Hi folks, this week, Min Aung Hlaing’s airstrike campaign has focused brutally on civilians, displaced people, refugees, and children. The attacks included two devastating aerial assaults in Shan State—one targeting the Bangkok refugee camp in Pekon Township (Shan-south) and another in Namkham Town (Shan-north)—resulting in the deaths of nearly 30 people, including pregnant women, infants, and elderly civilians. Gruesome images from the aftermath, circulated on social media, showed severed limbs and even an unborn child among the dead. These attacks seem to be Min Aung Hlaing’s way of punishing those who rejected his coup, chose disobedience, and decided to resist. It’s becoming clearer than ever that this regime, driven by cruelty, cannot be reasoned with; violence seems to be the only language they understand.
Simultaneously, the regime’s corruption has reached alarming levels at Yangon International Airport, where military officials extort bribes from young people trying to leave the country for education. While it’s already tragic that Myanmar’s youth feel compelled to flee their homeland, these officials make their departure even more agonizing, capitalizing on their desperation. Min Aung Hlaing may not know how to win a war, but he and his subordinates certainly know how to inflict misery on the people.
Read the highlights below:
Internal Politics
- Junta designated MNDAA, TNLA, and AA as terrorist groups
On the night of September 2, the regime council issued a statement designating the Kokang Army (MNDAA), Taung National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Arakan Army (AA) as terrorist groups. The announcement, made with the consent of the Union Government, was issued by the Central Anti-Terrorism Organization. The groups are accused of detonating bridges, blowing up electricity towers, and attacking densely populated towns and villages with heavy weapons, including dropping bombs. AA spokesman stated that the announcement of terrorist organizations indicates that the regime does not accept ceasefire negotiations initiated by the Chinese government.
- Min Aung Hlaing pledged to recover lost territories
Regime leader Min Aung Hlaing announced on September 3 in Taunggyi, Shan State, that he would take necessary measures to recover territories seized by ethnic armed groups. During a meeting with departmental officials, he stated that the military would protect the country’s sovereignty and respond based on the information received. The coup leader has also accused the ethnic armed groups of forcibly recruiting and using people as human shields in the areas they control.
- Regime officials distorting bribes at Yangon International Airport
Young people traveling abroad for school with a PV (Passport For Visit) visit visa at Yangon International Airport have been forced to pay between 500,000 and 1,000,000 kyats as “an airport clearance fee” to the regime officials. This payment, made in advance to avoid delays or harassment, is also referred to as receiving VIP service. A student heading to Japan reported that the agency instructed him to prepare the fee of 500,000 to 1,000,000 kyats. Since the coup, departures from the airport have increasingly involved bribery in various forms. The rise in these fees is partly attributed to the conscription law, which has given military officials more leverage to exploit the situation for additional financial gain.
- Slow return of residents in Lashio, despite normal operations under MNDAA
In northern Shan State, the Kokang Army (MNDAA) has been actively rebuilding Lashio City. Although the city is operating normally, many residents have yet to return due to ongoing needs in various sectors. Since the first week of August, some civilians have re-entered Lashio, but the city remains less crowded than before. While some restaurants and grocery stores have reopened, the streets are still rarely populated. The MNDAA is providing free internet access through satellite networks, and plans to expand communication coverage throughout the city soon.
- NUG minister announced plans for preserving Mandalay amidst advances
Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Minister of Health and Education for the National Unity Government (NUG), has announced that preparations are underway to capture and preserve Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, intact. He emphasized the strategic importance of Mandalay and indicated that efforts are also being made to prepare for operations in Pyin U Lwin. Dr. Zaw Wai Soe highlighted that these preparations involve coordination among the public, CDM staff, and various NUG ministries. Currently, revolutionary forces are engaged in attacks against regime troops in Thabeikkyin, Mataya, and Sintku townships, with their offensive gradually advancing toward Mandalay.
International Affairs
- Bangladesh’s foreign advisor urged dialogue with AA for Rohingya repatriation
Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s foreign advisor, stated on September 3 that linking Rohingya repatriation efforts with the Arakan Army (AA) is essential. He emphasized the need for establishing communication channels between the AA, which controls much of Rakhine State, and the Bangladeshi government. Hossain noted that the current conflict in Rakhine State has led to an additional 8,000 Rohingyas arriving in Bangladesh. He highlighted the urgency of discussions within the Bangladeshi government to prevent further arrivals, acknowledging that despite humanitarian concerns, Bangladesh is no longer able to support additional refugees.
- Malaysian minister under investigation for human trafficking remains in Myanmar
The Malaysian police have confirmed that former Malaysian Deputy Minister Datuk Mashitah Ibrahim, who is under investigation for alleged ties to Myanmar’s human trafficking gangs, remains in Myanmar. Ibrahim is in Myanmar for “real estate” investments. The Malaysian International Humanitarian Organization recently filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission, seeking an inquiry into Ibrahim and her husband. They are also accused of involvement in the Dongmei Park online scam in Karen State, which Ibrahim denies. Malaysian authorities have pledged to take legal action if such connections are confirmed.
- UN Human Rights Council to address Myanmar issues at 57th session
On September 4, the UN Human Rights Council announced that it will address Myanmar-related issues at its 57th regular session, scheduled from September 9 to October 11. The session will feature 30 planned bilateral talks, with Myanmar being a topic of discussion on four occasions. The session will commence on September 9 with a presentation by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) on the human rights situation concerning Rohingya Muslims and other minorities. Additionally, on September 23, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present a report on the overall human rights situation in Myanmar.
- Regime delegation attended ASEAN Defense Chiefs Meeting amid controversy
On September 5, regime newspapers announced that Lieutenant General Soe Min Oo and his delegation are attending the 21st ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces Meeting in Laos from September 4 to 7. Lieutenant General Soe Min Oo is representing the Chairman of the Military Council, General Min Aung Hlaing, at the event. The meeting included discussions on military cooperation, with Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaisone of Laos’s Military Department engaging with the regime delegation. Earlier in August, 215 civil society organizations sent an open letter to ASEAN requesting that military council representatives be banned from the meeting. The letter advocated for the National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the people of Myanmar, to be the sole representative at the event.
Business Matters
- FMI announced the retirement of the detained chairman
FMI announced that Serge Pun @ U Thein Wai, who was detained by the regime, has retired as the executive chairman of FMI Company effective September 5. Serge Pun, a prominent tycoon involved in various business sectors, including the Thanlyin Star City housing projects and FMI Banking, has been summoned by the junta to Nay Pyi Taw since the third week of May. His communication rights, including the right to travel abroad, have been restricted. According to FMI Company, Serge Pun has been the executive chairman since 2004 and is retiring as part of the company’s leadership succession plan. The former CFO, U Tun Tun, will continue as FMI’s chief executive officer and executive director.
- China restricted goods to Kokang Region amidst conflict in Shan north
Local residents report that Chinese authorities, who are urging an end to the fighting in northern Shan State, have imposed restrictions on the importation of medicines and goods to the Kokang region, controlled by the Kokang Army (MNDAA). Among the border gates controlled by the ethnic armed groups, the restrictions only affect the Yanlong Kyai and Chin Shwe Hao border gates, which connect the Kokang region to China. Other border gates are still open for limited goods export. The blockage began when the MNDAA’s offensive against the Lashio-based Northeast Military Command started in early July. As a result, the Kokang region is experiencing shortages of food and essential supplies.
- Thai companies withdrew from Myanmar market
Due to political instability and economic downturn in Myanmar, Thai businesses have halted operations and are exiting the country, The Nations reported. Thai cement company Siam Cement Group (SCG) has invested 8 billion baht in two factories in Myanmar, which have ceased operations, and the equipment from these factories has been stolen amid the military conflict, according to reports on September 2. Similarly, Thai beverage company OSP announced it will sell the Myanmar Golden Eagle and Myanmar Golden Glass juice brands, valued at 136 million baht. TPBI Public Company Limited, a plastic and product packaging firm, also suspended operations in Myanmar last July due to economic uncertainty. Additionally, Grand Prix International Plc, which organizes trade fairs, and Index Creative Village, which handles entertainment events, have stopped operations in Myanmar since last year. Thai President Foods, which produces Mama brand instant ramen, continues to operate a factory in Mandalay with about a hundred employees but is monitoring the situation closely.
- UWSA eager to start Salween River Dam Project in Shan State
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is keen to commence the Naungpha Dam project on the Salwin River following the deployment of military forces, according to a local monitoring group report on September 5. The Shan State Frontline Investment Monitor (SSFIM), which tracks investment and conflicts in Shan State, revealed that the UWSA is moving forward with plans for the Naungpha Dam, which aims to generate 1,200 MW of power. In the second week of August, 12 Chinese businessmen, accompanied by the Wa Army, visited the proposed site for the dam project, located east of the Salwin River. The project site is situated on an earthquake fault, raising concerns about the potential risks of earthquakes and floods.
- Regime warned oversea workers to send wage home
On September 6, the Military Council’s Ministry of Labor announced that expatriate workers must divert 25 percent of their wages through legal channels or face consequences. Failure to comply will result in non-renewal of passports and denial of permission to travel abroad. Additionally, overseas employment worker identification cards (OWIC) will not be issued to those who do not adhere to the new regulations. The Ministry stated that expatriate Burmese workers must transfer 25 percent of their salary through banks monthly, or every three months to family members. If workers choose not to transfer funds to family, they must deposit the amount into their own bank account in Myanmar. The junta is attempting to purchase foreign currency at a fixed rate through this measure.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Dozens of children suffered from skin infections in refugee camps in Kale tsp, Sagaing Region
In the southern villages of Kale Township, Sagaing Region, around one hundred children in refugee camps are suffering from skin infections and require urgent medical treatment. The unsanitary conditions during the rainy season, including a lack of clean drinking water and dry clothing, have worsened the situation. Seventy children in the camp and about thirty in nearby villages have been affected. Medical treatment is difficult due to drug shortages and rising prices in Kale City. Aid providers report that about 150,000 people have been displaced in Kale Township after regime forces burned homes and ongoing fighting forced them to flee.
- Thousands fled as regime troops raided villages in Launglon tsp, Tanintharyi Region
On September 2, locals reported that around 3,000 people were fleeing as regime troops raided villages and set fire to homes in Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region. Residents from seven villages are being displaced as two columns of troops conduct raids. On September 1, regime forces set fire to homes near Pwarbokepyin village, and the column remains stationed nearby. Another military column is present in Maungmakan village. Locals also reported that the regime troops have been arresting villagers, using them as guides, forcing them to carry military equipment, and employing them as human shields.
- Thousands forced to flee Khin-U tsp, Sagaing Region due to regime offensive
Residents report that approximately eight thousand civilians from ten villages in Sagaing Region have been forced to flee their homes due to regime army raids in the northern part of Khin-U Township since September 3. As regime troops occupy the villages, residents are fleeing their homes, seeking refuge. Local aid groups are providing support, delivering food parcels to those displaced by the ongoing military presence.
- Myanmar migrant school shut down by Thai gov
The Thai government has closed Myitta Yeit School, a Myanmar migrant school in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, where over a thousand Myanmar migrant children were studying. On September 4, the Surat District Education Office issued a warning letter, stating that the school was operating without the required establishment and construction permit under the Private Schools Act of 2007. As a result, all operations have been suspended, and legal action is being taken. Myitta Yeit had been operating for two years and was the largest school for Myanmar students in Surat province, offering education from preschool through high school.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Logging elephants fled to liberated areas amid Mandalay clashes
During battles between resistance forces and regime troops in Mandalay, elephant keepers and their families fled to liberated areas with 138 logging elephants from Thabeikkyin and Sintku Townships. These elephants, from 21 groups under the Military Council’s Forestry Department, have been arriving in liberated zones since July 10, according to a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson. There are concerns about elephants escaping control during the conflict. The PLA spokesperson highlighted the risk of elephants being illegally smuggled abroad, stressing the importance of protecting them from extinction. Support is provided for the families with rice and oil, and an elephant health specialist is on hand, though there is a need for more medicine. Plans for the elephants’ use in the revolution are still undecided, but they are intended to be returned to the relevant department under a new democratic government.
- Explosions rocked Mandalay, amid war concerns
In the early morning hours of September 3, heavy weapons exploded in Mandalay City, injuring a civilian and damaging homes, according to local residents. The explosions occurred around 4.00 am at multiple locations, including Aungmyaythazan Township, where the Central Military Command is based. Explosions were reported on 80 Road, between 11th and 12th Streets in Aungmyaythazan Township, near a police station in Patheingyi Township, and by a checkpoint on the Mandalay-Matara highway. A 30-year-old civilian from Aungmyaythazan Township and some soldiers guarding the gate were reportedly injured. The extent of the damage to the Mandalay Palace remains unknown.
- Regime’s Chinese-made surveillance drone crashed in Ayadaw tsp, Sagaing Region
On September 4, a Chinese-made army surveillance drone crashed in Ayadaw Township, Sagaing Region, and was seized by local resistance forces. The drone, manufactured by Ahead X Company, is a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) type, capable of taking off vertically without the need for a runway. The drone suffered only minor damage, with one front wing and one rear wing broken. Resistance forces identified the drone as a QP 537 model, listed for $26,680 on AliExpress. It is believed to have been used for intelligence gathering by the regime’s forces.
- Resistance forces fired artillery during coup leader’s visit to Loikaw, Karenni State
On September 4, local resistance forces launched a heavy weapon attack while coup leader Min Aung Hlaing was visiting Loikaw Town in Karenni State, an area experiencing ongoing conflict. According to Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) Deputy Commander Mar Wi, five shots were fired. The regime leader’s visit involved meetings with regional commanders and government staff, as reported by a state newspaper on September 5. In response to the attack, junta forces retaliated with heavy weapons and aerial bombings targeting the cities of Nan Mae Khon and Demoso.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Political prisoner raped by inmate in Insein Prison, authorities covered up incident
The Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) reported that a political prisoner was raped by a criminal inmate in Insein Prison, with no action taken by the authorities. The assault occurred on August 20 at around 3:00 am when Zin Myo Ko (aka Myo Gyi), a prisoner serving a 10-year sentence for rape, threatened and raped a 25-year-old political prisoner sentenced under Section 5(j). The prison authorities did not punish Myo Gyi and attempted to cover up the incident. Both the victim and the perpetrator were threatened to remain silent, preventing the incident from being disclosed inside or outside the prison.
- 144 Sittwe residents sentenced to 3 years
On August 30, a regime tribunal in Sittwe, Rakhine State, sentenced 144 residents of Byai Phyu Village to three years in prison each on suspicion of links to the Arakan Army (AA). The sentencing was handed down by a regime court, and family members have been barred from visiting the convicted individuals. The arrests followed a regime raid on May 29, targeting a neighborhood of over 1,000 homes along the river north of Sittwe city. During the raid, four people were killed initially, and the death toll later rose to 76. Reports indicate that at least three girls were raped and killed during the incident. The regime subsequently released the women but detained nearly 300 men. Of these, over 140 men were accused of connections with the AA and have now been sentenced.
- Four including a child killed by regime’s airstrike in Kyaukpadaung tsp, Mandalay Region
On the evening of September 1, the junta’s forces conducted an aerial attack in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Region, targeting the village of Myingyankone. The attack took place more than 20 miles northeast of Mount Popa, with the bombs hitting civilian homes. Six bombs were dropped, despite the absence of any active conflict in the area. The airstrike killed four local residents, including a child, and left two others seriously injured. Residents reported that there were no resistance operations or military missions being conducted in the area at the time.
- Airstrikes injured eight civilians in Mataya tsp, Mandalay Region
On September 3, junta forces launched two airstrikes on Mwayponkan Village in western Mataya Township, Mandalay Region, injuring eight local residents and causing significant property damage. The attacks occurred at around 1:30 am and 5:45 pm, with four women and two men among the injured in the evening assault. The airstrikes also led to the deaths of livestock and damaged several houses and the village monastery. Although no recent battles were reported in the area, it is suspected that the air force carried out the attack under the assumption that resistance groups may have been hiding in the village.
- Airstrikes by junta forces killed at least 20 including children in Shan State
On the night of September 5 and early morning of September 6, at least 20 people, including children, were killed in airstrikes conducted by regime forces in southern and northern Shan State. In Pekon Township, southern Shan State, at least nine civilians, including children, were killed when junta forces bombed the Bangkok refugee camp near La Ei Village at around 10:00 pm. The victims included four children around 10 years old, three girls around 13 years old, and two women around 50 years old. The bombs, reportedly weighing between 200 to 500 pounds, caused widespread destruction.
In a separate attack, two 500-pound bombs were dropped on Namkham Town, located on the Myanmar-China border, at around 1:30 am on September 6. The bombing resulted in the deaths of at least 11 civilians, including two children, four women—one of whom was pregnant—and five men. An elderly man was among the injured, and some residents are still reported missing. The attacks have left local communities in shock, as both locations had no ongoing battles at the time, raising concerns over the targeting of civilian areas by the military junta.
- Six civilians killed in airstrike by junta forces in Myaing tsp, Mandalay Region
On September 6 at noon, six local residents were killed in an airstrike by Myanmar’s military regime in Myaing Township, Magway Region. The bombing targeted houses near a school in Latyatma Village, despite there being no ongoing fighting in the area. Four members of a family living in a house in front of the school were killed instantly when the bombs hit. In addition, a 10th-grade student was killed near the school, and another individual died from injuries after rescuers arrived. Witnesses reported that this strike differed from previous air raids, as the regime’s Air Force dropped four bombs in a deliberate attack, a shift from their usual approach of firing a single round or dropping one 500-pound bomb. The incident has left the community devastated and raises further concerns about the military’s indiscriminate targeting of civilian areas.
Armed Resistance
- KNLA & allied forces intensifed attack on regime camp near Laykaykaw Town, Karen State
Since late August, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) forces under the Karen National Union (KNU) and their allies have been mounting a concerted assault to capture the regime’s Swaltawkone military camp, located south of Laykaykaw town in Karen State. The KNLA’s 6th Brigade and joint forces have targeted the Suetawkone Camp, situated over a mile south of Laykaykaw. This camp, housing approximately 150 troops, has been under blockade by the resistance forces for around six months, preventing regime reinforcements from reaching it. The resistance has employed drones to bombard the camp daily, leaving the regime forces with limited ability to respond beyond shooting at the drones. The strategic location of this hill station, situated between the Thai-Myanmar border trade town of Myawaddy and Phayarthonezu, adds significant importance to the ongoing battle.
- Regime forces mounted counter-offensive in Momauk, Kachin State
The regime forces have launched a counter-offensive against Momauk Town in southern Kachin State, which had been captured by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces on August 19. On August 24, regime troops stationed in Banmaw, approximately 10 miles from Momauk, began their counter-attack using tanks. Recent reports from military-backed Telegram channels suggest that the regime’s army has managed to recapture parts of Momauk. According to the KIA’s information officer, the regime’s counteroffensive has faced significant challenges. The advancing columns from Banmaw have managed to reach within 6 miles of Momauk but have become stalled. Additionally, on September 1, a fleet of five warships departed from Mandalay along the Irrawaddy River, heading towards Kachin State with munitions and supplies to support the regime’s efforts.
- AA captured regime’s last naval base in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State
On September 6, the Arakhan Army (AA) successfully seized the regime’s Central Naval Diving and Salvage Depot (CNDSD) located between Maung Shwelay village and Kwinwain village in Thandwe Township, Rakhine State. The regime had heavily defended the naval base with air and sea support and a substantial number of troops, including recently graduated soldiers. The AA engaged in intensive combat over nearly a month to achieve this victory. The base, the last remaining naval facility of the regime in Thandwe Township, housed over 1,200 personnel. The AA’s assault resulted in the deaths of more than 400 regime soldiers and the capture of significant quantities of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.
- Pinlebu on verge of falling under control of resistance forces
In the ongoing battle for Pinlebu, Sagaing Region, resistance forces have captured more than 60 prisoners of war and seized over 80 weapons and ammunition. The attack on the town, which began on August 15, has seen significant advances by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces. As of September 6, the resistance forces have secured most of the town and occupied all but one remaining military camp. They have also taken control of all checkpoints in the area. Despite continuous airstrikes by the regime to prevent the town’s capture, the KIA and People’s Defense Forces (PDF) have managed to block military reinforcements and maintain their hold on the ground. The resistance’s success is attributed to their effective blocking of military reinforcements and strategic advances, which have constrained the regime’s ability to respond effectively.
- Surrender notice issued to Pyu Saw Htee members in Myaing tsp, Magway Region
After the regime troops and Pyu Saw Htee members from Thayetkan Village, Myaing Township, Magway Region were issued a letter to surrender within one month, their family members have started fleeing. From September 6th to October 6th, the soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee are required to surrender their weapons. The warning letter states that if the soldiers do not surrender, the resistance forces will attack and occupy Thayetkan Village. Those who surrender will be given protection according to the Geneva Convention, and defectors with weapons will receive rewards and other benefits.
Sources: Myanmar Now, Khit Thit Media, RFA Burmese, Mizzima News, DVB, Irrawaddy
