Hi folks, on July 23, we remembered and mourned the two-year anniversary of the regime’s brutal execution of public heroes Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeyar Thaw. These brave men were hanged in Insein Prison, Yangon, in 2022, without their families being informed. These two men showed resilience, courage, and dedication to their country and its freedom until their last breath. In a fitting tribute, the news that followed their death anniversary highlighted the unmatched fighting spirit of the people and the armed forces, capturing strategic towns and multiple stations. Read the highlights below:
Internal Politics
- Junta chief appointed himself as a president
The military council announced that U Myint Swe, the acting president, handed over his duties to General Min Aung Hlaing on July 22. Due to health issues, U Myint Swe had to take medical leave, leading to the transfer of National Defense and Security Council responsibilities to General Min Aung Hlaing. This decision has sparked criticism. National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt commented that Min Aung Hlaing has long desired the presidency and has used violence to seize power. He emphasized that revolutionary forces are determined to prevent Min Aung Hlaing from becoming the permanent president. Additionally, members of the military who wish to preserve its dignity are urged to act decisively against the misuse of military power for personal gain.
- Increased security measures around former military leaders’ residences
The military leader has imposed restrictions on six private residences in Nay Pyi Taw, housing top figures from the former military regime, including ex-dictator U Than Shwe. These houses are located between Tha Pyay Kone Roundabout and Kyar Pan Roundabout in Zabu Thiri Township. The residences, known collectively as Six Row, belong to former dictator General Than Shwe, Lieutenant Colonel Maung Aye, former President U Thein Sein, former Vice President General Tin Aung Myint Oo, former Parliament Speaker General Thura Shwe Mann, and former Election Commission Chairman Lieutenant General Tin Aye. Previously accessible via pathways, security measures intensified when Thein Sein privatized the access to his property towards the end of his presidential term. Police battalions have been deployed at the gates of these compounds for added security. Following the February 1, 2021 coup, barbed wire was placed around Six Row, further restricting access. Additionally, army units have been stationed at the houses of U Than Shwe and U Thein Sein. Visitor information, including names and duration of stay, must be reported to the Office of the Chief of Defense and presented to the military leader.
- The regime’s Home Affairs minister met with DASSK twice in a week
According to BBC sources in Nay Pyi Taw, the Minister of Home Affairs, Lt. General Yar Pyae, has met twice with the imprisoned State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the past week. “I met him once on Martyr’s Day and once on July 21st,” a source from the Ministry of Interior told the BBC, indicating that Lt. General Yar Pyae visited Nay Pyi Taw prison. As the Prison Department falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lt. General Yar Pyae is primarily responsible for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s living conditions and health. Participants in the peace process during the NLD government noted that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Lt. Gen. Yar Pyae had a close relationship during the peace talks.
- Escalating clashes between two Shan EAOs amidst Operation 1027
While intense fighting continues in northern Shan State, two Shan ethnic armed groups are also clashing in the southern part of the state. Despite a joint ceasefire statement issued in November 2023, sporadic fighting has occurred between the Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) and the Shan State Reconstruction Council/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) since mid-year. On the night of July 21, RCSS and SSPP forces clashed in Rassak Township, resulting in the deaths of five SSPP soldiers, as reported by the RCSS. According to Major Kham San, RCSS Secretary (2), the SSPP troops moved into an area occupied by RCSS forces, leading to the confrontation. A Myanmar researcher specializing in ethnic issues noted that conflicts between allied ethnic armed groups are not limited to Shan groups but extend to others as well. The current clashes between the two Shan groups stem from disagreements over control areas and differing political attitudes, despite the agreed ceasefire.
International Affairs
- China urged ceasefire and protection of Chinese businesses in Shan-North
On July 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is closely monitoring the situation in northern Myanmar and urges all parties to negotiate and cease hostilities as soon as possible. This comment was made in response to a Reuters query during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ regular press conference. When asked about the fighting near the Chinese border and the Kokang Army MNDAA’s announcement of capturing the regime’s Northeast Regional Headquarters in Lashio, Mao Ning emphasized the need for peaceful dispute resolution to prevent further escalation, particularly near the Chinese border. She also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the security of border residents, Chinese businesses, and citizens in Myanmar. Mao Ning reiterated that China will continue to advocate for peace, encouraging ongoing ceasefire efforts and negotiations to resolve the conflict in northern Myanmar.
- The regime discussed election preparation with India
On July 26, the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met with India’s National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval in Nay Pyi Taw to discuss preparations for holding elections in Myanmar, according to the regime’s announcement. They also addressed the political situation in Myanmar and border stability between the two countries. Following Min Aung Hlaing’s announcement in June that elections would be held in 2025, the regime’s Election Commission has accelerated its preparations, frequently updating on the progress. As part of these efforts, the council is planning a population census for October and approving or rejecting party establishment applications. However, election observers express skepticism about the success of the elections, citing ongoing conflicts throughout the region and the military council’s influence.
- Indonesian and Singaporean FMs criticized the regime
On July 25, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi criticized the military council’s unwillingness to negotiate with the regional peace plan that was set up to solve the problem that arose as a result of the 2021 military coup. AFP reports that she made the comments after a private meeting with Singapore’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos. The Indonesian minister wrote on her X social network (formerly Twitter) that the two foreign ministers also shared the same view that the Myanmar regime failed to comply with the five ASEAN common agreements. Both Singapore and Indonesia are criticizing the military’s seizure of power, according to the news. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan wrote on his Facebook page that Myanmar’s worsening situation was discussed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
- China increasingly involved in the regime’s election preparation: BACS says
The Burma Affairs and Conflict Study (BACS) announced on July 21 that China will be more involved in Myanmar’s 2024 elections than in previous years. Throughout 2024, China has held discussions with the regime’s Election Commission, senior military leaders, former military officials, and political party leaders. Key interactions include a meeting on April 26 between the Chairman of the Election Commission and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar. In late June, former President U Thein Sein met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Additionally, on July 4, the regime announced that General Min Aung Hlaing and the Chinese Ambassador discussed election preparations. During a visit by the Vice Chairman of the regime, Lt. Col. Soe Win, election issues were also addressed. Furthermore, the Chinese Communist Party invited representatives from four Myanmar political parties to visit China.
Business Matters
- Serge Pun resigned from company position amid uncertain situation
Due to the uncertain situation surrounding tycoon Serge Pun, who has been arrested and detained in Nay Pyi Taw, the company announced on July 24 that he will resign from all his positions in its subsidiaries, including Yoma Strategic Holdings, a group listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange where he holds a majority stake. Myanmar authorities have been interrogating the head of Yoma Bank, U Thein Wai, in Nay Pyi Taw since the third week of May, restricting his communication with the outside world. Recently, the company disclosed that U Thein Wai and others are not allowed to leave Myanmar. U Thein Wai has served as the executive chairman of Yoma Strategic Holdings, a real estate company valued at over S$270 million, for many years. His son, Melvin Pun, will take over his duties. The company stated that this transition will allow U Thein Wai to focus on the current situation in Nay Pyi Taw and contribute to the company’s stability. Despite the communication restrictions, the resignation statement included a letter from U Thein Wai.
- The regime’s crackdown on online sales of food, cosmetics and medicine
The regime has declared the online sale of food, cosmetics, medicine, and other consumer goods illegal, leading to increased monitoring and arrests. The Ministry of Health, led by Food and Drug Administration Director General Dr. Khin Zaw, is spearheading these efforts, with support from the police, customs, military, internal tax, and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. The operations are conducted under the orders of Deputy Military Leader Soe Win. A Viber group named “Online MediaCase” has been created to coordinate the arrest of individuals involved in the online sale of medical supplies and consumer goods and to monitor relevant online pages. The crackdown involves verifying whether online sellers of food and medicine have FDA licenses and whether sellers of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods have the necessary import licenses. After verification, authorities investigate the sellers’ addresses to conduct raids and make arrests. During this period, 35 online food pages were verified, resulting in three inspections and subsequent actions.
- Chinese firm COOEC to expand Shwe Natural Gas Project
China-owned COOEC Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. has been authorized as a contractor for phase 4 of the Shwe natural gas project off the Rakhine coast, operated by South Korea’s POSCO. The two companies signed a US$523 million contract for the construction of new wells at the Shwe Natural Gas Project, which exports gas to China, according to a July 19 release to the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The expansion involves constructing a drilling platform in 1,000-meter-deep waters and a pipeline, with the project set to take three years, as per COOEC, a subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. The project is expected to enhance COOEC’s performance and future economic growth. POSCO holds a 51% stake in the Shwe natural gas exploration project. Other stakeholders include South Korea’s KOGAS (17%), Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) controlled by the Myanmar military (15%), and India’s ONGC and GAIL, each with 8.5%
Humanitarian Affairs
- The regime burned 95,000 civilian homes since 2021 coup
Data for Myanmar reported today that the military council and its subordinate forces have burned down 95,000 civilian homes since the coup on February 1, 2021. In 2024 alone, nearly 15,000 homes were lost to arson, with an increase in burnings in Rakhine State. In June 2024, 1,109 civilian homes were burned down every week in Mandalay Region, Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Magway Region. Of the 95,000 homes destroyed, more than 67,000 were in Sagaing, accounting for over 70% of the nationwide total. The military targeted areas with strong armed resistance and villages supporting revolutionary forces. The destruction included not only arson but also heavy weapons, airstrikes, and warship fire. The yearly breakdown of homes burned by the military council and its affiliates is as follows: 2,111 homes in 2021; 46,856 homes in 2022; 31,484 homes in 2023; and 14,962 homes as of June 2024
- U Kyaw Moe Tun presented Myanmar’s deteriorating situation at top UN meeting
Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun reported at a UN meeting that approximately 13.3 million Myanmar people may face food shortages and 500,000 children could suffer from malnutrition this year due to the military coup. Speaking at the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s 2024 High-Level Political Forum in New York City on July 17, he detailed the dire situation. The coup has led to falling wages, decreased income, and rampant inflation due to rising food prices and the devaluation of the Myanmar currency. These factors have significantly increased the vulnerability of the population, with an estimated 13.3 million people at risk of food insecurity and 500,000 children facing malnutrition by 2024. Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun also highlighted the broader humanitarian crisis: over 5,400 innocent civilians have been killed by the military council, more than 3.1 million people have been displaced, and 18.6 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. Nearly half the population now lives below the poverty line, and the middle class is vanishing. The unemployment rate in Myanmar rose by 8.1% in 2023. Many young people are relocating to escape forced military service, leading to an increasing number of workers leaving their jobs or the country altogether. The ambassador condemned the military dictators for destroying the rule of law and fostering transnational crimes.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Bar in Chinatown, Yangon blasted
On the evening of July 21 around 10:30 pm, an explosion took place in Black House Bar, located on 19th Street, Latha Township, Yangon. The bar was said to be related to military officials and was a place they usually frequented. Urban Special Ranger Force carried out the blast with a remote-controlled detonation. Three people were injured; whether they were military officials was not verified. Urban Special Ranger Force said it would continue attacking the regime’s lackeys and avoid harming the public’s well-being.
- MNDAA released detainees from regime’s interrogation in Lashio, Shan (north)
On July 23, some of the detainees held and interrogated in the regime’s detention facilities were released after the capture of Infantry Battalion 41 by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in Lashio, Shan State. Among them were three men and one woman, all in their 20s, detained since November 2022. They were all arrested for the possession of weapons, and their families are relieved that they made it out of the junta’s notorious interrogation routine. More political detainees were released, but they have not been identified yet.
- Regime’s battalion units targeted in Patheingyi tsp, Mandalay Region
On the evening of July 27, the junta’s battalion units 116 and 119, based in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay City, were targeted with rockets. According to local sources, a total of eight free flight rockets were fired towards the compounds. Multiple explosions were heard, followed by ambulance sirens. The exact measure of casualties is unknown. Speculations have emerged that the MNDAA, TNLA, and MDY-PDF are heading towards Mandalay City following their recent victories in Shan (north).
- TNLA & co captured the junta and its cronies’ gem mining blocks in Mogok
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and its allies have captured Mogok, the land of rubies, in recent days. This has effectively given them control of the numerous gem mining areas in Mogok, many of which are monopolized by the junta and its cronies. Mogok produces world-class gems, and this is a great loss to the junta and its associates. According to reports from 2014 to 2017, the annual turnover of the gem business was around USD 415 million.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Posco OGT staff Dr. Ko & co missing after detention
Last week, we reported that Dr. U Ko, a staff member of Posco International E&P, was detained by the regime’s forces at Yangon Airport after flying in from Kyaukphyu on July 16. Following this, the junta’s forces continued targeting Posco International’s office, which operates in the Shwe Natural Gas Mining Field in Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State. Initial speculation suggested Dr. U Ko’s arrest was due to his alleged association with the Arakan Army (AA), and the junta was investigating his bank transactions. Currently, the Posco office in Kyaukphyu is locked down with staff inside.
- 17 civilians framed and arrested for attack on regime’s airbase
On July 16, Brace Warrior for Myanmar (BWN) conducted an assault on the regime’s Aye Lar Airbase in Naypyitaw. BWN reported that the attack resulted in many deaths and all the rangers made it to safety. However, the regime’s forces have framed and arrested 17 civilians from nearby villages, accusing them of conspiring in the crime. These civilians are now being interrogated.
- Female political prisoners beaten by guards in Insein Prison
On July 21, about twenty female prisoners were reportedly beaten in Insein Prison, Yangon, according to the Women’s Organization for Political Prisoners (WOPP). On the late evening of July 20 around 9 pm, an inmate was locked up in solitary confinement for requesting medicine from fellow inmates due to breathing issues. About twenty political prisoners called for her immediate medical attention the following day, resulting in a beating by male guards led by a prison officer. The identities of those beaten, including the woman suffering from breathing issues, have not been disclosed.
In related news, about 260 inmates, including 200 male and 60 female political prisoners, were transferred from Yangon’s Insein Prison to Bago’s Daik-U Prison on July 21. This precautionary action was taken by the regime in anticipation of a prison strike on the two-year anniversary of the killing of Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeyar Thaw on July 23.
- Regime’s artillery killed seven villagers in Kyaikhto tsp, Mon State
On July 23, clashes broke out between the regime’s army and Karen resistance forces in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State. The junta’s battalion unit 44 fired artillery into the battle areas, impacting nearby villages, particularly around Kyauktan Lay Village. The incident resulted in seven villagers losing their lives and seven more being severely wounded.
- Regime’s 3-day airstrike killed four people in Salin tsp, Magway Region
The regime’s forces reportedly conducted aerial strikes for three successive days starting from July 23, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries in Salin Township, Magway Region. Around 5 pm on July 23, an airstrike targeted a school and a monastery in Nga Hlaing Twin Village, west of Salin, killing a monk and three villagers. The aerial strikes continued in the following days, targeting nearby areas and resulting in at least 10 injuries. It was speculated that the regime’s forces mistook these areas as bases for the resistance forces.
- Regime’s drone attack killed three civilians in Kantbalu tsp, Sagaing Region
Starting on July 25, the regime’s army has been conducting offensives in the south of Kantbalu Township, Sagaing Region, resulting in civilian deaths. About 130 troops, including militias and Pyu Saw Htee members, raided villages in the region. Before their entry to Thayetgaung Village, they dropped bombs using drones, killing a 65-year-old mother, her 45-year-old son, and injuring another woman. Another 60-troop march targeted Thapyaythagyi Village, firing artillery. The incident killed a 55-year-old man and injured two others. The regime’s offensive continues in the region to this day.
Armed Resistance
- Chin forces capture three regime stations near Hakha, Chin State
On the morning of July 22, Chin resistance forces, led by the Chin National Army (CNA) and Chinland Defense Force (CDF), reportedly captured three regime stations located 20 miles from Hakha, the capital of Chin State. These stations are situated on the Hakha-Thantlang highway, and clashes continue at the remaining station. About 100 soldiers in total manned these stations.
In related news, CDF-Matupi announced that it had captured around 120 regime soldiers and their families who fled during the Matupi battle at the end of last month. About 50 of them are soldiers and policemen, while the rest are their family members.
- MDY-PDF still controlling Singu, Mandalay
On July 17, the MDY-PDF reportedly seized Singu Town in Mandalay Region, 54 miles from Mandalay City. This marked the first time a town in Mandalay Region had fallen under PDF control. Since then, the regime has attempted to recapture it using navy ships. Recently, military supporters and lobbyists spread fabricated news that the junta had recaptured the town. However, according to an MDY-PDF spokesperson, MDY-PDF is still in control of the town as of July 22.
- AA on verge of complete control in Thandwe, regime prepares defense in southern Rakhine State
The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly intensified efforts to completely capture Thandwe Town. Currently, only the Mg Shwe Lay Navy Station remains under regime control, and AA has launched an offensive on it. The regime’s forces have fired towards the station and bombed nearby villages, forcing AA to evacuate villagers from the airstrikes. Meanwhile, the junta is reportedly preparing defenses in the southern part of Rakhine State, such as Gwa, Taunggok, and Man Aung, where the AA has not yet initiated offensives.
- TNLA & MDY-PDF capture Mogok, Mandalay Region
On the evening of July 24, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced that it had captured Mogok Town in Mandalay Region. TNLA and MDY-PDF launched the campaign on June 25 as part of the second wave of Operation 1027. Videos and pictures circulated online show the public warmly welcoming the TNLA and PDF rangers who entered the town following the capture. TNLA and its allies also seized the neighboring Naungcho Township on July 10, where clashes are still occurring.
- MNDAA seizes regime’s Northeastern Command headquarters in Lashio, Shan State (north)
On July 25, resistance forces led by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) declared that they had captured the junta’s Northeastern Command headquarters in Lashio, Shan State (north). MNDAA announced that the capture marked the complete liberation of the trading-strategic Lashio Town from regime control. The victory came 23 days after the initial launch of the campaign and three days after regime leader Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself president. About 200 regime personnel, including majors and officers, surrendered to MNDAA. MNDAA urged health, education, and administrative staff to continue serving the public. However, clashes reportedly continue in Lashio due to remaining regime soldiers scattered across the town.
Sources: Myanmar Now, Khit Thit Media, Mizzima News, RFA Burmese, BBC Burmese
