Internal Politics
- One-year of military campaign in Rakhine State, 11 townships under AA’s control
In the one-year duration of their campaign, the Arakan Army (AA) has captured numerous townships across Rakhine State and is now on the verge of capturing four more townships, which are currently under simultaneous attack, according to AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha. November 13 marked the one-year anniversary of the AA’s efforts to conquer Rakhine, which began last year. U Khaing Thukha said that the AA has successfully taken control of 11 townships. The AA currently controls a total of 17 townships in Rakhine, including areas such as Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauk Taw, Pauk Taw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ramre, Thandwe and Paletwa in Chin State. Fierce fighting continues in Maungdaw, Ann, Gwa, and Taungup. However, there has been no major offensive by the AA in Kyauk Phyu, where preparations are underway for the construction of a deep-sea port, the state capital Sittwe and Myan Aung. U Khaing Thukha also noted that only the No. 5 Border Guard Police sub-camp remains under the military’s control in Maungdaw, and the AA is close to seizing it.
- U Bobo Nge, former vice-chair of the Central Bank, hospitalized due to stomach inflammation
U Bobo Nge, the former vice-chairman of the Central Bank under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government, was arrested and imprisoned by the military council. On November 12, he was taken to Mandalay Hospital due to severe stomach inflammation, according to political prisoners’ support groups. The 56-year-old U Bobo Nge received medical treatment at Mandalay General Hospital under heavy security and was returned to prison later that day. U Tun Kyi, a member of the steering committee of the Former Political Prisoners’ Association (FPPS), told RFA that the inflammation was caused by unsanitary food provided in prison. He also stressed that the military procrastinated to release him to the hospital to get treatment until the condition became life-threatening. It remains unclear when U Bobo Nge will be scheduled for a follow-up check-up for his condition, as no specific appointment date has been provided by the hospital.
- DASSK’s lawyers were denied meeting her amid ongoing trials
Sources close to the Kamaryut District Court in Yangon said that, despite the formal request from her legal team, the regime had not allowed a meeting with State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under arrest and imprisonment. As of November 14, the request remains unfulfilled. On November 13, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team had planned to attend a trial for the case concerning the house No. 54 on University Avenue Road. However, they requested a postponement due to their inability to meet with her beforehand and the lack of instructions from her regarding the case. According to court sources, the lawyer’s group submitted a formal request to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on October 28. The request was directed to the relevant authorities within the regime who have the power to grant such permission. The specific departments involved in processing the request are not yet known. As a result, the Kamaryut District Court has postponed the trial to November 21. Since the coup, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been isolated from her legal team and the outside world. Since December 30, 2022, she has not been allowed to meet with her lawyers in person, further limiting her access to legal counsel and communication.
- NUG calls on revolutionary forces for further cooperation
U Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the beginning of the strategic offensive in the plain regions has created an opportunity for revolutionary forces not yet under the control of the NUG Ministry of Defense to cooperate. This statement was made during a press briefing on November 12. U Nay Phone Latt explained that, under the NUG Ministry of Defense’s command, there are forces organized as battalions, as well as groups that have entered into agreements to cooperate militarily. However, he emphasized that the NUG Ministry of Defense remains open to cooperation with revolutionary forces not yet under its command or without formal agreements, provided they share the same revolutionary goals. A political analyst, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons, noted that uniting all revolutionary forces is a challenging task, as each organization has its own political beliefs and principles. The NUG has said that it has been cooperating in practice with ethnic armed forces and revolutionary groups that emerged following the 2021 coup.
- The regime plans to recall expatriate workers to serve in military
The regime is preparing to call back migrant workers and force them to serve in the military, according to reports. In early November, the Ministry of Labor under the regime instructed employment agencies that send workers abroad to recall them if they are called up for military service. Under the tripartite contract between workers, employers, and agencies, if a worker is called to military service after completing their two-year work permit, they must return to Myanmar and serve in the military. The labor agency that sent the workers is obligated to enforce this return when a summons arrives. An official from a labor transport agency confirmed that when workers are called back home, they are required to return and fulfill their military service. New contracts have been issued to those who have already gone abroad, but the call-up notice forces them to comply with conscription laws. The Ministry of Labor’s directive primarily mentions expatriate workers, but does not provide specific guidelines regarding gender. Along with the conscription law, the regime is pressuring expatriate workers by collecting income tax and demanding 25% of their salary through controlled banks. Additionally, the regime’s administrative officers have been threatening young people with conscription and pressuring them to prove their whereabouts through video calls if they are living abroad.
- KIA captured Panwa region and closed three border gates
Locals reported to RFA that after the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) seized the Panwa region, a key source of rare earth minerals in Kachin State, and the KIA blocked the border gate which was initially closed by the Chinese side since November 12. A resident from Maijayang, told RFA that the border gates of Laiza, Maijayang and Panwa have been closed by the KIA, while the Chinese side has been intermittently opening and closing its gates. Another local from Panwa, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the KIA had indeed countered by closing the border gates. The Kachin Special Region (1), where rare earth minerals are mined, has been a focus of tension since the KIA captured villages in the area on October 18. Following the KIA’s advance, the Chinese side closed the border gates and pressured the KIA to halt its offensive, according to Kachin military analysts and local residents.
International Affairs
- Coup leader visited Chinese drone manufacturer while intensifying drone attacks
On November 8, the regime announced that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing visited Chongqing, China, and toured a drone manufacturing company, Zhongyue Aviation UAV Firefighting-Drone Co., Ltd. The visit was highlighted in a statement, which noted that the coup leader examined the company’s drone equipment and learned about advanced drones used in social relief operations. The regime has significantly increased its use of drones since the beginning of this year, following heavy losses suffered during Operation 1027 by ethnic armed groups. Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to a drone company marked his first trip to China since the coup. The military’s use of drones has become more apparent, particularly in September and October, with drone attacks concentrated in villages along the Sittaung River in eastern Bago Region and in the southern Tanintharyi Region.In addition, the regime’s drone attacks have targeted residential villages in Sagaing’s Kalay, Budalin and Kantbalu Townships, and Gangaw township in Magway. According to a report from the FE5 Tanintharyi group, there were 19 drone attacks in Tanintharyi in September alone. The report also noted that both civilians and revolutionary forces have been affected by the regime’s drone operations.
- 80 CSOs demanded removal of the regime’s representatives at ADMM meetings
On November 11, 80 civil organizations sent an open letter urging the exclusion of the regime’s representatives from the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and related meetings. The open letter was addressed to defense ministers and top officials from ASEAN member countries, as well as key partners including the United States, China, India, Japan, and Russia. The 18th ADMM and the 13th ADMM-Plus, focused on anti-terrorism actions, are set to take place in Laos later this month, where defense ministers from eight ASEAN countries and their partners will meet. The letter calls for the removal of the regime’s representatives and the expulsion of military officials currently holding positions in the Myanmar government. It stressed that the participation of the military council’s representatives would undermine democratic representation for the people of Myanmar. The letter also stated that should the military council be allowed to participate, the civil organizations would publicly declare their non-participation in the meetings. The open letter also emphasized that allowing the regime to participate in ASEAN-related meetings would grant false legitimacy and directly support the violence the military is inflicting upon the Myanmar people.
- NUG issues passport extensions for Myanmar citizens in South Korea
The NUG’s representative office in Seoul has been providing passport extensions to Myanmar nationals who have been unable to renew their passports due to restrictions imposed by the regime. These extensions are particularly aimed at participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and individuals holding G1-99 temporary residence visas in South Korea. According to sources close to the NUG representative office, the NUG has been issuing two-year extensions on expired passports, a move that has been accepted by South Korea’s Immigration Department. The NUG stamped that on the original passport that it had been extended for another two years. Since July, the NUG representative office in Seoul has provided this service, extending passports for over 500 people. This effort began after the South Korean government issued G1-99 humanitarian visas to Myanmar citizens unable to return home following the coup. However, when the passports expired, the military council refused to renew the passports of those living with this visa type in South Korea. To address this, the NUG has stepped in to assist those in need by extending their passports, which South Korea has accepted.
- AA detained six Bangladeshi and two boats in the Bay of Bengal
The Dhaka Tribune reported on November 13 that the Arakan Army (AA) arrested six Bangladeshi nationals and seized two boats traveling across the Naf River in the Bay of Bengal. The boats, carrying cement, bricks, and sand, were captured while traveling to St. Martin’s Island. The families of those arrested expressed fear and concern over the incident, according to reports. The Bangladesh Coast Guard is reportedly working to contact both the AA and the Myanmar military council to resolve the situation. This arrest follows a previous incident where the AA returned 20 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been abducted in the Naf River. They were released through a jetty in Teknaf last week.
Business Matters
- SDB sells USD 2 million worth of shares in 24 hours
The Spring Development Bank (SDB), operated by the NUG and with over 130,000 users, has launched its second round of share sales, raising more than $2 million in just 24 hours. The bank, which managed up to $20 million over 15 months, is offering another 4 percent of its shares in the form of equity tokens. From November 15 to December 5, these tokens can be purchased at a starting price of $0.0025, with a minimum purchase value of $10. Merlin, head of the SDB ABS department, commented on the shift in perspective regarding donations and investments. He explained that what once began as donations from revolutionary supporters has evolved into an investment model. He added that investors now face choices about whether to sell their shares after an exchange listing or hold on to them until the end of the revolution, with the potential for significantly higher returns.
- Garment industry exploited by the regime’s dollar exchange scheme
Individuals from the garment industry expressed concerns over the exploitation of US dollar earnings from their exports by both the military council and private banks, which set exchange rates below the market value. Previously, the Central Bank set a rate of 2,100 kyats per dollar, deducting 25 percent of the export revenue at that rate, while the remaining 75 percent could be sold by business owners at higher market rates. However, recent changes have seen banks taking 75 percent of monthly export earnings at rates ranging from 3,500 to 3,560 kyats per dollar, while the foreign market rate is currently around 4,500 kyats per dollar. A garment business owner from Yangon told Myanmar Now that the rates imposed by banks are far lower than the market price, creating significant challenges for businesses. This situation results in garment manufacturers being undercut by the low rates set by the military council and private banks. When they need dollars for business transactions, they are forced to purchase them at the higher market rate.
- The regime seeks energy cooperation with China
On November 14, it was reported that a delegation from the Myanmar regime met with Chinese state-owned oil company executives in Beijing to discuss enhanced cooperation in the oil and natural gas sectors. The meeting, held on November 11, was led by the regime’s Minister of Energy U Ko Ko Lwin and the chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). During the discussions, the two parties focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, particularly in upgrading oil refineries, expanding energy infrastructure, and addressing the natural gas needs of both countries. Political analyst U Than Soe Naing suggested that the military council is seeking to meet its oil and fuel demands by obtaining both investment and technical support from China. Since the military coup, several international energy companies, including Thailand’s PTTEP, Malaysia’s Petronas, and Japan’s Eneos, have withdrawn from Myanmar’s energy projects. As a result, the regime is increasingly turning to China and Russia for energy cooperation and investment to fill the void left by these international withdrawals.
- The regime revoked licenses of publishing and printing companies
On November 14, the regime’s Ministry of Information announced the revocation of licenses for a book publishing company and two printing houses for allegedly violating publishing laws. The two banned books, “1500 Miles to You” and “Allegory of Love Grown by Hate,” published by Right and The Destiny Book House, were cited for containing obscenities. According to the regime’s announcement, the printing and publishing companies involved in these publications will face legal action under the Printing and Publishing Act. Additionally, the “Shwe Naing Ngan” literature and poster distribution business has been prosecuted for failing to submit the published books for registration and copyright work as required by law.
Humanitarian Affairs
- The regime’s airstrike in Magway displaced thousands of civilians
Since November 9, the regime has intensified efforts to regain control of the Pathein-Monywa road, particularly around Pwint Phyu Township, by launching heavy weapon fire and airstrikes on surrounding villages like Kywe Chan and Lae Ma Village. These attacks, including drone bombings, have forced nearly 2,000 local residents to flee their homes, leaving them in desperate need of emergency shelter and food. The attacks have been concentrated near the Mezali military camp, which has further restricted movement along the Pathein-Monywa road. Local residents report that travel has become difficult due to strict checkpoints and inspections. Many displaced villagers have not returned home and are seeking refuge in safer locations, with the ongoing need for humanitarian aid becoming more urgent.
- Fierce clashes in northern Chin State displaced thousands
Intense fighting has erupted in Falam, Northern Chin State, leading to civilian deaths and significant damage to buildings. On November 8, local residents reported fierce clashes, resulting in the destruction of two houses. Earlier, on October 25, the regime and Chin revolutionary groups clashed, and on October 28, a 38-year-old woman was killed by a large weapon explosion in Falam. According to the Chin People’s Rights Organization (CHRO), the 268th Infantry Division of the regime, based in Falam, was responsible for the gunfire, although the regime has not issued any statements about the death. An official from the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) reported that nearly all of the city’s residents, which has a population of around 10,000, have fled due to the ongoing violence. While neither side has officially commented on the battle’s progress, online posts suggest that the fight for control of the city is underway. To the south, in Sagaing Regime, fierce artillery attacks were reported on November 10, with long-range weapons fired from Kalay Township. Villagers in the surrounding areas, including those from Kalay Township, have sought refuge in Mizoram, India, to escape the fighting.
- More than 10,000 IDPs in need of clothes and blankets for the winter
In Sagaing Region, around 10,000 displaced people from Depayin and Yay Oo townships are facing harsh winter conditions, with many suffering from the cold and in urgent need of warm clothes and blankets, according to those assisting the displaced. Approximately 5,000 refugees from each township are struggling to protect themselves from the winter chill. Among the displaced, the elderly and children are particularly vulnerable, with many falling ill due to seasonal flu, said Ko Htoo Khant Zaw, an information officer with the Yay Oo based People’s Defense Comrade group.
- Civilians injured in Inndaw were denied medical care
Residents of Sagaing Region have reported that more than a hundred civilians trapped in the Myoma Monastery in Inndaw are suffering from seasonal flu, but are not being allowed to receive medical treatment. The civilians had taken refuge in the monastery during the fighting, but despite the battle subsiding, they were unable to return to their homes due to the regime’s presence in the area. One resident who fled to Inndaw shared with RFA that, despite the high number of sick people, the trapped civilians are being denied medical care. While fighting has eased for the moment, joint revolutionary groups have been attacking Into City since November 1, with the aim of capturing it. Residents also reported that the regime is continuing to supply their forces with food and ammunition through air drops, while ongoing offensive operations continue in an attempt to take full control of the city.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Regime helicopter shot down on the way back from Ann
A regime helicopter en route to Ann, the headquarters of the Western Regional Command in Rakhine State, was reportedly shot down on November 10, forcing an emergency landing in Magway Region. According to local sources, the helicopter, believed to be carrying ammunition, was targeted on its return journey and landed in fields near Kanpauk Village, Setutthaya Township, Minbu District. Local news outlets have suggested that the Arakan Army (AA) was responsible for the attack, though this has yet to be confirmed. The incident highlights the growing challenges faced by the regime in maintaining supply lines amidst escalating resistance activities in the region.
- Missile strike reported on Shan Teh Air Base in Meiktila tsp, Mandalay Region
Shan Teh Air Base in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, was reportedly struck by short-range missiles on November 11. Residents of Meiktila reported hearing explosions around 3 a.m., likely coming from the Shan Teh Air Base and nearby military facilities about seven miles northeast of the city. According to a CDM military official, the attack involved 14 fixed-wing drones, causing explosions within the airport compound. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the strike, and details about the damage or precise impact are still unclear. The air base is located near key regime facilities, including the 99th Infantry Division, an Ordnance Factory, the Air Defense Force, and an artillery unit. Its central location makes it a strategic base for launching airstrikes on resistance-controlled areas such as Rakhine, Sagaing, and Shan. While resistance forces cannot access the well-guarded airfields directly, they are increasingly employing long-distance attacks targeting aircraft, runways, and buildings within military airfields.
- Urban guerrilla group targeted actor Yan Aung’s home in Yangon
The Dark Shadow group, an urban guerrilla force, claimed responsibility for an attack on actor Yan Aung’s residence in Yankin Township, Yangon Region, on November 14. The group stated that a soft-tipped mine was used in the attack as a warning, leaving no injuries. According to a group official, the attack was prompted by Yan Aung’s support for the regime. Notably, Yan Aung, along with other artists, had recently welcomed coup leader Min Aung Hlaing at Nay Pyi Taw Airport on November 10, following their return from the Mekong Summit in China.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Nearly 200 civilians abducted by regime forces in Pekon tsp, Shan State (south)
The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) reported on November 11 that nearly 200 civilians were abducted by the regime’s army from Puchel village in Pekon Township, southern Shan State. Eyewitnesses said the villagers, who were returning from harvesting, were detained by a column of over 500 troops and transported to Pinlaung Township in armored vehicles. According to the KNDF’s Central Information Officer, the villagers were not beaten or tortured during the arrest but are being held at a sports hall in Pinlaung, an area under junta control. Puchel village is located two miles north of Pekon along the Pekon-Pinlaung road.
- Regime airstrike killed child, injured three in Ngazun tsp, Mandalay Region
A junta airstrike on November 13 targeted Sin Phyu Kone village in Ngazun Township, Mandalay Region, killing a 6-year-old girl and injuring two men and a woman. The attack, reportedly carried out by a Y12 support aircraft from the Meiktila Air Force, bombed the rural area six times during the night. There is an ongoing presence of resistance forces in Ngazun Township, not just in this village. “There was no fighting; the aircraft attacked out of nowhere,” a local resident said. The bombings have damaged homes, killed livestock, and created severe challenges for injured residents due to a lack of medical supplies in the conflict-prone area.
- NLD township secretary sentenced to 11 years in Sagaing Region
U Win Khaing, secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, was sentenced to 11 years in prison under the Counter-Terrorism Act on November 13, according to his family and close associates. The Salingyi Township PDF reported that he was charged under three different articles of the Act. U Win Khaing was initially arrested in February 2022, and it took almost three years for sentencing. Following his arrest, he was held at Monywa No. 1 Camp and later transferred to Monywa Prison. A prominent NLD member and protest leader in Salingyi, U Win Khaing actively opposed the junta since the coup. His wife and three children have gone into hiding to avoid arrest and are reportedly facing severe hardships.
- Myanmar nationals returned from Thailand reportedly forced into military service
Kawthaung residents have reported that 186 Myanmar nationals, recently released from a prison in Ranong, Thailand, are being held by the military after their repatriation. According to sources who spoke to RFA on November 14, instead of being sent home, the returnees were taken to an infantry battalion after passing through an indoor sports hall in Kawthaung. Men over 35 were reportedly required to show census records, submit neighborhood administrator recommendations, and pay 50,000 Kyat each before they were let go. Younger men, falling under the conscription law, were coerced into mandatory military training. It remains unclear how many of the 186 returnees have been recruited.
- Regime airstrike hit village church in Momauk town, Kachin State
On November 15, a junta aircraft bombed Konlaw village, 17 miles north of Momauk town in Kachin State, striking a church and killing at least eight civilians, including children. The attack occurred at around 3:40 p.m., according to a local source affiliated with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The victims were reportedly living or playing near the church when the bomb hit. While the exact number of injured remains unclear, at least five children are believed to be among the dead. Locals noted that no fighting was occurring in the area, with clashes reported 17 miles away near Momauk town. This has led many to suspect that the church was deliberately targeted by the junta.
Armed Resistance
- CDF-Hakha claimed major gains during four-month battle in Chin State
The Chin Defense Forces-Hakha (CDF-Hakha) reported significant victories during a four-month-long battle in Hakha Township, Chin State, from July 12 to November 12, 2024. The group announced on November 12 that it had successfully shot down a regime helicopter, damaging its tail section, and seized over 50 heavy weapons and small arms. According to the CDF-Hakha, the conflict resulted in the deaths of 53 junta soldiers and injuries to 14 others. Additionally, 17 regime personnel, including 13 police officers and four soldiers, surrendered to the resistance group during this period. These developments underscore the intensifying resistance against the junta in Chin State, as local defense forces continue to challenge the regime’s military operations.
- Clash between SNA and KPDF left 10 dead in Mohnyin tsp, Kachin State
A violent clash between the Shan National Defense Force (SNA) and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) occurred at the Nyaung Yeik restaurant in Htan Tabin village, near Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, on the afternoon of November 12. The incident left 10 people dead, including six SNA soldiers, a businessman, a shop manager, a police officer, and one KPDF soldier, according to a local source. Two SNA soldiers were also injured, with one requiring a leg amputation at Mohnyin Hospital. Following the attack, regime forces and SNA troops increased security measures, closely monitoring movement in and out of Mohnyin Township.
- Three-day battle occurred in Pale tsp, Sagaing Region
Clashes between the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) and its allies, led by Bo Naga, against regime forces in Pale, Sagaing Region, raged for three days since November 11. The resistance groups targeted the general administration office and police station in Pale, located just over 30 miles from Monywa, home to the regime’s Northwestern Regional Command across the Chindwin River. As the fighting escalated, the regime’s air force conducted daily airstrikes to push back the resistance. On November 13, the resistance reported at least five airstrikes as the battle intensified.
- Junta intensified drone attacks on KIA-held base in Momauk
The regime is reportedly deploying multiple drones in an effort to recapture the 347th Infantry Battalion base in Momauk, southern Kachin State, currently under the control of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Momauk, situated about 10 miles east of Bhamo, was seized by the KIA and the Kachin People’s Defense Force (KPDF) in May this year, after a four-month-long offensive. Colonel Naw Bu, a KIA spokesman, stated that the junta is focusing heavily on airstrikes, using drones and heavy artillery to bombard the base. “On days with intense fighting, more than a dozen drones are deployed simultaneously,” he said.
Sources: Myanmar Now, RFA Burmese, Khit Thit Media, DVB Burmese
