Myanmar: Anti-coup rallies and clashes likely to continue nationwide through at least the end of August /update 17

Event

Demonstrations against the military coup and fatal clashes between protesters and the military (Tatmadaw) will likely continue across Myanmar through at least the end of August. Thousands of people continue to protest daily nationwide, though restrictions on internet services have delayed reporting of many rallies. The largest demonstrations continue to occur in Yangon and Mandalay, where protests have occurred most frequently in the following locations:

• Yangon: Protesters have frequently gathered in Hlaing Tharyar, North Okkalapa, South Okkalapa, North Dagon, South Dagon, Thaketa, Thingangyun, and Sanchaung townships. Rallies have also occurred near the National League for Democracy (NLD) office, Hledan junction, Sule Pagoda, City Hall, and outside of diplomatic missions, including the Chinese Embassy, Russian Embassy, and UN office.

• Mandalay: Demonstrations often occur in Chanmyathazai, Chanayethazan, and Mahaaungmye townships in central Mandalay and the Mandalay Industrial Zone.

Demonstrations also continue in smaller cities nationwide, including Bago, Dawei, Magwe, Monywa, Myeik, Myitkyina, and Taunggyi. Sizable rallies remain possible nationwide, especially on holidays and other significant dates, such as hearings against former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders. Future rallies will likely continue to occur near government buildings, monuments, and public squares nationwide. Activists often block roads near demonstration sites to limit the military's mobility.

Anti-coup demonstrators and security personnel will almost certainly continue to engage in skirmishes. The pro-democracy group National Unity Government (NUG) has formed militia forces to oppose the coup; authorities have designated the NUG as a terrorist group. Clashes between the military and militia forces have occurred in several locations, including in Yangon and Mandalay. Authorities have blamed militia members for several bombings at government and military offices and targeted shootings of government officials and military personnel, including in Bago, Mandalay, and Yangon. Some explosions have caused collateral damage and civilian casualties. Additional blasts will likely continue in the coming weeks, possibly prompting heightened security and localized disruptions around incident sites.

Security personnel could also block roads in neighborhoods where explosions occur to facilitate the arrest of suspected anti-government fighters. Some activists have also targeted individuals, organizations, and facilities owned by foreign nationals, especially China, claiming they support the Tatmadaw. Protesters have allegedly vandalized or set fire Chinese-owned facilities and factories in Yangon since the coup began.

Several armed insurgent groups have openly opposed the military coup and supported anti-coup activists. The Karen National Union (KNU) has reportedly trained demonstrators in combat skills. Fighting has occurred primarily in Chin, Kachin, and Shan states, though clashes can occur in several areas of eastern Myanmar. The military has previously responded to militia attacks with artillery and airstrikes during engagements.

Public employees, including medical staff, teachers, civil administration staff, railway workers, and bank employees, continue to conduct nationwide labor campaigns to protest the coup. Striking workers could demonstrate outside their respective offices. Work stoppages will likely continue to cause disruptions throughout the public sector, though the impact may vary by location. Participation in the public sector strike by civil aviation and railway staff has led to disruptions for some cargo flights and railway services. Some disruptions to banking services have occurred.

Several private banks have reopened some locations due to government pressure, but widespread branch closures continue nationwide. Authorities limit withdrawals to MMK 2 million (USD 1,220) for individuals and MMK 20 million (USD 12,200) for companies per week. Reports indicate that KBZ Bank and Yoma Bank allow daily ATM withdrawals of up to 400,000 (USD 243) and MMK 300,000 (USD 182), respectively.

Security Measures
The military government will almost certainly continue to deploy personnel to curb anti-coup protests across the country, especially in major cities. Tight security is in place at many government buildings and near critical infrastructure nationwide. Military and police personnel may attempt to disperse protests forcibly using water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets, or live ammunition.

A 20:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect for most locations nationwide; however, officials have adjusted the measure in some places. Public gatherings of more than five people remain banned in several areas, including townships in Yangon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Bago, and Sagaing regions and Kayah State. People must report any overnight visitors to local officials.

Martial law remains in effect in some locations, including Dagon Seikkan, Hlaingthaya, North Dagon, North Okkalapa, Shwepyitha, and South Dagon townships in Yangon Region and Aungmyethazan, Chanayethazan, Chanmyathan, Mahaaungmyay, and Pyigyidagun townships in Mandalay. Officials may expand martial law to additional localities if violence occurs in those areas. The military government has suspended laws requiring permission to conduct home searches or detain people for more than 24 hours. Police continue to conduct nightly raids, and reports indicate personnel have fired indiscriminately, vandalized businesses, and carried out mass arrests overnight. Authorities have also barred some foreign and domestic telecommunication executives from leaving the country.

Context

Military personnel detained several senior NLD members, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, on charges of election fraud Feb. 1, the day that parliament members were to take up their seats. Opposition parties, including the military-backed USDP, claim that irregularities occurred during the 2020 general election. However, the claims lack significant supporting evidence, and the Union Election Commission has repeatedly denied the allegations. International observers have also rejected the claims. The NLD won at least 396 seats in the national Parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) in the election to retain power. The junta declared a year-long nationwide state of emergency, vowing to hold a credible election and hand over power to a new government. Aung San Suu Kyi remains detained indefinitely and is facing multiple court proceedings related to various charges.

Advice

Exercise extreme caution in Myanmar. Heed all official security instructions. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Purchase essential items and ensure several days' supply when possible. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Monitor local developments closely. Shelter in place and avoid all unnecessary movements if operating in locations where demonstrations are taking place. Strictly avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, or any protests that may materialize. If a demonstration forms nearby, immediately leave the area, seek shelter at a safe, nongovernmental building, and stay away from windows.

Resources

US Embassy Relief Flights Information