23 Sep 2024 | 01:07 PM UTC
Myanmar: Armed clashes escalate in Kachin State amid ongoing clashes in several states nationwide as of Sept. 23 /update 14
Renewed clashes reported in Kachin State amid ongoing clashes in parts of Myanmar as of Sept. 23. Significant disruptions continue.
Clashes between Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Kachin Regional Defense Force (KPDF), and junta forces in Kachin State have renewed as of Sept. 23, with the most intense fighting centering around Hseung Tang village, Hpakant, and Momauk. The latest escalation of clashes began in Hseng Taung village on Sept. 7 and has reportedly spread to Bhamo and Shwegu as well. In addition to a communications and internet blackout since July 21, local media sources report an increased deployment of security officers in the state capital Myitkyina, especially in Shweset, Namkying, Palana, and Mawphaung villages.
On Sept. 18 the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) shared a statement indicating that it would not conduct offensives on Mandalay and Taunggyi. This follows significant territorial claims made by MNDAA and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State and northern Mandalay Region, especially in the area stretching from Lashio to Mandalay City, prompting the military to tighten security and set up military positions across Pyin Oo Lwin approximately 70 km (44 miles) east of Mandalay City. Despite the statement, an increased frequency of air strikes in rebel-occupied areas in the northern Mandalay Region and northern Shan State will likely continue in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, intense clashes persist in northern regions, such as Bago, Chin, Kayah, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, and Rakhine states, upper Sagaing and Magway regions, and near border checkpoints with China, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. Bomb and drone attacks primarily targeted military installations, military-controlled villages, security checkpoints, and major interstate highways. Although militants do not specifically target them, they have attacked junta positions near structures and buildings with foreign ties. 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.
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. 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
Tight security continues within and at entry points of major cities, including Yangon and Mandalay. Curfews remain in Sittwe and Ann Township, Rakhine State, and multiple northern areas of Shan State, including Lashio; a night curfew is active in all townships of Yangon except Seikkyi Kanaungto and Dala Townships 01:00-03:00. Martial law is in place across at least 37 townships, including within Bago, Chin, Mon, and Karen, Kayah states and Magway, Sagaing, and Tanintharyi regions; such movement restrictions and closures of nonessential businesses are likely in other regions if clashes continue.
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 19:00-06:00 daily since June 25 due to armed groups' warnings.
Additionally, all ground and river transport connecting Rakhine State is blocked. Intermittent ground transport and shipping disruptions affect trade with China, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand. Airports that have recently experienced intermittent violence-related closures include Kalaymyo Airport (KMV), Lashio Airport (LSH), Loikaw Airport (LIW), and Thandwe Airport (SNW). 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 the Kachin State, northern Mandalay Region, northern Shan State, northern Rakhine State, and the Sagaing Region have been most affected by utility and telecommunication outages. Fuel shortages occur intermittently nationwide, with the Sagaing Region and Rakhine State facing the most severe shortages. Security restrictions, infrastructure damage, and supply issues may cause similar disruptions at short notice in other impacted areas, including Yangon and Mandalay. 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. Banking services and cash withdrawals are restricted or halted in many areas, especially Rakhine State.
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 in Yangon, Mandalay, Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Magway regions. 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.
Consider avoiding travel to the conflict-affected areas until the situation stabilizes. 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.
Significant territorial losses by the Tamatdaw have continued in conflict zones since the launch of "Operation 1027" on Oct. 27, 2023. "Operation 1027" is an offensive led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA). Although various armed groups operate in the area, the latest clashes have seen a notably high level of coordination; the National Unity Government has also declared its support for the offensive. Other allied resistance groups include the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Bamar People's Liberation Army, and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). Since Oct. 27, 2023, after the military has lost approximately half of its 5,280 military bases, headquarters, and outposts amid coordinated attacks by a coalition of anti-regime militant groups. 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 February 2021. Related air strikes have also caused casualties, including in border regions of Bangladesh and China. Armed clashes have persisted despite the Chinese government attempting to mediate temporary ceasefire agreements.
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.
