March 2025 - Myanmar Special Weapons News

Myanmar quake death toll rises above 2,000, military junta says Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2025 -- The death toll from Myanmar's magnitude 7.7 earthquake rose to 2,056 people, the country's military junta announced Monday on state-run TV, as rescue workers searched for victims believed trapped under collapsed buildings.
Search for survivors continues 3 days after massive quake hit Myanmar, Thailand Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2025 -- Rescuers in Myanmar and Thailand continued their search for survivors Monday, saying signs of life were still being detected following the 7.7 magnitude quake that rocked both countries three days earlier.
Myanmar earthquake tragedy 'compounds already dire crisis' UN News 31 Mar 2025 -- Entire communities in central Myanmar have been devastated and the full scale of the earthquake disaster "remains unclear", the UN's top humanitarian coordinator in the country said on Monday.
WHO warns Myanmar quake 'top-level emergency', seeks urgent funding Press TV 31 Mar 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a flash appeal for $8 million of emergency support amid a frantic search for quake survivors in Myanmar.
Statement on the Earthquake Response by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. on behalf of the United Nations Myanmar Country Team (31 March 2025) UNOCHA 31 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations in Myanmar expresses its profound sorrow at the immense loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck central Myanmar on 28 March.
China to uphold 'Paukphaw' friendship, stand together with Myanmar in this difficult time: FM spokesperson introduces China's disaster relief assistance Global Times 31 Mar 2025 -- Following the earthquake in Myanmar, China promptly expressed condolences and provided disaster relief assistance. In response to a media inquiry for more related information, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China pays high attention to the earthquake disaster in Myanmar.
OPERATION BRAHMA - INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS SAIL WITH RELIEF MATERIAL India PIB 30 Mar 2025 -- In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on 28 Mar 25, the Government of India has launched Operation Brahma for rendering assistance to Myanmar
UN averts drastic food aid cuts for Rohingya in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations food agency said it managed to avoid drastic food aid cuts to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh in the face of concerns that their monthly rations would be reduced by more than half.
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Tops 1,700 As Fears Mount Of Rising Casualties RFE/RL 30 Mar 2025 -- The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has risen to over 1,700, with fears that the number could soar in the coming days.
Millions of children at grave risk following Myanmar's deadliest earthquake in decades UNICEF 30 Mar 2025 -- Millions of children are at risk following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation.
Myanmar earthquake: Search and rescue efforts continue in race against time UN News 30 Mar 2025 -- The human toll of the earthquake which devastated central Myanmar continues to rise, UN humanitarians warned on Sunday, putting more pressure on nearly 20 million people who were already in need of aid.
UK sends life-saving aid to the people of Myanmar following devastating earthquake UK FCDO 29 Mar 2025 -- UK Government announces a package of up to £10 million support to help the people of Myanmar following recent earthquake
Myanmar Quake Death Toll Crosses 1,600, Scores Still Missing RFE/RL 29 Mar 2025 -- The death toll of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Southeast Asia has climbed to more than 1,600 amid fears that the casualty figures will continue to rise in the war-torn nation and in neighboring Thailand.
Myanmar quake: More than 1,600 reported killed, as UN aid operation supports rescue efforts UN News 29 Mar 2025 -- Latest news reports indicate that over 1,600 have been killed in Myanmar with thousands injured following two powerful earthquakes on Friday which have left hundreds trapped under rubble.
1,600 killed in Myanmar quake, UN reports severe damage to critical infrastructure Radio Free Asia 29 Mar 2025 -- The death toll from Myanmar's massive earthquake soared past 1,600 on Saturday, state media said, as rescuers pulled survivors from rubble and the United Nations warned of severe damage to critical infrastructure and thousands left sleeping in the streets.
Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar (29 March 2025) UNOCHA 29 Mar 2025 -- The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025 has caused widespread destruction and left a profound impact on the people in the region.
China 'stands ready to do its best' to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, no deaths reported of Chinese nationals: Chinese FM Global Times 29 Mar 2025 -- A 37-member emergency medical rescue team from Southwest China's Yunnan Province arrived in Yangon, Myanmar on Saturday morning. They brought with them a total of 112 sets of emergency rescue equipment, including full-function life detection devices, an earthquake early warning system, portable satellites and drones.
China ready to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to quake-hit Myanmar: FM spokesperson People's Daily 29 Mar 2025 -- China stands ready to do its best to provide emergency humanitarian assistance and support to the affected area in Myanmar in light of their need to help people there carry out disaster relief and rescue and pull through this trying time, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
Statement on the Situation in Myanmar Government of Norway 29 Mar 2025
Devastating earthquake in Myanmar claims over 1,000 lives, over 2,300 injuries People's Daily 29 Mar 2025 -- The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has claimed 1,002 lives, left 2,376 injured, and 30 people reported missing, according to the Information Team of the country's State Administration Council (SAC) in a report at around 11:20 a.m. local time Saturday.
Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Operation Brahma (March 29, 2025) India MEA 29 Mar 2025
'OPERATION BRAHMA' - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO MYANMAR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS BY INDIAN ARMY India PIB 29 Mar 2025 -- In a swift response to the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28th March 2025, the Indian Army, under 'Operation Brahma', is deploying a specialised medical task force to provide urgent humanitarian assistance
Powerful earthquake hits Myanmar and Thailand, killing more than 150 people Radio Free Asia 28 Mar 2025 -- Rescuers scrambled to save people buried beneath collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, killing 144 people in the war-torn country -- a count that would surely rise.
More Than 150 Killed, Scores Missing After Powerful Quake Hits Myanmar, Thailand RFE/RL 28 Mar 2025 -- A strong 7.7-magnititude earthquake hit Southeast Asia on March 28, killing scores of people in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand amid fears the casualty figures will continue to rise in both countries.
UN teams ramp up response to deadly quake in Myanmar and Thailand UN News 28 Mar 2025 -- Amid reports of hundreds dead or missing following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in central Myanmar, UN teams in the region are "responding fast", said UN relief chief Tom Fletcher on Friday.
Arakan Army to begin conscription in Myanmar's west Radio Free Asia 27 Mar 2025 -- One of Myanmar's most powerful rebel armies will begin conscription for all residents over 18 years old, sources told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
Myanmar junta announces schedule for December, January election Radio Free Asia 26 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's junta announced Wednesday it plans to hold a national election in four phases in December and January, the first time the military has outlined a detailed schedule for the controversial vote.
2025 Rohingya Joint Response Plan: UK statement UK FCDO 26 Mar 2025 -- 2025 Rohingya Joint Response Plan: UK statement. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Junta chief vows to hike defense budget, seeking to expand global presence Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's junta chief said the military would increase the defense budget, while seeking to expand his international presence with a reported plan to join a regional summit in Thailand next month.
Junta airstrike hits a clinic in central Myanmar, killing 11, including children Radio Free Asia 24 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar junta bombed a medical clinic in Magway region Saturday morning, killing 11, including medical staff and children, despite no recent battles between junta forces and anti-junta militias in the area, residents told Radio Free Asia.
UN and partners seek $934.5m for life-saving aid to 1.5 million Rohingya refugees and their hosts in Bangladesh UNHCR 24 Mar 2025 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners today called on the international community to enhance its support for Rohingya refugees and their hosts in Bangladesh amid rising insecurity in Myanmar and ongoing forced displacement.
'Don't cut the aid': Insecurity worsens for stateless Rohingya, says UNHCR's Grandi UN News 24 Mar 2025 -- The plight of Myanmar's ethnic Rohingya is intensifying almost eight years since hundreds of thousands fled persecution and sought shelter in Bangladesh, the UN said on Monday, in an appeal for $934.5 million to help them.
EXPLAINED: Arrested ARSA leader blamed for violence against Rohingya refugees Radio Free Asia 23 Mar 2025 -- The leader of a Rohingya insurgent group blamed for instigating attacks that provoked a deadly offensive by the Myanmar military and the forced cross-border exodus of Rohingya in 2017 has not spilled "significant information" since his arrest earlier this week, Bangladesh police said.
Myanmar junta admits misconduct in its controversial conscription scheme Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar junta's top official said there had been misconduct in its conscription scheme - the military's first admission since introducing conscription laws that have been highly criticized by rights groups.
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar UK FCDO 21 Mar 2025 -- UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Myanmar. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Junta offensives leave 4 dead, thousands displaced in northwest Myanmar Radio Free Asia 20 Mar 2025 -- Junta attacks on Thursday claimed four lives in northwest Myanmar, where tens of thousands displaced residents remain in desperate need of emergency aid, volunteers and locals told Radio Free Asia.
Myanmar's junta drops 'more than 500' bombs on Chin state town during week of clashes Radio Free Asia 19 Mar 2025 -- An intense battle is underway in western Myanmar as junta troops attempt to re-take Falam, the second-biggest city in Chin state, with the military dropping more than 500 bombs over the past week, residents and rebel forces said Tuesday.
Report: Rohingya militant groups kill, torture community's refugees in Bangladesh Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- On New Year's day last year, a Rohingya community leader, Mohammad Faisal, shared a poem he wrote about fear and violence in Bangladesh refugee camps and shared it on social media.
Villagers flee as fighting rocks Myanmar's delta Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2025 -- War is encroaching into Myanmar's rice-basket Ayeyarwady River delta, residents said on Tuesday, as fighters from the powerful Arakan Army, or AA, rebel group pile pressure on the military as they push out of their home territory.
Myanmar children, monks among dozens killed in heavy airstrikes Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military killed 40 civilians, including Buddhist monks and children, in airstrikes in northern Myanmar as it tries to pound its enemies into submission, insurgents told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
Junta troops forcibly recruit more than 70 young men in Myanmar town Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Authorities in Myanmar forcibly recruited more than 70 young men from a single town in the south-central Ayeyarwady region, residents said Monday, as the junta launched a new round of training for the country's draftees.
UN chief: Discussing humanitarian aid corridor from Bangladesh to Myanmar Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations is discussing the possibility of a humanitarian aid corridor to Myanmar from Bangladesh in an effort to create equitable conditions for Rohingya refugees to eventually return, the U.N. chief said in Dhaka on Saturday.
Myanmar's junta seeks to regain air edge with foreign night vision drones Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2025 -- Chinese- and Russian-made drones using night vision cameras are giving Myanmar's military junta an advantage in its war against rebel groups, according to sources on the ground, touching off what one observer termed a "drone arms race" between the two sides.
Myanmar's Karen fighters capture junta camp, soldiers flee to Thailand Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2025 -- Insurgent forces in eastern Myanmar captured a military camp on Friday after a battle of more than two weeks and at least 11 junta soldiers fled over the nearby border into Thailand, rebel soldiers told Radio Free Asia.
Secretary-General's remarks during his visit to Cox's Bazar [as delivered] UN Secretary-General 14 Mar 2025
In Bangladesh, UN chief vows to prevent Rohingya suffering as aid cuts loom UN News 14 Mar 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in southern Bangladesh, vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship as drastic aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts.
WFP warns one million in Myanmar to be cut off from food aid amid funding shortfall WFP 14 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that more than one million people in Myanmar will be cut off from WFP's lifesaving food assistance starting in April due to critical funding shortfalls. These cuts come just as increased conflict, displacement and access restrictions are already sharply driving up food aid needs.
A third of Myanmar's population faces food insecurity: UN human rights experts OHCHR 13 Mar 2025 -- UN human rights experts* today expressed alarm at the unprecedented food security crisis that is worsening an already devastating human rights situation across Myanmar, where more than 19.9 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance. Since the military coup in February 2021, the intensification of conflict across the country has led to an estimated 15.2 million people — nearly a third of Myanmar's population — facing acute food insecurity in 2025. The experts issued the following statement:
South Korean county to accept Myanmar refugees amid population decline Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2025 -- The South Korean county of Yeongyang said it plans to accept refugees from Myanmar as early as the second half of this year to address its population decline.
Myanmar's junta targets displaced people returning to embattled Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- In just over a year of fighting, Myanmar's ethnic Arakan Army has captured 14 of Rakhine state's 17 townships, defeating the military in battle after battle in a stunning advance.
Chinese envoy discusses election with Myanmar junta chief Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- A Chinese envoy has met Myanmar's junta chief to discuss help for an election that the military aims to hold by January, days after the Myanmar leader secured a promise of support for the vote from its other main foreign backer, Russia.
Thailand's power and fuel cuts hurting ordinary Myanmar residents Radio Free Asia 11 Mar 2025 -- Thailand's move to cut off electricity, fuel and internet service to an area across the border in Myanmar rife with scam centers is hurting ordinary people more than the crime syndicates it was trying target, residents told Radio Free Asia.
27 per cent surge in number of children admitted for severe acute malnutrition treatment in Rohingya refugee camps UNICEF 11 Mar 2025 -- The number of children needing emergency treatment for severe acute malnutrition in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh has surged by 27 per cent in February 2025 compared to the same period last year, as worsening conditions push more young children into life-threatening hunger.
Geneva Palais briefing note: Malnutrition tightening its grip on children in Rohingya refugee Camps UNICEF 11 Mar 2025 -- This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
Bangladesh: Rohingya children's acute hunger surges amid funding cuts UN News 11 Mar 2025 -- In Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar refugee settlements, child malnutrition has surged and cuts to aid funding risk creating a humanitarian "catastrophe", the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday.
Myanmar junta troops massacre 11 villagers, most too old to flee, residents say Radio Free Asia 10 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar soldiers on a sweep through a central village known for its support of anti-junta forces killed 11 civilians, most of them too old to flee, residents of the area who saw the bodies told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
Observers dismiss latest junta plan for Myanmar elections Radio Free Asia 10 Mar 2025 -- Observers on Monday dismissed plans announced by Myanmar's junta to hold elections in the war-torn country by January, saying the military won't be able to hold the vote in territory it doesn't control — about half the country — and that the public will view the results as a sham.
Myanmar junta chief says election to be held by January 2026 Radio Free Asia 08 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar will hold parliamentary elections by January next year, the leader of the ruling military said, without setting a date for a vote that the generals who seized power in 2021 will be hoping will end widespread opposition to their grip on politics.
WFP appeals for urgent funding to prevent ration cuts to over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh WFP 07 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warns of a critical funding shortfall for its emergency response operations in Bangladesh, jeopardizing food assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Canada announces new sanctions against Myanmar military regime Canada 07 Mar 2025 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions against 13 Myanmar senior government officials and 3 entities for undermining the peace, security and stability of the country and contributing to gross human rights violations.
Backgrounder: additional sanctions for Myanmar Canada 07 Mar 2025
Myanmar military battles to push rebels back from Chinese economic zone Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military bombed a village in an economic zone that is vital to China's investment in Myanmar, sparking a fire that burned almost 200 homes, residents told Radio Free Asia, as insurgents tightened their grip on the junta's last pockets of territory in Rakhine state.
Myanmar sends first workers to Russia; junta chief to Belarus Radio Free Asia 06 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar has sent workers to Russia for the first time with 24 skilled construction employees setting off on Wednesday, Myanmar's military government said, after the junta leader met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for talks.
Myanmar's military recaptures camps from rebels in Shan state Radio Free Asia 05 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military has recaptured some camps previously controlled by ethnic rebels in northeastern Shan state nearly eight months of fighting, sources familiar with the situation said Wednesday.
Myanmar army tries to clear fighters from road, 20,000 villagers flee, rebels say Radio Free Asia 05 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military has launched air and artillery strikes as it tries to clear pro-democracy fighters from the vicinity of a major north-south road and nearly 20,000 villagers have fled from their homes to escape the violence, an insurgent fighter told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
Myanmar childhoods upended by civil war Radio Free Asia 05 Mar 2025 -- It was just over a year ago that 8-year-old Chit Zaw was playing at his home in northern Myanmar when the junta jet fighter roared overhead.
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Than Swe Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Mar 2025
Analysts warn of China advances in Myanmar, see Rubio as key to US response VOA 05 Mar 2025 -- U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar, can advance America's national security, economic interests and broader strategic goals in countering China's expanding influence, foreign policy analysts say.
Statements following Russian-Myanmar talks President of Russia 04 Mar 2025 -- Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing have concluded bilateral negotiations. Following the talks, a joint statement by the leaders was adopted, and a number of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents were signed.
Talks with Prime Minister of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing President of Russia 04 Mar 2025 -- Vladimir Putin is holding talks at the Kremlin with Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Min Aung Hlaing, who is on an official visit to Russia.
Myanmar's junta leader meets Putin, predicts Russian victory in Ukraine Radio Free Asia 04 Mar 2025 -- Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Myanmar's military junta chief on Tuesday predicted Russia's eventual victory over Ukraine in the three year-long war.
Fighting near Chinese enclave in Myanmar's Rakhine state uproots 20,000 Radio Free Asia 04 Mar 2025 -- Two weeks of intense fighting between the military and anti-junta rebels near an enclave for Chinese development in western Myanmar's Rakhine state has forced more than 20,000 civilians to flee their homes, leaving them in urgent need of food and medicine, according to residents and aid workers.
Tougher times for Myanmar's political prisoners, a parent and rights group say Radio Free Asia 04 Mar 2025 -- Military authorities in Myanmar have imposed harsher conditions and punishments on political prisoners, restricting their access to parcels, books and medicine and beating those who complain, a rights group and a family member said.
Myanmar's military junta chief flies to Russia for meeting with Putin Radio Free Asia 03 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military junta chief arrived on Monday in Moscow, where he is expected to discuss security and economic cooperation -- including Russia's investment in a deep-sea port in southern Myanmar -- with President Vladimir Putin.
UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on Myanmar UK FCDO 03 Mar 2025 -- UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue on on the High Commissioner's Report on Myanmar. Delivered by UK Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, Eleanor Sanders.
In Bangladesh, UNHCR's Grandi calls for sustained support and solutions for Rohingya refugees UNHCR 03 Mar 2025 -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, underscored UNHCR's unwavering commitment to supporting 1 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh as he completed a four-day visit to the country on Sunday.
EU boosts humanitarian aid in Bangladesh, Myanmar and for the Rohingya refugee crisis European Commission 02 Mar 2025 -- The Commission has allocated today €76 million in EU humanitarian to address the needs of people affected by the main crises in South and Southeast Asia.
Hunger, disease loom for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh amid Trump's aid cuts: UN Press TV 01 Mar 2025 -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi says the Trump administration's decision to terminate foreign aid budgets would put thousands of persecuted Rohingya Muslim refugees, currently sheltering in southeastern Bangladesh, in hunger and insecurity.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2025 - Myanmar Special Weapons News