27 Jun 2024 | 06:26 AM UTC
Myanmar: Fresh violence reported in Shan state amid ongoing clashes in several states nationwide as of June 27 /update 8
Renewed violence affecting northern Shan State as of June 27 amid clashes in several states in Myanmar. Nationwide internet curbs continue.
As of June 27, fresh clashes are affecting the Kyaukme and Naungcho areas of northern Shan State after Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) relaunched its Operation 1027 offensive. Intense clashes remain concentrated in northern regions, such as Bago, Chin, Kayah, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan states, upper Sagaing and Magway region, including Mandalay City, and near border checkpoints with China, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. Armed groups have expanded control in Rakhine State, including areas bordering Bangladesh; the Arakan Army (AA) group has also reportedly seized control of the Thandwe Airport (SNW), prompting an indefinite suspension of flight services. Multiple countries continue to advise against all or nonessential travel to Myanmar or affected regions like the northern areas of Mandalay Region and Shan State.
The latest series of attacks comes after the military has lost approximately half of its 5,280 military bases, headquarters, and outposts since coordinated attacks by a coalition of anti-regime militant groups Oct. 27. Bomb and drone attacks primarily targeted military installations, military-controlled villages, security checkpoints, and major interstate highways. Attacks on structures and buildings with foreign ties, such as the Korean-backed BXT port, could also occur, though militants do not specifically target them. The military often responds to attacks by militant groups with artillery and airstrikes to target the groups' members or villages thought to shelter the fighters. The conflict has displaced over 3 million people, killed at least 5,161 civilians, and seen the detention of more than 20,500 individuals perceived to be anti-regime since Oct. 27. Related air strikes have also caused casualties, including in border regions of Bangladesh and China.
Anti-regime groups have staged bombings and assassinations of junta members or people considered to support the Tatmadaw; they have also sabotaged military and other government facilities in various urban areas, including Bago, Mandalay, and Yangon. Additionally, some activists have targeted individuals, organizations, and facilities owned by foreign nationals from China and other countries that allegedly support the Tatmadaw. While some explosions have caused collateral damage and civilian casualties, most attacks in urban centers are small-scale and inflict limited injuries and property damage. Authorities will likely impose heightened security measures at incident sites, resulting in localized disruptions.
Increased security
Curfews are active in Sittwe, Rakhine State, and multiple northern areas of Shan State; a night curfew is active in industrial zones, including those in Hlaingthayar and Shwe Pyi Thar townships, as well as parts of Yangon. Martial law is in place across at least 55 townships, including within Chin, Mon, and Karen states; such movement restrictions and closures of nonessential businesses are likely in other regions if clashes continue. Tight security continues within, and at entry points of major cities, especially Mandalay and Yangon.
Transport and shipping disruptions
Ground transport disruptions are occurring between:
Townships within Shan and Mon States
Lashio and Mandalay
Yangon and Sittwe
Chin State and Sagaing Region
Chin State and Magwe Region
Mandalay-Moegoke and Mandalay-Myitkyina routes between 19:00-06:00 daily since June 25 due to armed groups' warnings
Additionally, all ground and river transport connecting Rakhine State is blocked, with multiple access routes to Lashio, such as bridges and highways, facing disruptions in the past weeks. Ground transport and shipping disruptions are affecting trade with China, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand. Border gates to China in Mongla, eastern Shan State, reportedly remain open. Cargo flights between Yangon International Airport (YIA) and Kunming in China are available. Regional airports like Lashio Airport (LSH), and Kalaymyo Airport (KMV) have experienced intermittent closures, while Loikaw Airport (LIW) remains closed; Mandalay (MDL) and Naypyidaw (NYT) international airports could also experience delays due to increased traffic from military aircraft. Anti-regime groups could target airports, potentially causing flight service suspensions.
Utility disruptions
Conflict-hit areas of northern Shan State, northern Rakhine State, and Sagaing Region have been most affected by utility and telecommunication outages; Sagaing Region and Rakhine State are reportedly facing severe fuel shortages. Security restrictions, infrastructure damage, and supply issues may cause similar disruptions at short notice in other impacted areas, including Yangon and Myanmar. Electricity disruptions can result in the temporary unavailability of essential services, such as ATMs, petrol stations, and internet and mobile data, as well as severe commercial and transport disruptions.
Internet disruptions
The junta has imposed fresh internet restrictions since May 31, notably banning the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) mainly used to access banned social media and messaging platforms. Officials are also reportedly conducting random checks of personal devices to check for the presence and use of prohibited applications. Some local businesses have experienced disruptions due to reduced online traffic and access. Limited VPN services and messaging platforms such as Telegram remain accessible.
Civil unrest
There is an extant risk of anti-junta demonstrations, such as marches and roadblocks nationwide, mainly over mandatory military conscription and any fresh security curbs. Popular gathering spots include government buildings, monuments, and public squares. Protest activity often spikes over holidays and other significant dates, such as scheduled court hearings involving cases against National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders. Internet service restrictions have repeatedly delayed the reporting of related rallies, though the scale and frequency of protests in major urban centers like Yangon have significantly declined in recent months due to tight security. Military and police personnel may use water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and/or live ammunition to disperse protesters; reports indicate regime forces have also previously arrested non-violent demonstrators since February 2021.
Avoid travel to affected areas. Heed all official security instructions. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Reconfirm the status of border crossings and land routes near the Chinese, Bangladeshi, and Indian borders before travel. Consider alternative shipping methods for time-sensitive freight. Monitor local developments closely. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks and heed all instructions from security personnel; remain cooperative if stopped for inspections. If a demonstration or fighting occurs nearby, immediately leave the area, seek shelter at a safe, nongovernment building, and stay away from windows.
While a draft cyber security law initiated by the junta in 2021 calls for the imprisonment and fine of citizens caught with VPN applications on their mobile devices, the status of the draft law has yet to come into force as of June 27.
The move to further restrict internet and telecommunications, as well as earlier efforts to boost recruitment of men into its armed force points to significant territorial losses by the Tamatdaw in conflict zones since the launch of "Operation 1027" Oct. 27. Three Brotherhood Alliance is leading the offensive, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the TNLA, and the AA. Although various armed groups operate in the area, Operation 1027 has seen a notably high level of coordination; the National Unity Government, as well as other resistance groups like the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Bamar People's Liberation Army, and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), have declared support for the offensive. Armed clashes have persisted despite the Chinese government attempting to mediate a temporary ceasefire agreement.
