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Myanmar Military Frees 93 Child Soldiers Following UN Condemnation

July 4, 2025, 1:40 pm

Myanmar’s military regime said it has released 93 children from its ranks, days after a United Nations report last month accused the regime and its affiliate groups of enlisting over 400 children, some of whom were employed in combat.

In a uncommon admission in a state-owned newspaper, the junta announced that it conducted a verification process last year which resulted in the release of the 93 confirmed minors, and they were also compensated.

The government committee reported, “To date, only 18 suspected minor cases remain pending verification,” a statement carried by the Global New Light of Myanmar.

UN Report Details Widespread Child Recruitment

The UN Secretary-General’s report on Children and Armed Conflict reported that Myanmar’s military and its associated armed groups recruited 467 boys and 15 girls during 2023, with more than 370 children deployed in combat.

The report noted also that anti-junta forces recruited children, though in significantly lesser numbers than the military.

The most intense child recruitment took place in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the UN said. There, the military and two affiliated groups reportedly recruited approximately 300 children.

Reuters last year reported children as young as 13 were discovered serving on Rakhine’s frontlines, according to the testimony of a UN official and two Rohingya fighters.

Myanmar has been in turmoil ever since the 2021 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover led to mass protests, which transformed into a nationwide armed campaign against the military.

Long-standing ethnic militaries and new organizations created in the wake of the coup have taken control of much of Myanmar’s border territory since then, effectively locking the junta into the central plains. Under constant losses, the junta this year enacted a compulsory military service law to recruit more soldiers into its ranks.

UNICEF statistics indicate that close to 3.5 million individuals have been internally displaced in Myanmar, with over a third of them being children as of 2024.

Rohingya Sufferings and Cross-Border Issues

Millions of Rohingya who were forced out of Myanmar’s military crackdowns are stuck in refugee camps in Bangladesh. The camps last year saw an escalation of militant recruitment and violence, further putting pressure on an already deplorable humanitarian crisis.

Astrologer Arrested in Myanmar for TikTok Earthquake Prediction

April 25, 2025, 2:47 pm

Myanmar authorities arrested astrologer John Moe following his trending TikTok video, which made another massive earthquake prediction, resulting in public hysteria. The April 9 post occurred just two weeks after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that left 3,500 dead and ruined ancient temples nationwide, BBC reported.

Astrologer Predicts the Earthquake

The astrologer, who had over 300,000 followers on his disabled account, foretold that an earthquake would hit all the cities in Myanmar on April 21. The video, which was viewed over three million times, told individuals to evacuate buildings when shaking and “take important things with you and run away from buildings during the shaking.” The caption also warned, “People should not stay in tall buildings during the day.”

Myanmar’s information ministry detained Moe The on Tuesday in Sagaing for issuing “false statements with the intent to cause public panic.” Seismologists and experts have explained that earthquakes cannot be predicted because of the complicated factors involved.

The effect of the prophecy was experienced on the ground. One resident of Yangon informed AFP that most of her neighbors were convinced by the video and preferred to sleep in the open outside on April 21 rather than in their homes.

Recent Devastating Earthquake

The arrest comes after the widespread devastation triggered by the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, specifically in the Mandalay and Sagaing areas. The magnitude of the earthquake led to Myanmar’s military government urgently appealing for international assistance.

The earthquake’s effects were felt as far as 1,000 kilometers away, including in neighboring Thailand, where tremors caused a construction site collapse in Bangkok, tragically killing dozens of workers. As Reuters reports, “the collapse of the construction site in Bangkok underscored the widespread impact of the earthquake with the spillover effect felt beyond the country of Myanmar.

IAF Pilots Tackle Spoofing Attack During Earthquake Relief Operation

April 15, 2025, 11:39 am

The Indian Air Force flew a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Hindon Airbase on March 29. It carried tonnes of relief material for Myanmar, which had just suffered a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks. However, while flying over Myanmar, the crew suddenly faced GPS spoofing.

As a result, the pilots quickly switched to backup systems. Despite the surprise, they stayed calm. They used their training to keep both the crew and aircraft safe.

Foreign Interference Likely Behind the Attack

Clearly, this GPS interference came from a foreign source. Experts believe it was a deliberate attack on a military aircraft on a peace mission. It sent a strong message to whoever tried to sabotage the flight.

So now, the question is—who tried to mislead humanitarian flights heading to Myanmar?

Data Confirms GPS Spoofing in Myanmar

According to GPSJam.org, a site that tracks GPS interference worldwide, there was major disruption in Myanmar’s skies on March 29. This wasn’t an isolated case. For example, in August 2024, pilots in the Middle East also reported GPS spoofing. Their navigation systems picked up fake signals, throwing them off course by hundreds of miles. In some cases, they lost all navigation and had to rely on air traffic controllers.

In Foreign Policy, Amy Mackinnon reported how this dangerous trend has become more common.

Maps Show Concentrated Interference

Data from GPSJam.org showed clear GPS disruption over southern Myanmar, especially near Yangon and the Irrawaddy Delta. The map highlighted red zones, meaning GPS interference levels went above 10%. These zones pointed to a focused attack on satellite navigation.

Importantly, experts said this wasn’t just signal jamming. Spoofing is worse—it sends fake signals that trick the aircraft into thinking it’s in the wrong location. As Mackinnon noted, spoofing is more dangerous because it can “infect” the aircraft’s inertial reference system.”

Coco Islands Could Be Involved

Interestingly, the spoofing happened close to the Coco Islands. These islands, under Myanmar’s control, lie just 300 to 400 kilometres from the red zone. Many experts believe these islands house radar and intelligence facilities.

If those islands have long-range electronic warfare systems, they could interfere with Myanmar’s airspace. The location, along with the timing of the spoofing, strongly suggests a planned and targeted operation.

Furthermore, Todd Humphreys, an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Texas, said such spoofing attacks are becoming more frequent in military zones. Politico’s Matt Berg also highlighted this trend.

Deliberate Attack, Not a Random Error

Clearly, the spoofing over Myanmar looked intentional and well-planned. It likely came from nearby strategic locations. The sudden appearance of interference in one area, while the rest of the region stayed clear, added to these suspicions.

On April 14, the IAF confirmed the incident. It said one of its transport aircraft faced “temporary navigational anomalies” near Myanmar on March 29. This admission backed up the GPSJam.org data and matched earlier reports.

The possibility of degraded GPS availability was published by Mandalay International airport as NOTAM and all due precautions were put in place to cater for such conditions.

IAF crew are well capable to handle such unavailability, while ensuring safety of flight and achievement…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 14, 2025

Evidence Points to Coco Islands

So far, all signs point toward the Coco Islands. The interference happened close to these islands. If the suspected radar or electronic warfare systems are indeed there, they may be responsible.

Military aircraft like the C-130J have advanced backup systems. Therefore, if such a plane faces GPS issues, the spoofing must be highly advanced and well-coordinated.

For years, India has worried about Chinese-linked infrastructure in Myanmar. This includes suspected military setups on the Coco Islands. If the spoofing did come from there, it marks a major step in how hostile powers try to control regional airspace.

Global Spoofing Cases Show a Pattern

This event is part of a larger pattern. Around the world, GPS spoofing has appeared in conflict zones. In Eastern Europe, experts linked similar interference to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Similarly, in the Middle East, Israel reportedly used GPS spoofing to protect itself from missiles during the Gaza war. These reports appeared in Politico and The New York Times by journalists Matt Berg and Selam Gebrekidan.

Taken together, these incidents show a growing reliance on GPS spoofing in modern warfare. They also suggest the Coco Islands may now serve as a hub for electronic warfare. This development could seriously affect regional flight safety and airspace security.

Myanmar Earthquake Miracle: Man Pulled Alive from Rubble After 108 Hours

April 2, 2025, 4:02 pm

Myanmar rescue teams are still searching for survivors after a deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the nation five days ago. In a dramatic twist, a 26-year-old hotel employee, Naing Lin Tun, was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed structure in Naypyitaw on early Wednesday. The rescue, carried out by a combined Turkish and national team, lasted more than nine hours.

Rescue workers utilized an endoscopic camera to find Naing Lin Tun buried in the rubble before slowly pulling him out through a hole in the ground. Dust-covered and visibly frail, he seemed to be conscious as paramedics gave him an IV drip before taking him to the hospital. His survival after 108 hours has offered a glimmer of hope amid the rising death toll.

State broadcaster MRTV reports the quake has killed a minimum of 2,886 and injured 4,639, although independent accounts indicate figures may be even higher.

Widespread Devastation and Regional Impact

The devastating earthquake, which hit midday on Friday, has left thousands of houses destroyed, bridges fallen, and roads blocked. The devastation added to the prevailing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, in which more than 3 million people were displaced as a result of internal strife.

The earthquake also caused an impact in neighboring Thailand, in which a Bangkok under-construction high-rise building collapsed. There were 22 people confirmed dead by Bangkok authorities, with 34 others wounded in the construction site.

Ongoing Civil War in Myanmar and Reports of Attacks on Aid Convoys

Myanmar’s political unrest has also made relief efforts more difficult. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a dominant coalition of militias that has taken vast amounts of land from the military, announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire to support humanitarian operations. Nevertheless, fighting continues in some pockets.

A recent occurrence was the reported attack on a Chinese Red Cross convoy with relief for Mandalay. Myanmar’s military was blamed for firing on a convoy of nine Red Cross trucks late Tuesday near Ohn Ma Tee village in Shan State by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, which is a militia group under the Brotherhood Alliance. The military junta accused the security forces of opening fire only in the form of warning shots when an unidentified convoy failed to stop.

Chinese Foreign Ministry official Guo Jiakun told us that aid shipments had landed safely in Myanmar but said nothing about the purported attack. This ongoing violence demonstrates the difficulties the humanitarian groups, trying to send relief to battered communities, now face.

Aid Response International to Myanmar

International relief is starting to reach Myanmar as nations commit money.

Australia: Promised an additional $4.5 million worth of aid in addition to its previous $1.25 million commitment.
India: Sent two Navy vessels with supplies and deployed 200 rescue personnel.
China: Sent 270 rescue workers.
Russia: Sent 212 rescue personnel.
UAE: Donated 122 personnel.
United States: USAID deployed a three-person assessment team and committed $2 million in emergency aid.

However, logistical difficulties and a deficiency of infrastructure in certain areas are hindering the provision of aid to outlying regions. Numerous communities lack electricity, cellular networks, or roads, complicating the process of estimating the extent of destruction.

The Extent of Damage Beyond Major Cities

Accounts from areas beyond urban centers report heavy casualties and damage.

In Singu township, about 65 km (40 miles) north of Mandalay, 27 gold miners were killed in a cave-in, according to the independent Democratic Voice of Burma.
In Inle Lake, northeast of the capital, many residents died when their stilt homes collapsed into the water, as reported by the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar.

Desperate For Aid: Myanmar Quake Survivors Face Shelter, Water, And Medical Crisis UN Says

April 1, 2025, 7:47 pm

The fatal earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday with a magnitude of 7.7 has left more than 2,700 dead and thousands injured, leaving huge damage to infrastructure and vital services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a grim prediction of an acute shortage of essential items like shelter, clean water, and medicine in the areas affected by the earthquake.

OCHA Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar Marcoluigi Corsi drew attention to the desperate situation, noting that survivors are forced to sleep outdoors due to no electricity and no running water. The UN also worries about the outbreaks of cholera because sources of drinking water have been contaminated, water pipes and septic tanks were destroyed. “It is critically urgent – the number one priority is water,” UNICEF Deputy Representative Julia Rees said in a press briefing, adding the increasing heat conditions aggravated the crisis.

Hospitals across the nation are swamped, and medical aid is running low, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. The UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, has rated the emergency as a upper-level crisis and is working feverishly to get life-saving assistance delivered, such as plastic sheeting, sleeping material, and mosquito nets. But response efforts are being severely hampered by destruction of major transportation corridors, with some trips taking nearly twice as long as usual.

The fighting in Myanmar continues to complicate relief efforts, with live explosive ordnance posing a threat to humanitarian personnel in some areas. As the extent of damage widens, international organizations continue to call for unfettered access to provide life-saving aid to the millions of affected individuals.

Myanmar Earthquake: Chinese Men Caught Stealing Documents from Bangkok Building Collapse Site

March 31, 2025, 1:51 pm

While officials investigate the collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok after last week’s earthquake in Myanmar, four Chinese nationals are being held in custody for attempting to steal confidential documents from the site of the disaster.

The Nation reported that the men were arrested breaking into the closed-off area where the building collapsed and were found taking more than 30 files. The building, which belonged to a Chinese-funded construction site, was the sole high-rise building in Bangkok to collapse during the tremors of the 7.7-magnitude quake. The sudden collapse resulted in a heap of rubble, pinning several under it and sending alarm bells on disaster site security.

32 Files Stolen from the Collapse Site

Bangkok Police Major General Nopasin Poolswat confirmed that the suspects had stolen 32 files from the State Audit Office (SAO) building. Police were alerted after they received reports of individuals taking documents from the restricted area.

One of the arrested men, during interrogation, produced a valid work permit and identified himself as being the project manager for a building project. The three others were subsequently discovered with blueprints and other documents pertaining to the fallen building. They claimed that they required the papers for claims purposes and had dropped them at the site in a makeshift office.

Although released, the four men were charged with violating laws of public safety for entering into an area affected by a disaster and removing sensitive documents without authority.

Scrutiny on the Chinese Construction Firm

The fall of the China-funded skyscraper has put the company under greater scrutiny, with reports of its safety measures and previous construction collapses raised. The accident has also renewed debates regarding the handling of sensitive information, emergency regulation compliance, and contractor obligations on construction sites.

Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises

In the meantime, the death toll from Myanmar’s catastrophic earthquake keeps rising. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the nation’s most powerful in a century, hit on Friday, killing an estimated 1,700, injuring 3,400, and leaving more than 300 missing as of Sunday, the military government said. Hospitals are saturated, and relief teams are fighting to help stricken communities with limited resources.

Myanmar Junta Launches Airstrikes Amid Earthquake Devastation, Sparking Outrage

March 31, 2025, 3:21 am

With Myanmar reeling from a devastating earthquake that left about 1,700 people dead, the military junta is being roundly criticized for persisting with airstrikes in villages rather than responding with meaningful relief efforts.

The Karen National Union (KNU), which is one of the oldest ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar, criticized the military, saying that while the disaster caused immense suffering, the junta “continues to conduct airstrikes on civilian areas.” The organization accused the military of choosing to attack rather than provide humanitarian assistance.

Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been involved in a civil war, with the military under siege from several armed opposition groups. After the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, military jets conducted air and drone attacks in Karen state, close to the KNU’s headquarters, said the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian group working in the area.

The earthquake struck at the junta’s own border and into territories under the resistance’s control, respectively. Reacting to the news, the National Unity Government – comprising leaders from the now overthrown government, called off for two weeks a no-attacks pledge on junta-led militia groups on offensive duties in favor of more search-and-rescue work.

Richard Horsey, a senior analyst on Myanmar at Crisis Group, said that although there are some groups which have suspended attacks, fighting continues elsewhere. “The regime also continues to carry out airstrikes, including in affected areas. That must stop,” he told Reuters. “Clashes continue in other areas,” he added.

He also condemned the junta for its apparent absence in areas affected by disasters, adding that their local fire brigades, ambulance teams, and community groups have taken over, while the military, which normally assumes command of disaster relief, is mostly absent.

Why Is Myanmar Prone To Earthquakes? How The Sagaing Fault Shapes Its Seismic Future | TDG Explainer

March 30, 2025, 7:52 am

Myanmar experienced two consecutive earthquakes on Friday, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 6.4, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was in central Myanmar, about 50 kilometers east of Monywa. The disaster left over 1,000 dead and thousands injured, causing massive destruction.

Myanmar’s High Seismic Risk

Myanmar is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. According to the Global Seismic Risk Map, the country falls in a high-risk earthquake zone. The primary reason for this is the Sagaing Fault, a major continental right-lateral transform fault that runs approximately 1,200 kilometers through Myanmar, separating the Indian and Sunda plates.

The Sagaing Fault is known for frequent seismic activity. It experiences movement rates between 11 mm and 18 mm annually, accumulating significant stress over time. When this stress is released, it triggers powerful earthquakes, as seen in the recent disaster.

How Do Earthquakes Occur?

Earthquakes happen when tectonic plates move against each other, causing friction. This sudden movement releases energy, resulting in violent ground shaking. In some cases, earthquakes can also trigger secondary disasters like landslides, tsunamis, and flooding.

Despite appearing solid, Earth’s surface is constantly shifting. It consists of four layers: a solid crust, a hot mantle, a liquid outer core, and a solid inner core. The lithosphere, which includes the crust and the upper mantle, is broken into massive tectonic plates that float over the semi-fluid mantle beneath. These plates are always in motion, and when they interact, they cause earthquakes.

When stress builds up at a fault line, it eventually reaches a breaking point, causing the plates to slip abruptly. This event releases seismic waves, which radiate outward from the epicenter. The strongest shaking occurs near the epicenter, but its effects can be felt across vast distances.

How Are Earthquakes Measured?

Scientists use magnitude and intensity to assess an earthquake’s impact:

Magnitude measures the total energy released. The USGS now uses the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) instead of the Richter Scale for larger earthquakes.
Intensity gauges the shaking and damage, which varies by location. The Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is commonly used for this assessment.

Impact in Bangkok

The earthquake’s tremors reached Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story under-construction building collapsed, killing at least 10 people. Rescuers are searching for nearly 100 missing workers. Over 2,000 structural damage reports have been filed, prompting building inspections across the city.

While Bangkok did not face widespread destruction, dramatic footage captured swaying skyscrapers, overflowing rooftop pools, and emergency hospital evacuations. Some medical procedures were even conducted outdoors due to safety concerns.

India’s Humanitarian Effort – Operation Brahma

India has launched Operation Brahma to aid Myanmar’s earthquake victims. The first shipment of humanitarian aid, including essential supplies like tents, blankets, water purifiers, hygiene kits, and medicines, has already reached Yangon Airport.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed via X (formerly Twitter), “First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is closely monitoring the situation, confirming that no Indian nationals have been reported injured. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand is coordinating with local authorities, ensuring assistance for Indian citizens, though no casualties have been reported in Bangkok.

Myanmar Shaken By Three More Quakes, Death Toll Nears 1,650

March 29, 2025, 9:17 pm

Myanmar was hit with several aftershocks on Saturday, a day following a destructive 7.7-magnitude earthquake that left more than 1,000 people dead. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 5.1-magnitude earthquake close to the capital city of Naypyidaw at 2:50 PM IST, while India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded it at 4.7 magnitude. Both centers confirmed the quake had a depth of 10 kilometers.

Myanmar has been struck by at least three small earthquakes on March 29, with magnitudes of 3.6 to 4.7, according to the NCS. But it is not yet known if the new quakes have resulted in further damage.

The earthquakes and aftershocks have made recovery efforts even more difficult. Large sections of Naypyidaw are still without electricity, telephone, and internet connections as officials try to repair communication lines and roads.

The death toll stands at a minimum of 1,644, with Mandalay Myanmar’s second largest city and residence of 1.5 million people being the most devastated region. The government led by the military warned that the toll may increase higher as rescue operations are underway. Authorities have informed that specific casualty numbers are being tabulated. The USGS has approximated that fatalities can be up to 10,000.

Concurrently, the quake’s effects didn’t stop on Myanmar’s territories. In Thailand, the shakes caused a half-built 33-story skyscraper in Bangkok to collapse, burying at least nine people dead. Rescue attempts on the premises are on the second day as 47 others, most of them Myanmar nationals, remain under the debris trapped.

Thai authorities described earthquake damage to houses, hospitals, and monasteries, especially in provinces in the north such as Chiang Mai. Deaths, however, have thus far been confirmed only in the capital city, Bangkok.

7.7-Magnitude Myanmar Earthquake: 144 Dead, 732 Injured, UN allocates $5M

March 29, 2025, 8:41 am

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, resulting in at least 144 deaths and injuring over 732 people. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. The quake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, and was followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock 11 minutes later.

Myanmar’s military junta leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, acknowledged the scale of destruction and urged international aid. “I have requested international support for relief efforts and have accepted offers from the AHA Center and India,” he stated in a televised speech. Hospitals in Naypyidaw, Mandalay, and Sagaing are overwhelmed with victims, further complicating the crisis.

Impact in Myanmar and Surrounding Regions

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that the final death toll could surpass 1,000 as many areas remain inaccessible. Myanmar lies in an active seismic zone, but the impact of this quake was particularly severe as it struck densely populated areas.

The tremors were also felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, causing structural damage in Ruili and intense shaking in Mangshi. Reports indicate that residents struggled to remain standing as aftershocks continued. A 4.2-magnitude tremor was recorded in Myanmar at 11:56 p.m. local time on Friday, increasing concerns about further seismic activity.

International Aid and Relief Efforts

In response to the disaster, the United Nations has pledged $5 million in emergency relief funds for affected communities in Myanmar. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that aid teams are mobilizing in Southeast Asia to provide immediate assistance.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration would extend support to Myanmar, stating, “We’re going to be helping.” Meanwhile, India is set to send over 15 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, sleeping bags, food supplies, water purifiers, hygiene kits, and essential medicines. The aid package will be transported via an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon.

Thai High-Rise Collapse Kills 10

The earthquake’s impact extended to neighboring Thailand, where a 33-story building under construction in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district collapsed, killing at least 10 people. The collapse sent a massive dust cloud into the air, triggering panic among onlookers and halting traffic in the vicinity. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting them to hospitals.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed authorities to remain on high alert for potential aftershocks and ensure public safety. While she did not confirm additional casualties, concerns remain over further structural instability in affected areas.

Global Reactions and Ongoing Concerns

The devastation in Myanmar has drawn global attention. Amnesty International highlighted the crisis, pointing out that Myanmar was already grappling with displaced populations and limited humanitarian aid. The Vatican issued a statement confirming that Pope Francis, recovering from a recent hospitalization, is praying for the earthquake victims in both Myanmar and Thailand.

Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their search for survivors, including Buddhist monks trapped in the rubble of Phaya Taung Monastery in Mandalay. As relief efforts ramp up, experts warn of the potential for further aftershocks, emphasizing the urgent need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to aid affected communities.

Myanmar Earthquake: 144 Killed, 732 Injured, 9 Killed As Junta Seeks Global Aid

March 28, 2025, 11:31 pm

A strong 7.7-magnitude quake hit Myanmar’s central region, killing at least 144 and injuring 732, the nation’s military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, said. The leader of the junta threatened that the number of dead would likely increase and called for a rare international aid plea, urging “any country, any organization” to help with relief.

The earthquake struck at 1:20 PM local time with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and its epicenter was a mere 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The quake resulted in massive destruction, felling buildings and compelling hospitals within the capital city, Naypyidaw, to treat outdoor patients due to building damage. Casualties are reported in Mandalay, together with the towns of Toungoo and Aungban.

The effect spilled over Myanmar’s borders, leveling neighboring Thailand. In the capital city of Bangkok, a half-built skyscraper collapsed, killing three and leaving at least 81 trapped under the debris. Rescue crews are racing to find survivors.

Although the extent of destruction in Myanmar is unclear, initial video evidence on social media indicates buildings fell down and vast amounts of damage occurred in central areas. The tragedy has heightened a sensitive situation in the country, which has a military-led government, as government officials battle to organize relief efforts.

Earthquake Shakes Myanmar, Historic Ava Bridge Collapses | WATCH

March 28, 2025, 2:22 pm

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday, causing shocks as far as Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand. The earthquake resulted in extensive damage, with footage spreading of ruined structures in the two countries. A particularly jarring clip showed the destruction of the ancient Ava Bridge, a key monument connecting Myanmar’s Ava and Sagaing areas. Also destroyed during the earthquake was an as-yet-uncompleted building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market.

Ava Bridge Collapses

Constructed in 1934 by the British colonial authorities, the Ava Bridge consisted of 16 spans and spanned the Irrawaddy River, connecting the Ava and Sagaing regions. The earthquake whose epicentre was approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Monywa in the center of Myanmar shook the nation. Barely 12 minutes after the first jolt, a powerful 6.4-magnitude aftershock hit Myanmar’s Sagaing division, adding to the destruction.

Watch:

A powerful earthquake, with 7.7 richter scale in magnitude, near the epicenter Mandalay, Myanmar.

It causes the Ava Bridge in Myanmar and unknown 14 floors building in Thailand collapse.

Pray for Myanmar and Thailand ? #แผ่นดินไหว #earthquake #breakingnews pic.twitter.com/otvBZdtkfe

— Queen (@QueenSNabila) March 28, 2025

Social Media Blasts Back

The huge quake was experienced even in Delhi-NCR and elicited an onslaught of reaction on social media. One notably chilling video indicated a skyscraper rooftop infinity pool swinging precariously, as water flowed off the edges of it.

Take a look:

Whole Bangkok shook like Crazy! #Bangkok #earthquake pic.twitter.com/99v7ySZDGc

— Srushti Gopani (@DrSrushtiG) March 28, 2025

India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) registered the quake as a 7.2-magnitude event in Myanmar, whereas the China Earthquake Networks Center logged it at a strong 7.9 magnitude in Yunnan.

A light earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 had hit Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday at 4:38 PM. The epicenter of the tremor lay at 24.21°N, 82.57°E, with a depth of 5 kilometers.

Rebel Forces Seize Key Rare-Earth Mining Belt in Myanmar, Disrupting Global Supply

March 28, 2025, 1:50 pm

Armed rebels in Myanmar took control of the country’s rare-earth mining region, delivering a severe setback to the ruling military junta in October . The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which led the offensive, now controls sites responsible for producing nearly half of the world’s heavy rare earths. These minerals are essential for manufacturing wind turbines and electric vehicles. The takeover has significantly disrupted supply, causing a spike in terbium oxide prices.

China Faces Challenges in Myanmar

The KIA aims to use rare earths as leverage against China, which has backed Myanmar’s military and heavily invested in mining operations in Kachin state. According to sources, the rebels seek to weaken the junta’s ties with Beijing.

Data from Chinese customs, previously unreported, shows that China’s rare earth imports from Myanmar plummeted to 311 metric tons in February—an 89% drop from the previous year. The sharp decline started after the KIA’s offensive in October.

India Enters the Picture

While China struggles to maintain its grip, India has expressed growing interest in Myanmar’s rare earth reserves. In late 2024, Indian officials from a state-run mining and refining firm reportedly visited Kachin to assess potential opportunities. The KIA, one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic militias, has imposed a high tax on Chinese-operated rare-earth miners near Panwa and Chipwe towns.

The Impact on China’s Rare Earth Market

China, one of the military junta’s strongest supporters, continues to see the regime as a stabilizing force along its border. However, Myanmar’s military has lost control of most frontier regions since a major rebel offensive in 2023. In response to the situation, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry stated that Beijing remains committed to promoting peace talks and assisting in the peace process in northern Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s rare earth crisis has affected global prices. The Shanghai Metals Market reported that terbium oxide prices surged 21.9% between September 2023 and March 2024, reaching 6,550 yuan per kg. Dysprosium oxide prices, however, dipped slightly by 3.2% due to lower demand.

The Growing Stalemate and Economic Fallout

The unrest in Myanmar’s mining sector could have long-term global consequences. Research firm Adamas Intelligence warned that an extended shutdown may lead to volatile rare earth prices and a shift in market dynamics. China’s dominance in the sector relies on Myanmar’s supply, making prolonged disruptions problematic.

Chinese mining firms initially expanded operations in Kachin in the 2010s after Beijing imposed stricter domestic regulations. The industry grew further after Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, with the junta allowing operations to continue. However, unchecked mining severely damaged the environment, leaving the region scarred with toxic waste pools.

Since taking over, the KIA has imposed a 20% tax, rendering mining unprofitable for many local operators. The rebels seek to pressure China into recognizing their authority over the borderlands and stopping its support for the junta. Despite ongoing negotiations, Beijing appears hesitant to meet the KIA’s demands. If China fails to adapt, it risks losing control over Myanmar’s rare earth reserves.

KIA’s Next Steps and India’s Growing Interest

The KIA recently permitted the shipment of existing rare earth inventories to China. However, to resume full-scale mining operations, they need cooperation from Chinese workers, who possess the technical expertise. “Without them, this won’t work, full stop,” said Singapore-based rare-earths expert Thomas Kruemmer.

Meanwhile, India is exploring alternative supply chains. In December, India’s state-owned mining company, IREL, sent a delegation to Kachin to assess resources. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that India is willing to pay higher prices than China for rare earths.

Despite India’s interest, multiple challenges remain. The rugged terrain along the India-Myanmar border complicates transportation, and northeastern India lacks direct links to the country’s major industrial hubs. Additionally, India currently lacks the infrastructure to process heavy rare earths into industrial-grade magnets, a process dominated by China and Japan.

Still, as power dynamics shift, the KIA may seek alternatives if China refuses to recognize the new reality. “If Beijing does not acknowledge the changing power dynamics, the KIA will have to open alternative options,” said Dan Seng Lawn of the Kachinland Research Centre.

Myanmar’s rare-earth crisis has thrown global supply chains into uncertainty. The KIA’s control over the mining belt has disrupted China’s supply and opened opportunities for India. While the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: Myanmar’s rebel offensive has reshaped the rare-earth market, with potential consequences for global technology and energy industries.

Myanmar Deports Over 2,800 Chinese Nationals Linked to Telecom Fraud Cases

March 15, 2025, 9:39 pm

Myanmar has repatriated 2,876 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud as part of a joint operation with China and Thailand, the Ministry of Public Security said on Friday.

Mass Repatriation Underway

Of the 2,876 suspects, 2,255 were just airlifted back to China on chartered planes under Chinese police escort. The mass repatriation is a major triumph for the tri-nation crackdown that started on Feb 20, targeting telemedicine fraud rings run across Myanmar, Thailand, and China.

“This operation is a strong warning to international criminal organizations,” the Ministry of Public Security said.

China Cracks Down on Telecom Fraud

China has intensified efforts to combat telecom fraud, ensuring the safety of its citizens. Last month, a Chinese court sentenced four key figures involved in cross-border fraud to life imprisonment as part of the nationwide crackdown.

Telecom fraud hubs along the Myanmar-Thailand border are becoming increasingly troublesome, with victims from several nations, including India and China, losing significant sums of money. Scammers, sometimes disguising themselves as officials, have been implicated in several banking scams, forcing victims into online financial frauds.

Scam Networks Exploit Foreign Workers

In February, hundreds of foreign workers from 20 nationalities, including Indians, were rescued by an ethnic armed group in Myanmar’s Karen state from being trafficked into fraud centers. The workers were subsequently surrendered to the Thai army by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA).

The majority of victims were tricked by fake job postings, where they thought they were going to work in Thailand but were instead trafficked to Myanmar and coerced into cyber scams.

Increased Instances of Forcibly Conducted Cyber Scams

According to a BBC report in Thailand, scam rings targeted English- and Chinese-speaking workers to dupe international victims. Karen state armed groups have been accused of guarding scam compounds while permitting exploitation and abuse of trafficking victims compelled to labor in these facilities.

One recent case that outraged China was that of actor Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand with the promise of a role in a film, only to be trafficked into Myanmar and forced into operating online scams. He was eventually rescued by Thai authorities, and his case went viral in China, highlighting the extent of these scam networks.

China has committed to enhancing global law enforcement cooperation for the eradication of telecom scams and safeguarding its citizens from cross-border extortion schemes.

Putin Praises Myanmar Ties, Thanks Junta Chief For ‘Elephant Diplomacy’ Amid Military Deals

March 5, 2025, 2:12 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday praised Russia’s improving ties with Myanmar in a meeting with its army junta ruler, Min Aung Hlaing. He also thanked Myanmar for its special present of six elephants to Moscow.

Experts have referred to this exchange as part of “elephant diplomacy,” citing that it coincides with Moscow’s recent handover of six fighter jets to Myanmar. Both countries, which Western powers frequently criticize, have been strengthening relations in trade and military cooperation.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the friendship declaration between our nations,” Putin said to Hlaing at their Kremlin meeting, adding that two-way trade had jumped 40% in the last year. The two also inked an agreement on the building of a small-scale nuclear power plant in Myanmar, with Russia’s Rosatom announcing plans for a 100-megawatt plant, with possible future expansion.

Putin also declared that the Myanmar military will take part in Moscow’s May 9th Victory Day Parade, marking 80 years since the victory in World War II over Nazi Germany. Hlaing, who rarely leaves the country, admired Russian military technology and endorsed Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Myanmar has been embroiled in instability since the 2021 coup that deposed Aung San Suu Kyi, erupting into civil war. The junta currently faces severe economic woes and widespread humanitarian crises, as a third of Myanmar’s population is in need, says the UN.

In spite of foreign sanctions, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin indicated continued trade and investment prospects, especially in agriculture, nuclear power, transport, and infrastructure. Russian companies are also interested in investments at Myanmar’s Dawei Special Economic Zone, a much-delayed industrial and transport center.

Myanmar’s ruling military junta will supposedly hold elections this year, but critics view the move as a ploy to maintain control through manipulated political moves.

Myanmar Junta Airstrike At Rakhine Detention Site Killing 28 Children

January 19, 2025, 11:20 pm

Myanmar’s military junta airstrike killed 28, including children and injured 25 others, the Arakan Army (AA) said in an announcement today after an attack in western Rakhine state, at a temporary detention site of families of soldiers of the Myanmar military. The attack was staged on Saturday at Mrauk-U Township where the families were being detained by the AA.

The AA, which has been at loggerheads with the military over control of Rakhine, said the airstrike occurred around 4:45 PM local time. “Those killed and wounded were family members of Myanmar Army soldiers, whom we had detained during fighting,” the AA said in a Telegram post. The group claimed it was to release the detainees when the airstrike hit.

The list, shared by the AA, shows that among the dead are nine children, including a two-year-old boy, and several women. Photos from the scene showed rows of bodies covered in white sheets, with grieving relatives nearby.

AFP’s efforts to seek comments on the incident from the junta went in vain. Attacks by the military have often come under persistent allegations that they deliberately hit civilians with air and artillery strikes as it fights different armed groups scattered all over the nation. It is still unclear what precipitated the airstrike in Mrauk-U whether the military miscalculated or did not know that the place was an arrestee facility.

The AA has gained significant control over Rakhine in recent months, nearly isolating the state capital, Sittwe. The broader conflict in Myanmar has escalated since the military coup in 2021, which deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and ignited widespread resistance.

The United Nations reported that over 3.5 million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, with Rakhine facing a looming famine due to disrupted commerce and agriculture.

Chinese Actor Disappears in Thailand, Found Days Later in Myanmar

January 7, 2025, 8:27 pm

A Chinese actor who went missing last week near the Thai-Myanmar border has been found in Myanmar and is believed to have fallen victim to human trafficking, according to Thai authorities, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday.

“The immigration authorities have picked up the person concerned, and we are conducting relevant inquiries according to rules,” China’s consulate in Chiang Mai, a city in northwestern Thailand, said in a statement.

Wang Xing, 22, was last seen in Thailand’s northern Tak province, which borders Myanmar. The area is known for large-scale criminal enterprises and human trafficking operations run by organized gangs.

“From our initial inquiry, we believe he was a victim of human trafficking,” said Police Inspector General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot. He explained that Wang had been lured to Thailand under the pretext of a casting call but was instead trained to scam other Chinese nationals. Thatchai added that Wang had not been assaulted or abused. Wang arrived in Bangkok early on Friday morning and was escorted through immigration control by someone claiming to be a member of the production crew. He was then driven to Mae Sot, about 500km (310 miles) from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where contact was lost around midday, according to a social media post by Wang’s girlfriend, identified only by her surname, Kang.

Wang has since been returned to Thailand. The case has drawn significant attention on Chinese social media, sparking concerns about its potential impact on Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industry, a key sector of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, with China being its largest market.

“We must handle this carefully to prevent any negative effects on Thai tourism,” said Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Last year, Thailand welcomed 35.55 million foreign visitors, including 6.74 million from China.

Southeast Asia, particularly border towns in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, has become a hotspot for telecom and online fraud, according to the United Nations. The UN reports that hundreds of thousands of individuals have been trafficked into scam centres.

Most trafficking victims are from Southeast Asian countries, as well as China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, but others have been brought from regions as far away as Africa and Latin America, the UN added.

Myanmar Junta Releases 6,000 Prisoners On Independence Day: Amnesty Or Political Move?

January 4, 2025, 12:58 pm

Myanmar’s military junta has declared the amnesty release of almost 6,000 prisoners for a typical amnesty to mark the nation’s 77th Independence Day. The amnesty, released on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, will let over 5,800 prisoners out from its prisons, including 180 foreigners who will be deported after their release. The junta specified neither the crimes for which the prisoners were convicted nor the nationalities of foreign detainees but reported that 144 people sentenced to life imprisonment will have their sentence reduced to 15 years.

This move comes as Myanmar marks its independence from British colonial rule, though the country has been under military control since the 2021 coup that overthrew the democratically elected government. The military junta has arrested thousands of activists and protesters who opposed the coup, fueling ongoing political unrest.

Myanmar often pardons prisoners on national holidays or Buddhist festivals. Last year, the junta released more than 9,000 prisoners on Independence Day.

On the occasion, some 500 government and military officials attended the junta’s annual independence ceremony in Naypyidaw. The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, was not present, but his speech was delivered by Deputy Army Chief Soe Win, who reaffirmed the junta’s commitment to holding delayed elections and called for peace with the ethnic armed groups fighting the military for control of parts of the country.

Soe Win appealed to the groups to disarm and find an amicable political settlement, even as junta’s promise for democratic reforms remain doubted.

ASEAN Ministers Hold Emergency Meeting To Tackle Myanmar Crisis In Bangkok

December 5, 2024, 1:20 pm

ASEAN member states are set to hold a ministerial meeting in Thailand later this month to address the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat announced on Thursday.

Invited by Laos, the current ASEAN chair, the meeting will focus on implementing the bloc’s five-point consensus plan, designed to resolve the political and humanitarian turmoil following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.

The plan, introduced in April 2021, has seen minimal progress as Myanmar’s junta continues its violent crackdown on dissent and ignores calls for dialogue from its regional neighbors.

At October’s ASEAN summit, leaders reiterated their demand for an “immediate cessation” of violence, stressing the need for a “Myanmar-owned and -led” national dialogue and improved conditions for humanitarian aid delivery.

The ministerial talks are scheduled to begin on December 20, with Indonesia’s foreign minister among the expected attendees.

Rohingya Refugees Rescued From Sinking Boat As Indonesia Faces Surge In Sea Arrivals

November 30, 2024, 7:21 pm

More than 110 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, arrived safely in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Saturday after their boat encountered difficulties and almost sank, officials reported. The refugees were rescued by local fishermen in East Aceh’s Birem Bayeun district.

The Rohingya, originally from Myanmar and recognized as the world’s largest stateless group, often attempt perilous journeys to escape dire conditions in refugee camps. They typically travel by boat from Southeast Asia, particularly between October and April, when the seas are calmer.

This group’s arrival comes just a month after around 400 Rohingya refugees landed in Aceh and North Sumatra. Their boat had reportedly sustained damage during the journey.

The Rohingya are a persecuted ethnic group, facing severe abuse in Myanmar where they are denied citizenship and regarded as foreign intruders. Over 1 million Rohingya refugees currently live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, marking it as the largest refugee camp globally.

Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Indonesia, which is not a signatory to the U.N. Refugee Convention, has expressed its inability to accommodate more refugees. Tensions are rising as local resentment grows over the influx of Rohingya refugees. Last year, over 2,000 Rohingya arrived in Indonesia, surpassing the total number of arrivals in the previous four years combined.

ICC Targets Myanmar’s Military Leader For Rohingya Atrocities In Major Legal Move

November 27, 2024, 6:46 pm

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Wednesday that he would seek an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, accusing him of crimes against humanity in the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority. The charges relate to the 2017 military offensive that forced over a million Rohingya to flee, mostly to neighboring Bangladesh.

A spokesperson for Myanmar’s ruling junta did not respond to requests for comment, but international human rights groups have long accused the Myanmar military of committing atrocities during the operation, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the destruction of hundreds of villages in Rakhine state. The United Nations has referred to the offensive as “ethnic cleansing.”

Myanmar’s military government denies the allegations, claiming its actions were legitimate operations against militants who attacked police posts. Despite these denials, Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh live in dire conditions, with many enduring years of hardship in refugee camps.

Mohammed Zubair, a Rohingya researcher living in a Bangladesh camp, emphasized the role of Min Aung Hlaing in orchestrating the violence. “Under his command, the military killed thousands of Rohingya and subjected countless women and girls to horrific acts of sexual violence,” Zubair said.

Nicholas Koumjian, head of the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, underscored the significance of seeking an arrest warrant for such a high-ranking official. “Seeking a warrant for the person who holds the highest military position in Myanmar sends a strong message to perpetrators that no one stands above the law,” he said.

A panel of three judges will now assess whether there are sufficient grounds to believe that Min Aung Hlaing bears criminal responsibility for the deportation and persecution of the Rohingya. While there is no set timeline for the ruling, such decisions typically take around three months.

This move comes as the ICC prosecutor faces political backlash, particularly from Washington, following its recent arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense chief Yoav Gallant. However, the ICC stands by its independent investigation, which has drawn on witness testimonies, documentary evidence, and other materials.

Myanmar is not a member of the ICC, but judges have ruled that the court has jurisdiction over crimes committed partially in neighboring Bangladesh, an ICC member state. This ruling allowed the ICC to launch its investigation in 2018 and pursue arrest warrants.

The ICC’s investigation into the persecution of the Rohingya has been ongoing for nearly five years, but it has faced significant challenges, including a lack of access to Myanmar due to the ongoing political turmoil after the military coup in 2021.

Human rights organizations have welcomed the ICC’s move. Maria Elena Vignoli from Human Rights Watch called it an important step to break the cycle of impunity that has long fueled the military’s violations.

The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, relies on states to enforce its arrest warrants. Given Min Aung Hlaing’s limited international travel, his arrest could present a significant challenge for the ICC. The court has faced difficulties in bringing other high-profile leaders, such as Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, to trial. However, the court’s efforts continue, with the hope that holding Min Aung Hlaing accountable could signal a shift toward justice for the Rohingya.

China Assists Myanmar Rebel Group To Seek Peace Talks With Military After Year-Long Battle

November 26, 2024, 12:31 pm

Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic minority militia and part of a larger rebel alliance in Myanmar, has expressed its willingness to hold peace talks with the ruling military junta. This announcement comes after a year-long battle in the northern Shan state along Myanmar’s border with China, where the group has been engaged in heavy fighting against the military.

The TNLA, which is part of the alliance behind the “Operation 1027” offensive that has caused significant losses for Myanmar’s military, stated on Monday that it seeks to halt the air strikes in its region and is open to discussions to find a peaceful resolution. The group’s spokesperson, Lway Yay Oo, emphasized that civilians in the area were suffering due to ongoing strikes, and a peaceful solution was needed to end their hardship.

This call for dialogue comes amid increasing pressure from Myanmar’s powerful neighbor, China, which has historically supported Myanmar’s military regime. Beijing’s diplomatic efforts have been focused on stabilizing Myanmar, which has descended into turmoil since the military coup of 2021. The coup ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to widespread protests and a growing armed resistance.

In January, the TNLA and the junta reached a temporary ceasefire after China mediated talks, but this agreement collapsed by June, and fighting resumed. As of now, it remains unclear whether the junta, which has made no public comment on the TNLA’s proposal, is open to negotiations. The Myanmar parallel administration, the National Unity Government (NUG), however, urged China to consider the desires of Myanmar’s people in its diplomatic efforts, warning against actions that could undermine the nation’s democratic aspirations.

The TNLA’s announcement signals a shift in tactics as it seeks to end the ongoing conflict and mitigate the suffering of civilians in the war-torn region.

Myanmar Junta’s Grip Weakens As Ethnic Alliance Captures Key Town On China Highway

October 15, 2024, 6:44 pm

Fighters from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have seized control of Hsipaw, a significant town along a strategic highway leading to China, marking a major setback for Myanmar’s military junta. The TNLA captured the last military base in Hsipaw on Sunday after weeks of intense fighting, according to a spokesperson for the group.

The conflict in northern Shan state intensified this summer when an alliance of ethnic armed groups renewed their offensive against the military along the highway connecting Myanmar’s second city, Mandalay, to the border with China. Hsipaw, which typically has a population of around 20,000, is a crucial trade route where hundreds of millions of dollars flow annually.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that TNLA fighters had taken over the town, but expressed concern about potential military airstrikes. While residents are currently free to enter and exit the town, many remain hesitant to return.

The junta has not publicly commented on the situation in Hsipaw, and communication has been hampered due to internet outages in the area. The TNLA claims to have disarmed around 100 military soldiers since launching its offensive in August, although specifics on casualties from both sides remain undisclosed.

The TNLA is part of the “Three Brotherhood Alliance,” which includes the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). This alliance had previously launched an extensive offensive across northern Shan state, capturing significant territories and dealing a severe blow to the military following the 2021 coup.

Myanmar Military Intensifies Airstrikes, A Nation Children Suffer In Silence

October 8, 2024, 4:26 pm

Escalating Attacks and Civilian Casualties

Myanmar’s military has ramped up its aerial campaigns in recent months, launching some of its most intense airstrikes since the 2021 coup. In early September alone, at least 26 individuals were killed in a series of bombings, including 10 children, as reported by UNICEF. Among the victims was a pregnant woman who tragically lost her unborn child.

The military conducted a minimum of seven airstrikes over four days from September 3 to 6, targeting various locations, including an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Pekhon township, southern Shan State. Daw Ohn Mar Khaing, a volunteer teacher at the camp, described the attack as shocking, noting there was no active fighting in the area. “We only have helpless women and children, who were displaced from the war in their villages,” she stated. On September 5, a fighter jet bombed the camp, resulting in the deaths of a family sheltering in a bunker, including 16-year-old Wai Wai Aung and her five younger siblings.

Communities In Constant Fear

The trauma inflicted by these airstrikes has left lasting scars on the local population. Daw Ohn Mar Khaing reported that her students now flinch at any loud noise, even the sound of a car engine or generator. A video of a toddler trying to shoo away a fighter jet with a slipper recently went viral, highlighting the deep psychological impact of the ongoing violence on Myanmar’s children.

In the aftermath of the September 5 attack, medical personnel rushed the injured to clinics in neighboring Karenni State. Dr. Tracy, a 26-year-old doctor working underground to treat victims of military violence, recounted her harrowing experiences that day. She operated on multiple victims, including a two-year-old boy who did not survive and a severely injured pregnant woman, whose unborn child was also lost. “I wish death for Min Aung Hlaing,” she said, referring to the junta leader, revealing the profound despair and anger felt by many in the community.

With more than three years of conflict and suffering, local residents are grappling with trauma and PTSD, affecting individuals across all age groups. Dr. Tracy noted that everyone is suffering from mental health issues, regardless of their strength or resilience.

Myanmar Rebel Groups Reject Junta’s Peace Offer Amid Ongoing Civil War

September 27, 2024, 5:02 pm

Rebel factions in Myanmar have rejected a peace proposal from the country’s ruling junta, which is struggling with battlefield losses and widespread defections after more than three years of civil war. This marks the junta’s first attempt at outreach since seizing power in 2021 and follows the collapse of a ceasefire in northern Shan state, brokered by China.

The military urged ethnic armed groups and “terrorist insurgents” to engage in political dialogue and join elections scheduled for next year. However, the exiled National Unity Government (NUG) dismissed the offer, questioning the junta’s legitimacy to hold elections.

As the junta grapples with fighting on multiple fronts, some reports indicate it controls less than half of Myanmar’s territory. Ethnic armies launched renewed offensives in June, targeting areas near the Chinese border and hindering Beijing’s strategic plans to connect its southwest region with the Indian Ocean through Myanmar.

Beijing has reportedly urged Myanmar’s junta to stabilize the conflict, with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi issuing a warning during a recent visit. The military’s statement emphasized the devastating impact of the war, including human and infrastructure losses.

However, rebel groups remain skeptical of the junta’s intentions. The Karen National Union (KNU), which has fought for greater autonomy along the Thai border for decades, insists talks are only possible if the military agrees to key political conditions, including the exclusion of the military from future politics and accountability for war crimes.

The Bamar People’s Liberation Army and Mandalay People’s Defense Forces also dismissed the peace offer, with one rebel commander likening it to a deceptive gesture.

Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict since the military overthrew the democratically elected government in 2021, prompting ethnic armed groups and anti-coup militias to unite against the junta. The civil war has claimed over 50,000 lives and displaced more than two million people, according to the United Nations, which recently warned that the country is descending into deeper humanitarian crisis.

Severe Flooding Devastates Myanmar After Typhoon Yagi, Forcing 230,000 To Flee

September 14, 2024, 4:43 pm

Severe flooding has struck Myanmar following the destructive passage of Typhoon Yagi, displacing over 230,000 people, according to official reports. The military junta has appealed for international aid to address the crisis, with the capital, Naypyidaw, among the hardest-hit regions. The floods have claimed at least 33 lives, though Radio Free Asia reports the actual death toll may be as high as 160 due to floods and landslides. Temporary relief camps have been established for displaced residents.

Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, previously impacted Vietnam, the Chinese island of Hainan, and the Philippines. Junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing has visited affected areas to oversee rescue operations. However, rescue efforts are strained, with reports of over 300 people trapped by floodwaters along the Sittaung River, according to BBC Burmese.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons to climate change, with warmer ocean temperatures fueling stronger storms. Myanmar, already grappling with the displacement of millions due to an ongoing civil war, now faces an escalating humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates 18.6 million people in Myanmar are in urgent need of assistance, as many are left without access to clean water, sanitation, and basic healthcare. The International Red Cross warns of deteriorating conditions amid ongoing conflict and disrupted livelihoods.

Kidney for Cash: How Myanmar’s Crisis is Fueling the Illegal Organ Trade

August 31, 2024, 6:04 am

The tragic story of people like Maung Maung and April highlights the extreme measures some are driven to in times of profound desperation. In Myanmar, the combination of political instability, economic collapse, and civil war has pushed many into dire financial situations, prompting them to sell their organs to survive.

Maung Maung’s story underscores the impact of Myanmar’s military coup, which has led to widespread poverty and instability. After being tortured and released, Maung Maung and his family faced financial ruin, leading him to sell his kidney to support them. The illegal organ trade he entered involved travelling to India, where he found buyers willing to pay a significant sum.

April’s situation reflects similar desperation. Struggling with poverty and mounting medical bills for a sick family member, she turned to selling her kidney through Facebook groups, a practice that bypasses legal and ethical regulations. Her story reveals the broader issue of how desperate people in crisis regions are exploited in illegal organ markets.

These cases also shed light on the challenges in policing such illicit activities. Despite regulations in countries like India and Myanmar against the sale of organs, agents and middlemen facilitate these transactions, often using forged documents to circumvent legal barriers.

The ethical concerns are profound, as these transactions often involve serious health risks for the sellers and can perpetuate cycles of poverty and exploitation. While the organ trade offers a lifeline for some, it also raises serious questions about the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the need for more effective support systems and legal frameworks to address such crises.

S. Jaishankar: The Era Of Uninterrupted Dialogue With Pakistan Is Over

August 30, 2024, 3:29 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed India’s diplomatic stance during the launch of ambassador Rajiv Sikri’s book, ‘Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India’s Foreign Policy’. Jaishankar made it clear that the era of continuous dialogue with Pakistan has ended.

He stated, “I think the era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. And insofar as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, I think Article 370 is done. So the, the issue today is what kind of relationship can we possibly contemplate with Pakistan? Rajiv [Sikri] suggests [in his book] that perhaps India is content to continue at the current level of relationship. Maybe yes, maybe no… We are not passive. And whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react to it,” as reported by ANI.

Jaishankar also discussed India’s relations with Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of understanding the geopolitical shifts. He said, “We must appreciate that the Afghanistan with the presence of America for us is very different from the Afghanistan without the presence of America.”

Regarding Bangladesh, Jaishankar noted that India would engage with “the government of the day” and seek mutual interests despite political changes. “Since Bangladesh’s independence, our relationship has gone up and down, and it is natural that we will deal with the government of the day. But we also have to recognise that there are political changes, and they can be disruptive. And clearly here we have to look for mutuality of interest,” he explained.

On Myanmar, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the Northeast context, stating, “Going further east, there is Myanmar, which is both relevant and remote at the same time. And here again, I think the northeast, the context of the Northeast or Northeast is the overriding one. And we… have to find a balance between the government and other stakeholders, because that is the reality.”

Drone Attack Kills Dozens Of Rohingya Fleeing Myanmar

August 11, 2024, 3:17 pm

A devastating drone attack targeting Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar claimed the lives of dozens, including families with children, on Monday. Survivors described a harrowing scene of bodies scattered across the ground as they searched for their injured and deceased relatives. The attack, which occurred near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, is reported to be the deadliest assault on civilians in Rakhine state amid recent escalations in fighting between junta forces and rebel groups.

Tragic Losses Among Families

Among the victims were a heavily pregnant woman and her 2-year-old daughter, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Witnesses, including 35-year-old Mohammed Eleyas, recounted the horror of the attack. Eleyas, who lost his wife and daughter, described hearing the deafening sound of shelling as drones targeted the crowds. Another survivor, Shamsuddin, escaped with his wife and newborn son but witnessed the aftermath of the tragedy, with many dead and injured lying on the ground.

Conflicting Accusations and Uncertain Responsibility

The attack has sparked conflicting accusations between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, with each side blaming the other for the deadly strike. While three witnesses pointed to the Arakan Army as responsible, the militia has denied these allegations. Reuters was unable to independently verify the exact number of casualties or determine responsibility for the attack. Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath, with bodies and belongings scattered across muddy ground.

International Condemnation and Calls for Action

The international community has condemned the attacks, with activist groups and diplomats calling for accountability. Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and a former special envoy to Myanmar, confirmed the reports of the killings, describing the situation as “accurate.” Myanmar’s junta accused the Arakan Army of the attack, while the militia denied involvement, claiming the junta targeted Muslims who were attempting to flee without permission.

The ongoing violence has forced thousands of Rohingya to flee their homes, with many attempting dangerous crossings into Bangladesh. The United Nations and aid organizations have raised concerns over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians, particularly in the volatile Rakhine state.