearly 20 were injured in the fighting, they said.
Myanmar's Karenni army attempts capture of Kayah capital Radio Free Asia 14 Nov 2023 -- Locals are fleeing a days-long conflict in northeastern Myanmar after Karenni forces attempted to capture a major city, residents said. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force targeted junta bases in Loikaw University and a prison in the capital of Kayah state on Saturday.
Interview: 'The sun is setting on the fascist military regime' Radio Free Asia 13 Nov 2023 -- On Oct. 27, the Northern or "Three Brotherhood" Alliance, consisting of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, launched "Operation 1027" - named for the date of the offensive. Two weeks since the operation began, the alliance has made notable gains against the military in several key cities in Shan state in the country's northeast.
Myanmar's Arakan Army launches offensive breaking year-long ceasefire Radio Free Asia 13 Nov 2023 -- The Arakan Army attacked two police outposts in Myanmar's western Rakhine state early on Monday morning, locals told Radio Free Asia.
Junta expands use of radio shows, Telegram app to boost propaganda Radio Free Asia 12 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's military junta is increasingly using state media outlets for propaganda purposes while it continues its crack down on independent news outlets, several journalists have told Radio Free Asia.
How a Myanmar Offensive Challenges China Stance on Stability VOA 11 Nov 2023 -- A sudden coordinated attack by three ethnic groups along the China-Myanmar border in northeastern Myanmar poses a challenge to China's stance on regional stability. A Burmese American analyst told VOA that it is now imperative for China to determine whether it prioritizes stability or influence in the region.
Operation 1027 poses rare challenge to Myanmar junta Radio Free Asia 10 Nov 2023 -- On Nov. 7, hours after a colonel who commanded a light infantry division became the senior-most Myanmar officer to die in the war to date, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing held an emergency meeting of his top military leaders to discuss the gathering offensive by the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
Interview: Opposition's Operation 1027 in Shan State indicates 'low point' in Myanmar-China ties Radio Free Asia 10 Nov 2023 -- On Oct. 27, the Northern or "Three Brotherhood" Alliance of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army launched "Operation 1027" - named for the date of the offensive. The groups simultaneously struck junta positions in the strategic Shan cities of Kunlong, Hseni, Chin Shwe Haw, Laukkaing, Namhkan, Kutkai, and Lashio, the state's largest municipality.
Junta chief warns that ethnic offensive will 'break Myanmar into pieces' Radio Free Asia 09 Nov 2023 -- An offensive by ethnic armed groups in Myanmar's northern Shan state will "break the country into pieces" if left unchecked, said junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, in a rare admission of the operation's success against the military since its launch late last month.
Displaced villagers face food shortages after attack in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 09 Nov 2023 -- More than 30,000 Myanmar residents are fleeing after a battle erupted between junta forces and a resistance group, residents and aid workers told Radio Free Asia.
Junta forces, Russian navy train together off western Myanmar coast Radio Free Asia 08 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's junta and the Russian military are conducting a three-day joint military drill in the Andaman Sea - the first joint navy drill between the two countries amid widespread international condemnation and isolation facing both countries.
Offensive on China Border Seen as 'Milestone' in Myanmar Revolt VOA 08 Nov 2023 -- It was a stark admission from Myanmar's military regime, now nearly three years into a nationwide civil war triggered by its February 2021 putsch of the country's democratically elected government.
Four days of fighting in Myanmar's Kawlin city displaces 50,000 Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2023 -- After four days of intense battles with the military in northern Myanmar's Sagaing region, armed resistance groups have occupied the city of Kawlin, but residents and aid workers say the fighting has displaced 50,000 people, stoking fears of a humanitarian crisis.
Rebel Forces Seize Control of Myanmar Provincial Capital VOA 07 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's rebel forces have captured a town that was controlled by the ruling military junta.
Myanmar's Wa army accepts 5,000 refugees back from China Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2023 -- Around 5,000 people who fled from northern Myanmar into China are being accepted back by an ethnic army, refugees told Radio Free Asia. The United Wa State Army began taking them back on Sunday.
Myanmar shadow govt vows accountability in extrajudicial killings Radio Free Asia 07 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, on Monday vowed to hold the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings accountable amid an increase in the number of people slain by rebels after being accused of working as informants for the military regime.
Five dead, over 1,000 trapped in Myanmar city battle Radio Free Asia 06 Nov 2023 -- Fighting between the Myanmar military and resistance groups in Sagaing region continued Monday after junta airstrikes over the previous three days killed at least five civilians, one armed group told Radio Free Asia.
China calls on Myanmar to maintain border stability, safeguard citizens' safety: Chinese senior official Global Times 06 Nov 2023 -- China called on Myanmar to cooperate with China to maintain the stability of the China-Myanmar border, effectively protect the safety of Chinese citizens and property along the border, as well as strengthen the security measures to Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Myanmar, said Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong, during the visit in Myanmar from November 3 to 5, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
Thailand plans to evacuate 162 of its nationals from Myanmar via China Radio Free Asia 06 Nov 2023 -- Thailand's deputy police chief flew to Myanmar on Monday to coordinate the repatriation of 162 Thai nationals who are stuck amid fighting between junta troops and ethnic minority armies near the Chinese border after being rescued from human traffickers.
Sharp uptick in fighting in Myanmar, UN humanitarians report UN News 03 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar witnessed a sharp escalation in fighting between the military and opposition groups this week fuelling a surge in new displacements, the UN humanitarian wing has said.
Myanmar's navy arrests over 200 Rohingya fleeing Rakhine Radio Free Asia 03 Nov 2023 -- Junta navy officials have arrested 226 Rohingya fleeing Myanmar by boat since Oct. 27, communities in western Myanmar told Radio Free Asia. They were attempting to escape to Malaysia and Thailand.
5,000 Myanmar nationals flee into China, face shortages Radio Free Asia 03 Nov 2023 -- Some 5,000 Myanmar nationals, including hundreds of children, who fled into China amid an ethnic army offensive in northern Shan state are in dire need of food and water in Yunnan province, the displaced and their family members said Friday.
Human Rights Groups Applaud Latest US Sanctions on Myanmar VOA 03 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar resistance leaders and international human rights groups are welcoming a new round of U.S. sanctions aimed at that country's oil and gas sector, a major source of revenue for the ruling junta that seized power in February 2021.
Ethnic armed alliance captures 3 cities on China-Myanmar border Radio Free Asia 02 Nov 2023 -- Allied ethnic armed groups captured three cities in northeastern Myanmar in a six-day battle, a representative of one of the groups told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
Junta battalion surrenders amid Shan state ethnic offensive Radio Free Asia 01 Nov 2023 -- An entire military battalion has surrendered to rebel forces amid an offensive by an alliance of three ethnic armies in northern Myanmar's Shan state, according to sources with the armed resistance who called the capitulation the first of its kind in the region.
Military shifts strategy in Myanmar's far south Radio Free Asia 01 Nov 2023 -- Myanmar's military is shifting its strategy in the country's southern Tanintharyi region, where it is battling dozens of ethnic armies and armed resistance groups, to lean on local fighters and isolate its opposition, according to residents and local defense forces.

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November 2023 - Myanmar Special Weapons News