Hi folks, battle bells are ringing everywhere. Imminent high-scale clashes are anticipated in Lashio, Shan State (north) with ongoing battles in Mogok (East). Allied forces have occupied Naungcho. Meanwhile, the Arakan Army (AA) has intensified efforts to capture Thandwe in Rakhine State. The regime faces its toughest resistance yet, posing imminent risks for collateral damage. Thousands of people are trapped in battle regions, cut off from communication channels.
Meanwhile, the financial crisis worsens as the exchange rate and gold prices hit record highs. The Myanmar Kyat has plummeted, with USD reaching 5,000 MMK and gold prices soaring to 6 million MMK per Kyattha. Cash withdrawals are now restricted again, adding to the people’s struggles. Everyone in the country is fighting multiple battles daily, though the majority do not hold weapons. Many rely on mental strength as their shield.
Read the highlights below:
Internal Politics
- PDF soldier returns home
Following an attack and occupation of Nwe Yone village by PDF joint forces in Sint Ku Township, Mandalay Region, PDF soldier Ko Wai Moe Kyaw was able to return to his home. His house had been sealed off by the military council for over three years due to his involvement in the Spring Revolution in Sint Ku Township, for which an arrest warrant had been issued against him. After the occupation of the village, Ko Wai Moe Kyaw managed to unlock and enter his home, which had been off-limits since the military council’s action. During his time in hiding, he carried out resistance tasks under the Mogok command with the PDF. This news was widely shared with joy by Myanmar netizens since thousands of people have been away from their homes since the coup. Expressing his gratitude, Ko Wai Moe Kyaw thanked the MDY PDF, township party leaders, and local cooperation forces for their efforts, which allowed him to return home. He also encouraged the people to continue participating in the revolution so others might also have the chance to return to their homes.
- PDFs in Mandalay and Sagaing participating in ongoing operations
On July 9, the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced that PDF battalions from the Sagaing and Mandalay regions are actively participating in the resumption of Operation 1027 and the Shan-Mann Operation. Seven battalions from commands 52 and 55 in the Sagaing Region, Battalion 26 from Nyaung U District, and the People’s Defense Army (Mandalay) in the Mandalay Region are included in the operations. Additionally, battalions under the Mogok command are involved. Furthermore, the Kyaukme District Special Attack Force, along with PDF groups from Pyin Oo Lwin, Mogok, and Mattaya townships, are also engaged in the fighting and are reportedly achieving victories.
- Former Lauk Kai MOC commander sentenced to death
Military sources in Nay Pyi Taw report that the regime ordered the death penalty for General Zaw Min, the former commander of Lauk Kai Military Operation Command in Northern Shan State. In March, General Zaw Min was arrested along with Deputy Minister of Defense General Aung Lin Tun, Eastern Region Commander General Hla Moe, and Northern Region Commander General Soe Hlaing. By May, these generals were sentenced to prison terms, and their assets were seized. However, at the request of the Chinese side, General Zaw Min received a death sentence again in early July, and was moved to Daik Oo Prison. This decision marks the fourth time generals and brigadier generals have been sentenced to death in connection with the slingshot issue. Brigadier General Tun Tun Myint, chairman of the Lauk Kai Regional Administration, was identified as the main person responsible for the surrender of over 4,000 soldiers and army family members from Lauk Kai to the MNDAA on January 4. Brigadier General Moe Kyaw, commander of Lauk Kai MOC, and Brigadier General Zaw Myo Win, commander of LID 55, were also sentenced to death by the military tribunal for treason, disobeying orders, and dereliction of duty.
- The regime to remove blacklisted CDM staff
On July 12, the military council announced that individuals blacklisted for participating in the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) after the military coup will be removed from the list and granted leniency. The regime stated that employee absences have negatively impacted both social life and human resources. Therefore, CDM participants can report back to their respective departments starting July 15 to be removed from the blacklist, depending on their circumstances. The regime had previously tightened restrictions on CDM staff, arresting them at airports, denying them passports, and forcing private hospitals and clinics employing CDM staff to close. Despite the announced leniency, a former CDM participant from Myanmar’s Department of Agriculture told RFA that he would not return under military rule. A political analyst noted that, despite the policy change, CDM staff are unlikely to return due to a lack of trust in the military council. More than 400,000 CDM staff from various ministries, who opposed the military coup, are currently registered with the NUG.
- Mandalay forms committee to draft interim political plan
On July 12, representatives of parliament and resistance forces in Mandalay established a political plan drafting committee to set up an interim administration in the region. Ma May Hnin, a spokesperson for the committee, explained that the committee’s purpose is to draft an interim political plan rather than operate like the Karenni Interim Administration Council (IEC). She noted that the committee’s task is to outline mechanisms similar to the IEC and establish relevant structures based on the draft they create. The committee is expected to coordinate all regional organizations to develop this interim political plan. Ko Aung Myo Lat, another spokesperson for the committee, stated that the formation aims to address the needs of the people, including administrative functions, ensuring no gaps remain. He added that the plan will cover how to manage and govern Mandalay during the interim revolution period, addressing current political and management vacuums. The ultimate goal is to eliminate these vacuums and implement the agreed-upon political plan when dominion areas in Mandalay Region are secured.
International Affairs
- Regional countries supplying jet fuel to the regime: Amnesty International reports
A July 8 report by Amnesty International revealed that some regional countries are supplying jet fuel to Myanmar’s military, which is attacking civilians. The report highlighted that a Chinese-owned tanker, HUITONG78, exports jet fuel to Myanmar via Vietnam, involving Singapore-based Sahara Energy International Pte., Chinese state-owned CNOOC Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., and entities from the UAE. In the first half of 2024, there have been at least two to three jet fuel shipments, each worth around $8 million. Shipments arrived at Thilawa Port in Yangon on January 14 and 29, with a likely third shipment from the UAE in May. Vessel tracking data showed HUITONG78 loaded fuel at Hamriyah Port in the UAE in April and arrived at Yangon Port on May 12. Amnesty International’s secretary-general, Agnes Callamard, called for an immediate halt to jet fuel shipments, emphasizing the harm to children, women, and civilians. Despite these calls, some governments and companies have ignored the requests.
- Fortify Rights revealed evidence of the regime’s torture
On July 11, Fortify Rights, a human rights group, disclosed evidence of military council forces brutally torturing detainees. The group stated that in March 2023, they received ten secretly recorded videos showing military forces torturing detainees at an interrogation center in Mandalay. The victims, including two women, reportedly endured electric shocks and other forms of torture, including threats of sexual violence, between October and November 2021. According to Fortify Rights, these videos were recorded by a member of the regime’s Air Force present during the interrogations. The soldier escaped to a liberated area with the footage. The statement alleges that contrary to military law, several officers beyond the Special Investigation Officer were involved in the interrogations, including a lieutenant colonel, major, warrant officer, and captain. The escaped airman detailed instances of torture by these forces, implicating corporals, and mentioned that some detainees died the following morning due to injuries sustained during interrogation. Fortify Rights called on the international community and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate these atrocities promptly and ensure the protection of witnesses who documented these incidents.
- CCP invited the junta-approved four political parties for a visit
According to sources speaking to RFA, the Chinese Communist Party has extended invitations to four political parties approved by the regime as legitimate entities. The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), People’s Party, Arakan Front Party (AFP), and Shan and Nationalities Democratic Party (White Tiger Party) are scheduled to visit China from July 20th to the 27th. Conversely, the disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD) has appointed a liaison officer in China and maintains regular communication. U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of the People’s Party, told RFA that China has begun recognizing the role of Myanmar’s political parties. He said “The People’s Republic of China has emphasized the role of domestic political parties in resolving the current conflict through political means.” According to the invitation letter from China, the visit aims to facilitate discussions with Chinese experts on rural development and the Silk Road Project implementation. There are 47 political parties registered under the Military Council in Myanmar, with four of them selected for China’s invitation.
- The regime’s foreign minister met with his counterparts from India and Thailand
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, and Myanmar regime’s Foreign Minister U Than Swe convened for an informal meeting in New Delhi on July 11. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issued a press release stating that the discussions centered around cooperation on mutual interests between Thailand and Myanmar. Additionally, the Thai Foreign Minister held separate talks with the regime’s l Foreign Minister to address border security and trade matters between their nations. Meanwhile, the military council has not provided any official statement regarding the meeting. The regime’s Foreign Minister is in New Delhi to participate in the second Bingstag Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Business Matters
- The regime and banks addressed cash shortages and loan issues
On July 10, the military council and private banks met in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss rising non-repayable loans, bank branches in revolutionary-controlled cities, and significant cash shortages in the banking sector. Sources indicated that the main focus was on the lack of cash balances. A businessperson close to the banking industry informed Myanmar Now that private banks requested the military council’s central bank to reduce interference in banking rights, including deposit withdrawal restrictions. They argued that such controls decrease public trust in banks. Economists pointed out that while the military council and central bank are pushing for digital banking, Myanmar’s banking infrastructure is weak, and internet use is limited and controlled by the military. Political instability and economic downturn have led to a decline in deposits and interest, as well as an increase in non-repayable loans.
- Myanmar Tycoon U Thein Wai interrogated by the regime
U Thein Wai, Myanmar’s wealthiest businessman and real estate magnate associated with Yoma Bank and FMI, has been under interrogation by the regime in Nay Pyi Taw for several weeks. Sources indicate that the 71-year-old billionaire, along with eight directors from his companies Yoma Land and Yoma Bank, has been under investigation since early June. They were placed under house arrest, and while two directors have been allowed to return home after questioning, the rest remain detained. Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd confirmed these developments following reports by Myanmar Now on July 9. In a statement to the Singapore Stock Exchange on July 10, Yoma Strategic Holdings mentioned that U Thein Wai is cooperating with the regime and Central Bank officials in Nay Pyi Taw. However, as per U Thein Wai’s son, Melvyn Pun, no formal charges have been filed yet. On July 1, the regime announced that Yoma Bank, under U Thein Wai’s leadership, had exceeded the Central Bank’s housing loan limits by 11 percent. The council’s statement outlined fines for Yoma Bank and six other banks that breached these limits, with repercussions also planned for bank officials according to the law.
- 1 USD reached 5,000 MMK & gold price up to 6 mil MMK
The Myanmar Kyat (MMK) has plummeted further despite the regime’s attempts to stabilize it. In the local market, the exchange rate of USD has surged to 5,000 MMK, while the gold price has risen to 6 million MMK per Kyattha (Tical). This marks the highest value since the coup in early 2021.
- Restriction of cash withdrawal returned in local banks
Due to the growing number of withdrawals in recent weeks, the junta’s Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has reimposed restrictions on cash withdrawals. Currently, those with special accounts can only withdraw between 200,000 to 500,000 MMK per day. The increased rate of withdrawals was triggered by the regime’s decision to charge seven private banks for exceeding loan limits. The cash restrictions could worsen in the coming days if the situation does not improve.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Mogok IDPs’ journey to Mandalay hindered amid ongoing conflict
Displaced people from Mogok Township en route to Mandalay were initially trapped in Zayat Kwin and Laik Kya villages of Thabeikkyin Township for over a week, but they managed to move towards Mandalay on July 9. However, reports indicate they are now stuck again in Sint Ku Township due to renewed fighting. Since late June, when the People’s Defense Army-Mandalay (MDY-PDF) initiated an offensive in western Mogok thousands of refugees have sought safety in Mandalay. They were initially stranded in Thabeikkyin Township as military council checkpoints blocked their passage. Although allowed to proceed through in the morning of July 9, their journey was interrupted upon reaching Sint Ku Township. Mandalay, significantly distant from the conflict zone, remains a refuge of choice for many. Evacuations have been organized in separate convoys, including cars and motorcycles. However, only a few vehicles from the leading convoy successfully reached Mandalay, leaving others stranded. The route, monitored by MDY-PDF and local PDF forces, is gradually being cleared of mines, although ongoing fighting continues to impact areas such as Yay Nant Thar village in Mattaya Township.
- Diarrheal disease outbreak continues in Yangon
Since the military coup, residents from Yangon have been grappling with soaring food prices, medical shortages, and now, a severe outbreak of diarrheal disease. Within two days, hundreds have been hospitalized due to diarrhea, with 64 cases reported on July 9 alone. The Ministry of Health under the regime announced on July 10 that 7 cases were severe. Dysentery first appeared in Yangon in early June, and by early July, it had claimed 107 lives. Recently, 124 new cases were recorded on July 9 and 10, bringing the total patients under treatment to 231. The regime reported a decrease in infections in Thaketa and Daw Pon townships, where diarrhea is prevalent, and is taking measures to sanitize Yangon’s markets to curb the disease’s spread. However, a Yangon-based doctor cautioned that with shortages of essential medicines, the death toll could rise if infection rates continue to climb.
- Escalating conflicts pushed thousands to flee in Shan-North
In northern Shan State, as fighting between the Three Brotherhood Alliance forces and the regime extends to Lashio neighborhoods, thousands of residents have evacuated, many now stranded on the Lashio-Hsipaw exit road. On July 8, over 1,000 vehicles were reported stuck on this route. According to a resident who spoke to Myanmar Now, the offensive by the Three Brotherhood Alliance intensified after they captured the regime’s Infantry Battalion 507 headquarters near Ward No. 5 on the evening of July 7. He also added that there were intense airstrikes throughout the night of July 7. He further reported that on the morning of July 8, there were indications that the military council had counter-attacked and reclaimed the area from the IB 507, employing heavy weaponry. The clashes have resulted in numerous explosions across neighborhoods, claiming more than 20 civilian lives, according to local sources. Myanmar Now previously reported 13 deaths as of July 4, underscoring the escalating humanitarian crisis amidst the ongoing conflict.
- Thousand of IDPs in need of aid in Matupi, Chin State
On July 10, locals reported that approximately 3,000 displaced people, fleeing the conflict in Matupi Township, Chin State, urgently require food and medical assistance. More than 5,000 IDPs have fled from Matupi Township, with over 3,000 seeking shelter in nearby villages and another 2,000 crossing into the Indian state of Mizoram. Transportation challenges during the rainy season in Matupi Township have hindered the delivery of food supplies. Residents are also grappling with seasonal flu and malaria, exacerbating their plight. Chin Nyinaung and revolutionary joint forces captured Matupi town on June 29. However, residents from their town and surrounding villages are unable to return to their homes.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- NUG said PDF destroyed regime’s tank in Mattaya tsp, Mandalay Region
The National Unity Government (NUG) reported that resistance forces destroyed a regime tank during battles in Mattaya Township, Mandalay Region, on July 6. In the clash, the regime used two tanks; one was attacked with RPG-7 rockets three times, destroying its wheels. During the two-day clash, the PDF confiscated significant weapons and captured junta soldiers. About 25 regime stations fell under PDF control in Mattaya Township.
- Armed Pyu Saw Htee shot dead in Ywangan tsp, Shan State
Around 2 pm on July 10, regime Pyu Saw Htee member Naing Htay, also known as Htay Htay, was detained by resistance forces in Nwarbangyi Village, Ywangan Township, Shan State. As he attempted to fight back and flee, he was shot dead by the rangers. Two grenades were confiscated from his bag. Naing Htay was a strong member of the armed Pyu Saw Htee group and was responsible for the arrests of PDF rangers and raids on PDF stations. He had also committed a murder by killing his son-in-law in 2023 but escaped charges due to his connections with regime officials.
- Regime’s recruiter shot dead in Taungtwingyi tsp, Magway Region
On July 12, urban guerrilla forces conducted an operation, killing a village administrator in Taungtwingyi Township, Magway Region. Thila Village administrator Nyunt Win was shot five times. He was responsible for cooperating with regime soldiers to recruit cadets for conscription in the region. The mission was coordinated by Magway Guerrilla Warfare, Taungdwingyi Fighter Force (LPDF), Yenanthar Youth Force, and Daung Sit The Guerrilla Force (Natmauk).
- TNLA arrested regime informers in Kyaukme, Shan State
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reported that it had detained 16 regime informers in Kyaukme Town, Shan State (north). During the second wave of Operation 1027, the TNLA gained control of most of Kyaukme Town and cracked down on drug use in the area, arresting over 160 individuals, including drug users and robbers. Among them, 16 were identified as regime informers.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Health-deteriorating Dr. Zaw Myint Maung hospitalized but refused family visit
Reports indicate that former Mandalay Regional Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung has been hospitalized at Mandalay Public Hospital since June 25 due to his deteriorating health. The 73-year-old, detained in Obo Prison and suffering from blood cancer, was transferred to the hospital, raising concerns about his condition. However, the regime has denied his family visitation rights.
- Insein prison authorities extorting money from inmates
On July 6, the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar (PPNM) released a statement reporting Insein Prison authorities of extorting money from inmates for various purposes such as painting walls and renovating buildings. The PPNM stated that it is illegal to demand money from detainees, calling it a form of oppression. Similar incidents have been reported in other prisons across the country, worsening in 2024.
- Ward administrators blackmailing public with conscription law
In Yangon and Ayeyarwaddy regions, regime ward administrators have been blackmailing those who do not wish to participate in mandatory military training by demanding money. In Dagon Seikkan and South Dagon townships, each household is asked to pay 35,000 MMK to cover the costs of implementing the conscription law. Individuals selected for training who wish to avoid participation are asked for up to 1,000,000 MMK for temporary suspension. Those who refuse to pay face beatings or arrest. Similar cases have been reported in Pyapon, Bogale, Kyaiklatt, and Daydaye townships in Ayeyarwaddy Region.
- Six victims burned to death during the soldiers’ raid in Natogyi tsp, Mandalay Region
On July 10, junta soldiers committed another massacre in Mandalay Region. Around dawn, approximately 50 regime troops raided Latwe’myinni Village in Natogyi Township. As able villagers fled, only handicapped individuals remained. For unidentified reasons, the soldiers set the village on fire, killing six victims: U Han Nyein, U Kyaw Aye, Daw Than Mya (all over 80), a 50-year-old unwell man, a 30-year-old man with a recent leg injury, and a 40-year-old man who had suffered a stroke. Latwe’myinni Village has about 1,000 households and is known for its resistance.
- Regime bombed MNDAA-controlled Theinni Town, Shan State
On July 12, the regime’s air force bombed Theinni Town, controlled by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Shan State (north). The attack occurred around 1:15 am, destroying the No.1 High School. There were no civilian casualties. Although there was no current battle in Theinni, the regime has conducted airstrikes on the town in seven different locations since July 3.
- Thandwe prison suffered artillery fire, inmate casualties reported
As clashes intensified in Thandwe, Rakhine State, the regime fired artillery indiscriminately into the city, causing casualties and destruction. One artillery strike hit Thandwe Prison, killing four inmates, including two women. The victims have not been identified due to ongoing clashes. Currently, about 20 percent of the population is trapped in the area with telecommunications and internet cut off.
Armed Resistance
- Resistance forces briefly controlled Pale Town, Sagaing Region
On July 7, local resistance forces launched an offensive against regime stations in Pale Town, Sagaing Region. They targeted the police station in the southern part of the town and the General Administrative Department (GAD) office in the north. The resistance forces managed to control the town for half a day, from 5 am to 12:30 pm. Due to a lack of firepower, they eventually retreated after arresting some regime collaborators.
- TNLA and PDF occupied Naungcho Town, Shan-north
On the morning of July 10, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) reportedly seized the regime’s missile battalion No. 606 headquarters, located two miles south of Naungcho Town in northern Shan State. Despite airstrikes by the regime, the soldiers eventually abandoned the station, allowing the allied forces to gain majority control of the town. Within two weeks, the TNLA and their allies managed to capture Naungcho and the western part of Mogok.
- UWSA forces entered Tangyan in anticipation of Lashio battle, Shan-north
The United Wa State Army (UWSA), the largest ethnic armed force in Myanmar, has reportedly sent about 2,000 troops to Tangyan Township, northern Shan State. Tangyan is close to Lashio, where imminent clashes are expected between regime forces and northern alliances as part of the second wave of Operation 1027. Although there were speculations that UWSA might enter the conflict, a spokesperson stated that they only moved to protect Tangyan Town amid anticipation of a large-scale battle in Lashio.
- Clash intensified in Pulaw tsp, Tanintharyi Region
On July 10, about 50 regime troops conducted an offensive in the 5-Mile Village of Pulaw Township, Tanintharyi Region. Local resistance forces attacked them with a landmine, killing at least five, including a colonel, and capturing two alive. More battles are expected in the township, with 40 regime troops nearby. In the same region, the regime conducted an airstrike on four villages in the Taku Village Tract near Tanintharyi Town on July 13, injuring two people. The area is known for strong resistance.
- AA move to capture Thandwe after seizing stations in Ngapali Beach, Rakhine State
On the evening of July 12, the Arakan Army (AA) reportedly entered Thandwe Town, Rakhine State, launching a seizure. The regime responded with aerial strikes, hitting civilian houses and Thandwe Prison. Previously, the AA announced the capture of two regime stations (Light Infantry Battalion 566 and Infantry Battalion 55) in Ngapali Beach, allowing full control of the beach, which includes 65 hotels and a Russian hotel project.
- Junta preparing defense in Mandalay
As the second wave of Operation 1027 escalates, the junta is reportedly preparing defense strategies in Mandalay City. Following the capture of Naungcho Town in northern Shan State by the TNLA and allies, Pyin Oo Lwin remains the only significant town between Naungcho and Mandalay. Pyin Oo Lwin houses major military training academies. The junta has begun moving soldiers’ families inside the palace while expanding stations and camping in high-rise buildings in the city.
Sources: Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now, RFA Burmese, BBC Burmese, Mizzima News, The DVB, The Irrawaddy
