Myanmar: At least 17 people injured in explosion on passenger ferry in Yangon the evening of Dec. 18

Event

An explosion occurred on a passenger ferry in Yangon the evening of Dec. 18. Local reports indicate that the ferry was heading toward Dala from Yangon on the Pansoedan-Dala route. The blast injured at least 17 people. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Lingering disruptions to ferry services on the Pansoedan-Dala route are possible through Dec. 19 as emergency services continue investigations into the incident.

Context

Explosions continue to occur in Myanmar, especially Yangon, amid ongoing civil unrest following the February 2021 military coup. The People's Defence Force (PDF), the armed wing of the pro-democracy group National Unity Government (NUG), has increasingly carried out attacks against security forces, including in Mandalay and Yangon. Most incidents target the military, government offices, electricity providers’ offices, or individuals and organizations supporting the military; civilians are not typically targeted but are sometimes affected by the collateral damage. Occasional attacks have also targeted transport infrastructure like railway tracks. Additional blasts, pro-democracy demonstrations, and clashes between protesters and security personnel are likely in the near term.

Advice

Exercise extreme caution in Myanmar. Heed all official security instructions. Register and maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Strictly avoid government buildings, security installations, large concentrations of police and soldiers, or any protests that may materialize. Reconfirm ferry services on the Pansoedan-Dala route in the coming days.