Myanmar: Grenade attack kills two people and wounds 38 others in Tachileik, Shan State, Feb. 1

Event

A grenade attack occurred in Tachileik, Shan State, at approximately 12:00 Feb. 1. Local news sources indicate unidentified assailants threw at least one grenade at a pro-military rally; the attack occurred amid a nationwide strike Feb. 1 to mark the anniversary of the 2021 military coup. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Pro-democracy activists have held protests and strikes across the country since the Feb. 1 coup. Pro-military actions are relatively rarer; unofficial sources claim the military (Tatmadaw) organized pro-military rallies on the anniversary. Participants in the pro-military rallies were reportedly ex-soldiers and villages who were gathered to participate in demonstrations. Military authorities may encourage or organize pro-military rallies to counteract future large-scale pro-democracy protests. Further violence targeting demonstrations supporting the Tatmadaw is possible.