Hi folks, as anticipated, clashes have intensified in the Mogok, Lashio, and Kyaukme areas. Even towns like Theinni, which have been under the control of the northern alliances since last November, were targeted again with aerial strikes by the regime. Mandalay is also on the verge of seeing some action soon. Though all roads lead to Naypyitaw, this journey will be paved with sacrifice. Each battle brings its share of sorrow and loss. In these trying times, it’s crucial not to panic, but to remain vigilant, for brighter days will surely follow this storm.
Internal Politics
- The regime arrested its staff after the capture of Thandwe Airport
In Arakan State, following the retreat of top officials from Thandwe Airport, the military arrested and imprisoned airport security personnel and police officers, according to a military source in Nay Pyi Taw. This took place after the Arakan Army (AA) had captured Thandwe Airport and declared it under their control on July 5. The military council arrested and imprisoned those who had withdrawn from the airport, including high-ranking military officers, airport security police and policewomen. A source in Nay Pyi Taw said that all airport staff and police officers who left their base and retreated have been arrested, and that several high-ranking military officers in the Thandwe area have also been detained for abandoning the airport. Currently, the regime plans to regain control of the Ngapali Hotel Zone and Thandwe Airport. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the recapture of Thandwe Town. Consequently, the Air Force, Navy, and Army are collaborating in efforts to regain control of Thandwe Township.
- Acting President Myint Swe in poor health condition
On the night of July 18, the military council announced through their controlled media that Acting President U Myint Swe is in poor health and unable to perform daily activities. Despite being examined by a special medical team led by the Minister of Health on June 30 and July 14, his condition has not improved, and he has been eating less. Since early 2023, U Myint Swe has experienced mobility issues and food shortages, requiring regular medical treatment from specialists. Tests revealed a nervous system disorder, and he had to go to Singapore for treatment in April 2024. He took medical leave from June 18 to July 30, 2024, to be treated at home. Following the coup d’état, the military council appointed U Myint Swe as interim president and extended the state of emergency five times, each for six months. With the current term ending at the end of July, this announcement about U Myint Swe’s health comes at a crucial time.
- Arrest of top officials from Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank
In the past week, at least four officials from the Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB), including Managing Director Daw Kay Thi, have been arrested and interrogated by the military council. The detained officials also include Deputy General Manager U Aung Ko Oo, Assistant Manager Daw Aye Aye Khaing, and the Managing Director’s personal officer Daw Myat Su. A source close to the bank informed Myanmar Now that the investigation concerns matters related to export earnings. The source, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, said that the investigation is likely related to export loans, and that a company filed a complaint, leading to an office inspection and their subsequent detention in police vehicles. Currently, MFTB’s banking operations are being managed by Daw Win Win Maw, the former Managing Director of Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank (MICB). An employee of the Ministry of Planning and Finance, also requesting anonymity, confirmed hearing about the arrests and interrogations of MFTB officials, though details remain unclear.
- Chinland government urgents AA to cease interference
On July 19, the Chinland government demanded that the Arakan Army (AA) immediately stop interfering in Chin State’s affairs and the political matters of the Chin people. Amid ongoing conflict between the Chin State government and the regime, the AA entered Chin State territory, leading to unnecessary ethnic clashes due to political meddling. The Chinland government expressed sorrow over these conflicts, describing them as some of the worst experiences in Chin history. They urged the AA to respect the efforts of the Chin people to achieve national equality and self-determination. The government also highlighted its longstanding support for the Arakan ethnic groups’ national revolution. Previously, on June 10, the Chinland Council requested the AA to cease military activities and administrative actions in Chinland Council without local consent. AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha dismissed the statement as a baseless attack.
International Affairs
- The NUG requested Thai government to ease up work restrictions for Myanmar workers
The National Unity Government (NUG) has requested the Thai government to allow individuals with pink cards and work permits to travel and work freely in Thailand. On July 18, the NUG’s Ministry of Labor issued a five-point statement regarding Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Their requests include: swift implementation of pink cards for undocumented Myanmar migrant workers; discontinuation of the regime’’s Certificate of Identity (CI) issuance process; to review of the mandatory CI book policy; prohibition of the mandatory transfer of 25% of Burmese workers’ salaries through military-designated banks and financial services; extension of humanitarian work and residence permits for Burmese people with expired passports, allowing them to live and work for a specified period. Additionally, the NUG proposed that the Thai government issue a single pink card, not requiring a passport, for Burmese migrants and others entering Thailand for various reasons to legally live and work there. The Thai government has yet to respond to the NUG’s demands.
- Mass arrest of undocumented Myanmar workers in Thailand
The Nation reported that from June 5 to July 11, over 80,000 (80,913) undocumented Myanmar workers were arrested in Thailand. During the 120-day crackdown on illegal workers, a total of 108,875 undocumented individuals were detained, with more than 80,000 being Myanmar citizens. Arrests also included undocumented workers from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and other countries. Among the detainees, 473 Myanmar nationals, 101 Lao citizens, 74 Cambodian citizens, and 14 Vietnamese citizens will be taken into action. Workers without the necessary documentation face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Thai baht, deportation, and a two-year ban from working in Thailand. Employers hiring undocumented workers will be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 Thai baht per worker. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment for one year or more and fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 baht, according to the Ministry of Labor.
- 200 regime soldiers fled to Bangladesh due to AA’s offensive
From July 1 to 14, about 200 regime troops from Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, fled to the Bangladesh border due to the continued AA offensive. Initially, the Bangladesh Coast Guard refused to permit them to board on their shore but detained them and allowed them to stay later. Seventy-one out of the first arrivals were deported back to Myanmar.
- Myanmar and India discussed enhancing military cooperation
On July 16, Commander General Maung Maung Aye of the regimes, Army, Navy, and Air Force Coordination Command met with India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss increased military cooperation. According to the regime , their discussions covered military relations, air cooperation, and trainee exchanges. They also agreed to collaborate on border security, stability, and law enforcement. The meeting included generals from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the regime and senior officers from the Indian Army. On the same day, Ambassador Thakur met separately with U Than Swe, the regime’s Foreign Minister, and General Moe Aung, the National Security Adviser of the regime. From the time of the military coup in Myanmar until the end of 2022, interactions were limited to high-ranking officials of the Indian and Myanmar military councils. However, analysts note that the relationship has intensified following the 2023 conflict in Manipur state, primarily for border security purposes. Despite criticism for supplying military equipment and training to the Myanmar regime, India, the third-largest exporter of military equipment to Myanmar after Russia and China, continues to engage in discussions on military cooperation.
- South Africa banks arms exports to coup-affected countries including Myanmar
On July 19, South Africa’s Supreme Court in Pretoria issued a ruling prohibiting the export and sale of military equipment to countries involved in coups, including Myanmar. The court annulled a permit previously granted by the National Arms Control Committee (NCACC) for the sale of military weapons to Myanmar. The South African Legal Centre (SALC) and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) had petitioned the Supreme Court in 2022 to impose this ban. Charné Tracey, a lawyer at LHR, said that the case represents not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty and that the NCACC’s inaction despite clear evidence is an ethical failure. She also added that the order aligns South Africa’s policies with our values and principles. The Supreme Court’s decision mandates the suspension of all arms contracts and exports to countries implicated in coups and war crimes against humanity.
- JFM calls for sanctions on former Lt. Col. Naing Myo Han
Justice For Myanmar has called for sanctions against retired Lt. Col. Naing Myo Han, recently appointed as the lead director of the No. 2 Mining Industry (ME2) by the regime. Naing Myo Han, a Defence Service Academy Intake 37 graduate, previously served as the general manager of ME2’s production department. By overseeing mining tax revenues, Lt. Col. Naing Myo Han is allegedly using his financial and management skills to support the regime’s war crimes and crimes against humanity. Justice For Myanmar asserts that sanctions are necessary to prevent him from profiting from these brutal crimes and to hold him accountable.
Business Matters
- The regime excluded Rakhine coast from new oil and gas exploration
The regime announced that new oil and natural gas exploration blocks off the Rakhine coast will no longer be included in their plans. This decision was made during a business coordination meeting held on July 17 at the Yangon Region Myanmar Oil and Gas Industry’s Lower Myanmar branch office, attended by the regime’s Energy Minister Ko Ko Lwin. The meeting focused on offshore projects, development of onshore oil and gas blocks, but the projects in Rakhine State were excluded from the discussion. The exclusion of new exploration blocks off the Rakhine coast comes amid ongoing attacks and control of most Rakhine State townships by the Arakan Army (AA). Currently, most of Myanmar’s oil and gas production occurs off the Rakhine coast, with exports primarily to China and Thailand generating significant foreign income for the Military Council. According to a pre-coup government budget, Myanmar projected earnings of 2,305 billion kyat (about 1.4 billion USD) from the oil and gas sector by March 2022.
- India and the regime set up a new trade mechanism to circumvent western sanctions
To bypass economic sanctions imposed by the United States and Western countries on Myanmar, the Indian government-owned Punjab National Bank and Myanmar’s regimel-controlled Myanmar Economic Bank are collaborating on trade arrangements. Ten private banks will facilitate transactions in rupees and kyats using the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA). The participating banks include Punjab National Bank from India and Myanmar Economic Bank, UAB Bank, CB Bank, World’s Treasure Bank, Yoma Bank, Ayeyarwaddy Farmers Development Bank, Myanmar People’s Bank, AYA Bank, and Shwe Bank from Myanmar. This new trade mechanism reflects an accelerated pace in economic cooperation between the Indian government and the Myanmar regime.
- Thai investments in Myanmar plummet due to ongoing instability
Thai companies withdrew investments worth $7 billion from Myanmar due to instability following the February military coup in 2021, according to Thai media reports. Previously the third largest investor in Myanmar, Thailand has now fallen to fifth place. Investments in Myanmar have dropped from $11.6 billion across 155 projects to $4.45 billion across 105 projects. The exit of $7 billion worth of projects represents a significant setback for Myanmar’s economy. Trade between Thailand and Myanmar totaled $3 billion from January to May, a 10.46% decrease compared to previous years. Thailand’s exports to Myanmar fell by 11.81% to $1.7 billion, while imports decreased by 8.52% to $1.2 billion. Many Thai companies have suspended operations in Myanmar due to the ongoing conflict between revolutionary forces and the military council. Notable withdrawals include TPBI Public Company Limited, which dissolved its subsidiary TPBI & Myanmar Star Company Limited on July 8, and Christiani & Nielsen (Thai) Public Company Limited, along with General Engineering Public Company Limited, which also announced halts in their Myanmar operations.
- Cash shortage hit Rakhine State
In Rakhine State, where military conflict is intense, most banks have closed, leading to a severe cash shortage for residents. Banks are shut in nine cities, including those in the northern part of the state controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) and those under attack. Even in Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, the capital and major city controlled by the military council, private banks have ceased operations. As a result, residents are largely dependent on mobile wallets such as Wave Money and KBZ Bank’s KBZ Pay representative shops for cash withdrawals, but service fees have increased. A money transfer business operator from Ponnagyun Township reported that cash cannot enter Rakhine due to blocked waterways, strict inspections on highways, and limited money issuance from banks outside the country. Since the conflict began on November 13 of last year, the military council has severely restricted access to Rakhine by land, road, and water, isolating the state from the mainland. Cities with airstrips are also facing bans on land, road, and waterway access. Consequently, money transfer workers are resorting to various methods to bring cash into Rakhine.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Two inmates killed in Thandwe Prison by shelling due to the conflict
Residents reported that two female inmates were killed when a heavy weapon struck Thandwe Prison in Rakhine State amid intense fighting. The incident occurred as the Arakan Army (AA) took control of much of Thandwe city, including Ngapali Beach and Thandwe Airport. On the afternoon of July 12, heavy artillery fire hit the prison, causing significant damage and collapsing part of the facility. A local man who fled Thandwe stated that the AA had urged residents to evacuate due to the threat of air strikes by the military council. The names of the deceased inmates are not yet known, and it has not been confirmed which group was responsible for the shelling. Efforts to contact Prison Department officials for information on the condition of the remaining prisoners went unanswered. Thandwe Prison has four dormitories housing ordinary male prisoners, with political prisoners held separately. The dormitory that was hit by the shelling was the female dormitory near the central gate of the prison. The regime’s troops stationed at the Thandwe Police Station and Thandwe Prison were resisting the AA’s offensive in the area.
- SSPP/SSA to provide aid to displaced community in Hsipaw
The Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) reports that it is providing food aid to around 1,000 displaced people who have fled to Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State. According to a statement released on July 18 by the SSPP/SSA, the aid is in response to the recent clashes between the regime and SSPP allies, including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Kokang Army (MNDAA), during Operation 1027. The SSPP has assisted 944 displaced people who sought refuge in Nam Lam Town and Mong Khe Village Monastery. On July 17, the SSPP team also addressed food shortages among the displaced community. Additionally, the SSPP plans to aid more than 400 refugees from Lashio and Mong Yei townships currently sheltered at Sin Neng Monastery in Hsipaw Township.
- Widespread flooding hit Sagaing and Magway, devastating villages and crops
In Sagaing and Magway regions, six townships have experienced severe flooding due to river overflows, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents and destroying vast areas of paddy fields. Since July 6, flooding has affected the townships of Kani, Sarlingyi, and Chaung-U in Sagaing Region, as well as villages near the Ayeyarwaddy and Chindwin rivers. Residents of Monywa Township have reported ongoing flooding issues since early July, exacerbated by high water levels in the Ayeyarwaddy River, which are being influenced by runoff from the Chindwin River. Nearly 30 riverside villages in Monywa and Chaung U townships have been inundated since July 8, with some areas in Sarlingyi Township also affected since July 4. The floods have devastated numerous agricultural fields, including bean, sesame, eggplants and betel nut farms.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Dozens of soldiers killed during attack on Naypyitaw’s Aye Lar airbase
On July 16, resistance rangers carried out a mission targeting the regime’s military airbase located at Aye Lar Airport, Naypyitaw. The rangers, led by Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BMW), MKCDF, and MRF, fired seven 107 MM rockets towards the airbase, initially resulting in the deaths of four officers and fifteen soldiers. BMW released a statement the following day, stating that a total of 34 personnel, including seven officers, were killed in the incident. Four buildings, such as a drone inventory, chemical bomb preparation garage, weapon inventory, and aircraft repair area, were destroyed. This is the fifth attack by the resistance forces on the Aye Lar airbase since the coup.
- Regime’s Theinni Administrator and family killed during artillery attack on Lashio
On the morning of July 16, an artillery fire fell on government housing in Lashio Town, Shan State, where clashes have intensified over recent weeks. In the incident, U Kyi Win, the vice administrator from Theinni, his wife, and their 12-year-old son were killed. The family had moved to Lashio late last year when the MNDAA took over Theinni town. The military lobbyists claimed that the MNDAA fired the artillery that killed the family. Clashes and indiscriminate shooting continued in the town.
- Grenade attack on the regime’s inspection gate in MIngladon tsp, Yangon
On the evening of July 16, Yangon Army (YA) and western district PDF carried out a mission, attacking a security gate with grenades in Mingladon Township, Yangon. In the incident, at least two soldiers were estimated to have been killed. YA and PDF warned that they would continue targeting the regime’s administrators who are implementing the conscription law.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Two UG rangers tortured to death in interrogation in Yangon
Dark Shadow, a Yangon-based urban guerrilla force, confirmed that two of its rangers died during the regime’s interrogation in Yangon. Nine people were arrested by soldiers as they attempted to attack the Thanlyin New Bridge Opening Ceremony in Yangon on June 8, where Min Aung Hlaing was said to be present. Four more were arrested on June 14. Two of them, Shane Myint Mo Aung (Ko Shane) and Zaw Gyi (Ko Htet), both Dark Shadow members, were confirmed dead after facing extreme torture during the interrogation. The well-being and whereabouts of the other two, Ko Myo Thein Tun and Ko Ye Zaw Tun, remain unknown.
- Regime’s artillery killed woman in Tanintharyi tsp, Tanintharyi Region
On July 15, the regime carried out an artillery attack towards villages in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region. The fire, responsible for the Artillery Unit 306, fell in Ashae Maw Tone Village Tract, Kanyotan Village, killing Daw Mee Nge, aged 40. Although there is no active battle nearby, the regime’s soldiers were said to have been firing artillery in the township starting July 13.
- Rakhine doctor and youths from Kyaukphyu detained in Yangon
On the afternoon of July 16, a Rakhine ethnic doctor, U Ko, was detained at Yangon Airport after flying from Kyaukphyu Airport. Dr. U Ko is an employee of Posco International (OGT), and it’s unknown why he has been detained. Similarly, three youths who moved from Kyaukphyu Township were arrested by soldiers in the evening. They are all married, with wives, and stayed in Hlaing Township, Yangon. They were arrested near their residences on Marlarmyaing Street.
- Reverend detained in Winmaw tsp, Kachin State
On July 17, Reverend Mading Hkaw Bawm from Kachin Baptist Church (KBC) was arrested by the regime’s soldiers and militia members in Wuyan Village, Winmaw Township, Kachin State. He was accused of taking pictures and videos of the soldiers destroying the village roads in the township and releasing them to the media. It’s unknown where he is being held and if he will be charged.
- Regime artillery killed and injured dozens of civilians in Mogok tsp, Mandalay Region
The junta’s forces have been firing artillery in Mogok Township, Mandalay Region, where clashes have intensified in recent weeks. The firings have resulted in multiple civilian casualties. On July 18 alone, a total of 11 people were killed by the junta’s shootings, and 17 others were injured. Families had to handle the cremation process on their own as the hospitals and help teams are out of reach. Telecommunications and the internet have been cut off in the town, and the roads are blocked. About 30,000 people are stuck in Mogok, with limited essentials as of now.
- Regime’s bombing killed and injured civilians in Theinni, Shan State (north)
Around the afternoon on July 18, the regime’s forces committed an airstrike on the Myoma Market in Theinni Town, Shan State (north), killing at least five people and injuring at least seven. Two bombings took place, one falling in the street behind the market and another one inside. The casualties could rise as it is still difficult to verify the on-ground situation in a timely manner. Theinni Town has been under the control of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) since late last year.
Armed Resistance
- AA controlled Kanyin Chaung SEZ in Maungdaw tsp, Rakhine State
On July 14, the Arakan Army (AA) reportedly captured the Kanyin Chaung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State. The SEZ, situated two miles north of Maungdaw Town, was manned by at least 200 troops, many of whom fled upon the AA’s attack. The regime conducted airstrikes following the capture. The Kanyin Chaung SEZ is one of two key border economic bases that trade with Bangladesh, which has suspended activities since last November due to the resumed clashes. The AA continued intensifying efforts to capture Maungdaw Town. Only one regime station remains in the town, but many soldiers, including armed Rohingyas, are positioned inside and outside the town.
- Skirmishes closing in on Mandalay
On July 15, a clash took place near Kyauktada Village, Mattaya Township, 17 miles from Mandalay City. Following the battle, the regime reportedly blocked the Mandalay-Mattaya highway road. The use of aircraft by the junta was also recorded. These battle reports add weight to speculations that Mandalay will experience warfare soon. The regime’s forces have been seen preparing defenses in the city since last week.
- Clashes continued in Lashio & Kyaukme townships, Shan State (north)
As anticipated, clashes intensified between the regime’s forces and the northern alliances in Lashio and Kyaukme townships in Shan State (north). Starting on July 18, the regime had been shelling artillery and conducting aerial attacks on Lashio. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and allied forces have occupied a strategic hill in Mae Han Village, at the entrance to Lashio, and the regime has prepared for defense, basing themselves in government offices and the city hall in Ward No. 2. Residents have been hiding in monasteries and construction projects to escape the conflict. Similarly, in Kyaukme, the junta’s forces have been conducting aerial strikes for days. The TNLA has controlled the town since last month, and the regime has sent about 300 troops to retake Kyaukme. On July 18, the clash continued until 10 pm, with various explosions occurring nearby. So far, the regime soldiers have reached Zawtigone Village, the closest village to the town, and TNLA has been attacking them continuously to block the entry.
- TNLA controlled four regime stations out of eight in Mogok tsp, Mandalay Region
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) reported that its forces had occupied four regime stations in the east of Mogok Town, needing just four more to control the entire town in Mandalay Region. On July 18 alone, the first four stations fell under TNLA control. The northern forces also confiscated various firearms during the battles that day.
- PDF controlled Singu Town, Mandalay Region
On July 20, the MDY-PDF announced that it had gained complete control of Singu Town in Mandalay Region. Until the evening of July 19, the regime had been conducting airstrikes on the town. About 50 soldiers were arrested during the capture of the Htone Gyi Police Station in the township. The MDY-PDF stated that it would question and charge the soldiers according to their code of conduct. There were also casualties on the PDF side, although the exact number was not released. Singu, located 50 miles from Mandalay City, becomes the first town to fall under the control of the resistance forces in Mandalay.
- Chin forces raided police station, released 62 detainees in Hakha, Chin State
Around 5:30 am on July 20, Chin forces carried out a mission named Operation Run, conducting a raid on the Myoma Police Station in Hakha Town, Chin State. In the clash, four regime police were killed and many were injured. A total of 62 detainees held in the station, made up of 49 men and 13 women, were released. About 23 firearms were confiscated before the rangers retreated.
Sources: Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now, Mizzima News, RFA Burmese
