Hi folks, today marks the seventh anniversary of the mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya people by the Myanmar military. On August 25, 2017, hundreds of thousands of refugees were forced to flee across the border to Bangladesh, escaping indiscriminate killings and widespread violence in Rakhine State. Seven years later, accountability remains absent. The military, still under the same personnel, continues to commit similar crimes across Myanmar. Yet, the victories of the Spring Revolution have brought the regime closer than ever to facing consequences for its atrocities. Armed resistance is the only language this regime understands, and justice for the Rohingyas is now within reach. Let us continue to support the resistance.
Read the highlights of the week below:
Internal Politics
- The regime extends military training and security participation for men aged 35-65
The military regime has ordered all men aged 35 to 65 across the country to join neighborhood and village public security teams and undergo military training. This directive, issued on August 16 by General Aung Lin Dway, Secretary of the Military Council, requires participation in public security and anti-terrorism activities organized at various administrative levels. Men within this age group must attend military training and engage in local security efforts. Additionally, younger men under 35 are required to participate in monthly military service training. In areas like Ngaputaw Township, all eligible men have been enlisted in local security teams. The Central Supervision Group for Public Security and Anti-Terrorism, established by the Military Council, is tasked with organizing these efforts, providing appropriate weaponry and equipment, and conducting military tactics training.
- NUG prime minister asserts Myanmar’s Unity despite military withdrawal
National Unity Government (NUG) Prime Minister Mann Win Khaing Than emphasized that Myanmar would not disintegrate without its military during a program discussing the achievements of the Myanmar Spring Revolution on August 21. Addressing international concerns about the potential fragmentation of the country without military presence, the Prime Minister stated that Myanmar’s future lies in becoming a federal democratic union, where the diverse ethnic groups have full rights to equality and self-determination. He noted that most revolutionary forces share the vision of establishing a federal democratic union, although he did not specify which groups are aligned with this vision. Similarly, Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson Khaing Thukha expressed on March 4 that Rakhine State does not wish to secede from Myanmar. Instead, they seek the right for the Rakhine people to determine their own fate within the Union, adhering to a political principle that supports autonomy, at least to the level of a confederation.
- The regime and political parties to discuss pre-election plans
Political parties in Myanmar told RFA Burmese that a meeting with the military council’s election commission is set to take place in Nay Pyi Taw on August 24. Daw Than Than Nu, chairwoman of the Democratic Party (Myanmar), said that the meeting might cover topics such as the upcoming national census in October and preparations for the pre-election process. She emphasized that the census is crucial for the election and expects a detailed discussion on the steps leading up to it. Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of Arakan Front Party, mentioned that while the specifics of the meeting’s agenda are unclear, he does not anticipate cooperation among political parties to update voter registration based on the census. He suggested the possibility of discussions around conditions for holding elections in 2025, following the expiration of the emergency period in January 2025. The meeting will be attended by 51 political parties that have registered to participate in the election following the military coup.
- The regime pledges to protect Chinese investments
On August 21, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar announced that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing assured Chinese Ambassador Ma Jia that Myanmar will do its utmost to protect Chinese projects and personnel in the country. This commitment was made during a meeting where Ambassador Ma presented her credentials to the coup leader in Nay Pyi Taw. During the ceremony, Ambassador Ma emphasized the need for a secure environment to safeguard Chinese investments and personnel in Myanmar. According to the regime-controlled newspapers, Min Aung Hlaing discussed efforts to ensure the successful implementation of Chinese projects and enhance defense and cooperation between the two nations. A political analyst, speaking anonymously for security reasons, suggested that the military leader promises to protect China’s projects, while China prevents ethnic armed forces from escalating conflicts, and that it is a reciprocal arrangement, especially given the military’s current struggles.
- The regime imposes strict travel restrictions for Dubai and the Middle East
According to airport staff, young men and women attempting to travel to Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries with passports issued by the regime are being turned away from Yangon Airport. Since the regime’s August 14 announcement that all individuals traveling abroad with a PV employment visa would be closely screened at airports and border crossings, those heading to Dubai and the Middle East have faced numerous restrictions. A source from the Yangon Airport immigration team reported that many travelers to these regions lack necessary documents like hotel bookings or return tickets, often only showing proof of funds, which does not meet travel requirements. As a result, approximately 60% of passengers bound for Dubai are denied boarding. At Yangon Airport, the outgoing citizens were asked detailed questions regarding their travel plans, including their destination, purpose, return ticket, hotel booking, and financial proof. Those unable to provide satisfactory answers are sent back from the airport.
International Affairs
- The military and AA to take responsibility for mass displacement in Rakhine State
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated in a report released by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) that both the Myanmar military council and the Arakan Army (AA) are responsible for the displacement of tens of thousands of people, including Rohingya, from Rakhine State. Over the past four months, ongoing military operations by the AA in the towns of Maungdaw and Buthidaung have led to a mass exodus of civilians. One of the most severe attacks occurred on August 5 along the Naf River near the Bangladesh border, where an assault involving armed drones resulted in multiple civilian casualties, according to the UNOHCHR. The responsible party for this attack remains unidentified. Volker Turk highlighted that the positioning of civilians in dangerous areas by the AA has forced thousands of Rohingya to flee on foot. He called on both sides to immediately cease attacks on civilians, ensure the safety of those escaping the conflict, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected.
- IIMM called for accountability on 7th anniversary of Rohingya exodus from Rakhine State
Nicholas Koumjian, head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), stated on August 22 that those responsible for atrocities in Rakhine State seven years ago have yet to be held accountable. Marking the seventh anniversary of the mass displacement of Rohingya from Rakhine State to Bangladesh, Koumjian noted that such crimes are still ongoing. He emphasized that the perpetrators continue to commit violence without facing any consequences, highlighting the need to break the cycle of impunity. Koumjian stressed that if those who commit crimes are not punished, it fosters an environment that encourages further violence. To address this, the IIMM has submitted evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and legal authorities handling Rohingya cases in Argentina.
- Malaysia to focus on Myanmar Crisis as ASEAN Chair in 2025
In 2025, Malaysia will focus on easing tensions between the United States and China and addressing regional issues, including the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, as it assumes the chairmanship of ASEAN. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made these remarks during an interview with India Today Global while on a three-day visit to India. Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia will work with all relevant organizations to resolve the prolonged crisis in Myanmar. He reiterated the importance of implementing the Five-Point Consensus agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in April 2021, which includes the immediate cessation of violence and engaging in constructive dialogue for peace and restoration in Myanmar. Despite challenges in Myanmar, Anwar Ibrahim stressed the need for continued ASEAN involvement to address the crisis.
- JFM revealed a Singaporean company funding the Myanmar regime
Justice For Myanmar (JFM) reported on August 19 that Singapore-based Emerging Towns & Cities (ETC) continues to make payments to Myanmar’s military council, calling for the Singapore government to impose sanctions on the council and its supporters. According to JFM, ETC paid S$900,000 in ground rent for the Golden City condominium in Yangon for the six months leading up to June 2024. The land is leased from the Office of the Chief of Staff. Additionally, ETC reportedly paid the military council S$1.68 million in 2022 and S$2.99 million in 2023, totaling S$5.57 million since the coup. Daw Yadana Maung, a spokesperson for Justice For Myanmar, condemned ETC for financially supporting the military council while operating out of Singapore. She called on the Singapore government to impose stricter sanctions on companies that finance the military, provide weapons, technology, and jet fuel.
Business Matters
- The regime introduces oil purchase permits
To address rising prices of palm oil and basic food items, the regime has introduced a plan allowing households to buy a limited amount of cooking oil at lower prices. Each household will receive an oil purchase permit booklet, enabling them to buy oil at reduced rates, ranging from 50 tical (kyat thar) to one viss, depending on household size. Currently, palm oil prices on the foreign market are around 13,000 kyats per viss. Under the new system, permits will be issued starting this month at ward and village administration offices. Residents will be able to purchase oil weekly at a rate of 6600 kyats per viss depending on the locations. This approach mirrors the cooperative system used during General Ne Win’s one-party rule, where cooperative shops offered basic items at controlled prices. The military council, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, views this system as a means to stabilize the economy under current conditions. In Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, efforts are underway to implement this system, with registration for purchase permits ongoing. Details of the distribution process are still being finalized.
- The regime caused severe economic decline: Dr. Sean Turnell
Dr. Sean Turnell, economic advisor to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said on August 21 that Myanmar’s economy has plummeted by 50% and the value of the kyat has dropped by 80% under the rule of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing. Speaking at the discussion program “Perspectives on the Successes of the Myanmar Spring Revolution,” Sean Turnell described the current economic situation as a “war economy.” He called for the international community to impose a ban on jet fuel exports to the military regime, asserting that while US sanctions have been effective, further measures are needed. He emphasized that both economic and diplomatic recognition of the military council must be addressed to weaken its hold. Despite these challenges, he noted that Myanmar’s Spring Revolution continues to progress with significant participation from the youth.
- UMFCCI seeks the regime’s approval for registered VPN providers
A business executive from the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) told Khit Thit media that the organization has proposed to the military council the establishment of officially registered VPN service providers. This move aims to support online sales and Facebook-based businesses, which are affected by the military’s social media bans. UMFCCI has requested that the council permit the creation of legally recognized VPN providers to ensure the continuity of online trading via platforms like Facebook. The proposal includes provisions for establishing and registering private VPNs with the regime, enabling ongoing operation of affected businesses.
- Shwe Yati beach housing project faces delays due to ongoing conflict
Shwe Yati beach housing project, said to be the country’s largest of its kind, has experienced significant delays due to ongoing fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the regime near Gwa in Rakhine State. The project, covering over 310 acres, has seen operations halted, with no workers present on site. The Steel Stone Group, overseeing the project since the NLD government, reports that 50% of the work was completed before the disruptions. Local sources and displaced individuals have noted that the project area is deserted, with construction equipment left unused as workers and engineers have fled the conflict zone. Residents and potential buyers are worried about the loss of their investments, despite assurances from Steel Stone Group regarding refunds in case of project failure.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Mon State women forced into military training, rights group claims
Human rights monitors in Mon State report that the military council is recruiting women from the region to attend militia training. According to the Mon Human Rights Foundation, local authorities have been gathering lists of women eligible for military service and sending them to the No. 4 Tatmadaw Advanced Training School in Wae Kali Village, Than Phyu Zayat Township, starting in August. Nai Ae Mon, program director of the Mon Human Rights Foundation, condemned this as a severe human rights violation. He described the forced recruitment of both men and women into military training as a violation of their rights, emphasizing that such coercive actions, despite legal justifications, amount to using individuals as combatants against their will. The foundation’s survey indicates that this forced recruitment extends beyond Mon State to Karen State and Tanintharyi Region, with many young women fleeing their homes to avoid military service. The regime has announced that recruitment for women of eligible age will commence from Intake 5.
- UNOCHA reports 18.6 million people in Myanmar need urgent aid
On August 19, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) announced that 18.6 million people in Myanmar, including six million children, require urgent humanitarian assistance due to widespread conflict and natural disasters. UNOCHA highlighted that World Humanitarian Day recognizes the bravery of aid workers delivering critical support amid worsening conditions. Despite funding challenges, 2.1 million people received aid in the first half of 2024. The UN also condemned violence against humanitarian workers, noting that 280 aid workers were killed globally in 2023, with four fatalities in Myanmar.
- Ongoing fighting in Sagaing Region forces villagers to flee
On August 20, local residents and aid workers in Sagaing Region reported that villagers are unable to return home due to ongoing heavy artillery fire from military council troops stationed in Dipayin. According to Ko Gyi Phyo from the Dipayin Brotherhood Association, heavy weapons are being fired from Dipayin at nearby villages, forcing residents from six villages to continue fleeing. Ko Gyi Phyo noted that over ten villages remain affected, with food being the primary need for those displaced by the conflict. Previously, on August 15, joint defense forces attacked locations held by the military council and Pyu Saw Htee in Dipayin. Although they captured the area early on August 18, the military council retook control later that day with air strikes and reinforcements.
- Intense fighting in Inndaw town forces residents to flee
On August 19, local residents reported fierce fighting in Inndaw town, Upper Sagaing Region, leading to about 20,000 residents fleeing due to the military council troops conducting aerial attacks. Since August 16, clashes have intensified, with joint defense forces targeting police and military council stations in the area. Residents fleeing the conflict have reported that the military council’s bombardment forced them to evacuate. Many have fled towards Kachin State, leaving the town largely deserted.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Nearly 100 regime lackeys killed over conscription implementation
Since the enforcement of Myanmar’s conscription law, at least 98 members of the military regime’s administration have been killed for their role in recruiting soldiers and extorting money from the public. Those killed include village administrators, office clerks, and governors. The killings occurred between February 10 and August 22, since the conscription law’s implementation. The PDF, has constantly warned regime’s lackeys against carrying out conscription duties. On August 19, U Aung Win, the village administrator of Nakhon Village in Oakpho Township, Bago Region, was shot dead by underground guerrilla forces. Aung Win, who was in his 40s, had been extorting money from villagers in line with the military’s demands.
- PDF seized village police station in Ngazun tsp, Mandalay Region
On August 19, PDF forces attacked and captured the police station in Ngamyagyi Village, Ngazun Township, Mandalay Region. The police station, manned by around 20 police officers and soldiers, was overtaken early in the morning following a sustained assault. The PDF forces had called for a surrender but were forced to engage after this was refused. The station fell around 5 am. It was a strategic victory since the station’s presence had hindered previous operations. Weapons, ammunition, and prisoners of war were taken during the battle, with further details expected to be released.
- PDF released political detainees from Depayin’s police station in Sagaing Region
On August 20, the National Unity Government (NUG) reported that PDF forces had successfully freed political prisoners from a police station in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region. The operation, which lasted three days, led to the seizure of the station on August 18. However, a fierce counteroffensive by junta forces forced the PDF to retreat just hours after taking control. During the brief occupation, around 20 inmates, many of them political prisoners charged with counterterrorism offenses, were freed.
- Ward administrator shot dead in Gyobingauk tsp, Bago Region
On August 23, PDF forces from the Bago Yoma region carried out a targeted raid against a local ward administrator, U Myint Tin, in Ngwe Tuu Kyaw Village, Gyobingauk Township. The raid took place around 8 pm, and during the operation, Myint Tin attempted to flee but was shot dead by the PDF forces. Myint Tin was notorious for collaborating with junta soldiers, enforcing conscription, and blackmailing villagers. He had previously publicly challenged the PDF and was seen as a key figure in the regime’s local operations.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Regime’s lackeys abducting youths for conscrption
Junta forces and their allies have been forcefully abducting youths day and night to meet recruitment quotas for the fifth conscription cycle scheduled for September. Incidents have been reported in Naypyitaw, Bago, Ayeyarwaddy, Mandalay, and Magway Regions, where students as young as 13 are being kidnapped by plainclothes soldiers and forced into military training. Similar abductions have occurred in major cities like Yangon. While the media has largely overlooked the impact of the conscription law, it remains a significant threat to Myanmar’s youth.
- Documentary filmmaker Pe Maung Same died after release from Prison
Renowned Myanmar documentary filmmaker and political activist Pe Maung Same passed away on August 19 at the age of 50 due to complications from tuberculosis, just three days after his release on medical parole from a junta prison. The son of famous cartoonist Pe Thein, Pe Maung Same served as an editor at the Yangon Film School and directed award-winning documentaries before his arrest on May 18, 2022. He was sentenced to three years in Loikaw Prison for “unlawful association” after allegedly meeting with an ethnic armed group. Intense interrogation had left him with a broken rib, and he was later diagnosed with tuberculosis in the overcrowded prison on April 22. Despite being transferred to a private hospital following his release on August 16, Pe Maung Same passed away three days later.
- Two freelance journalists killed during raid in Kyaikhto tsp, Mon State
Two freelance journalists were killed when the junta forces raided the home of one of them in the southern state of Mon on August 21. The victims were Win Htut Oo, 26, a freelancer working for DVB and Htet Myat Thu, 28, worked for local media in Mon state. Htet Myat Thu’s house in Letpya village in in Mon state’s Kyaikhto township was raided by about 30 junta soldiers at 9 a.m. on August 21 while their friends who belonged to the Kyaikhto Revolution Force were making a visit. Win Htut Oo, who had been living at the house since July, and a member of the resistance group were shot dead during the raid, and another guerrilla and Htet Myat Thu were killed after being arrested by soldiers. Letpya village is about 100 kilometers (63 miles) northeast of Yangon, the country’s largest city.
- Regime’s airstrike killed two in Nahtogyi tsp, Mandalay Region
On August 20, the junta’s air force carried out a deadly attack on Kwanohn Village in Nahtogyi Township, Mandalay Region, despite no active conflict in the area. Two bombs were dropped, and gunfire was opened on the village, located 16 miles southwest of Nahtogyi Town. The attack claimed the lives of two men, U Aung Ngwe and U Nyo Kha, both in their 60s. Several others, including a monk, were injured and hospitalized, with two in critical condition. The airstrike also caused significant damage to the village monastery, religious buildings, and civilian homes.
- Pregant CDM teacher tortured and killed in Chaung-U tsp, Sagaing Region
A pregnant teacher participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) was brutally tortured and killed by junta forces in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, on August 22. The 24-year-old teacher, Ma Zargyi Oo, who was four months pregnant, was shopping in the market when soldiers apprehended her. She was forced to kneel and was shot in the back near Chaung-U’s police station. Her body was found mutilated, missing one eye and an ear, and her hands were slashed with knives. She succumbed to her injuries at Chaung-U Hospital. Her husband is reportedly part of the revolutionary forces. On the same day, a 25-year-old man was also killed by soldiers, his hands bound behind his back before his body was dumped on the side of Chaung U-Pakokku Road.
- NLD party member abducted in Taungoo tsp, Bago Region
Another National League for Democracy (NLD) party member has been abducted by junta forces in Taungoo Township, Bago Region. U Min Swe was captured on August 23 while sitting at a teashop. His face and head were covered with a plastic bag, and his hands were tied behind his back. This marks his second arrest since the coup. The abduction occurred during coup leader Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Taungoo, a town with a junta airbase targeted by missile and landmine attacks. In retaliation, the regime has been arresting former political prisoners, NLD members, and conscripting young people.
Armed Resistance
- Resistance forces captured regime commander of notorious Ogre Column
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reported the capture of the notorious commander of the regime’s “Ogre Column” during a battle on August 14. Along with the commander, four other regime troops were captured on the Mogok-Thabeikkyin road. Investigations are ongoing. The Ogre Column, known for its brutal treatment of PDF rangers and civilians in the Sagaing Region, consists of 150 to 200 soldiers. The group has a notorious reputation for beheadings and mutilations of both resistance members and villagers.
- KIA & PDF clashing with regime forces across three towns of Sagaing Region
Clashes have erupted since August 15 between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), and the junta’s troops in Indaw, Tigyaing, and Pinlebu towns in northern Sagaing Region. The resistance forces launched offensives on regime outposts in these towns, prompting the junta to respond with airstrikes and artillery to prevent their positions from falling to the KIA and PDF. In Tigyaing, fighting is concentrated around Myataung Village, while in Pinlebu and Indaw, battles are centered around police stations and military camps near the Kachin State border.
- Resistance forces captured and briefly controlled Depayin Town in Sagaing Region
On the morning of August 18, resistance forces captured Depayin Town in Sagaing Region after a three-day battle. However, they were forced to retreat just hours later due to heavy junta aerial bombardments. The regime’s forces conducted continuous airstrikes using fighter jets and Mi-35 helicopters, and approximately 100 troops were airlifted from Mandalay in Mi-17 helicopters. Despite their brief control, the resistance managed to burn down the regime’s police station. Additionally, 123 personnel, including non-CDM staff, Pyu Saw Htee members, and their families, were captured by the rangers.
- PDF seized regime’s air defense base in Tada-U tsp, Mandalay Region
The Natogyi People’s Defense Force (NPDF) reported that they captured the regime’s Tada-U Air Defense Force Base in Mandalay Region on August 20, hoisting the PDF flag after junta troops retreated. The air defense base, located near the border of Tada-U and Natogyi Townships, was captured during an operation under the “Myingyan District Special Operation” banner, with support from Myingyan Battalions 4 and 10, the Tada-U Local Defense Force, and Myingyan District’s drone forces. No casualties were reported on the resistance side, and some ammunition was seized before the base was set on fire. The junta retaliated later that day by dropping two 200-pound bombs near Kwon Ong Village Monastery, killing one man and injuring four civilians and a monk.
- Dozens of regime soldiers killed during battles in Hsihseng tsp, Shan State (South)
The Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) reported that numerous regime troops were killed during multiple skirmishes in Hsihseng Township, Shan State, in August. The junta’s forces, along with their ally the Pa-O National Organization (PNO), raided villages in PNLA territory, resulting in at least 14 encounters. The clashes led to the deaths of at least 48 regime soldiers, and resistance forces seized 15 missiles, weapons, ammunition, and two drones. The regime also deployed 500-pound and 300-pound bombs and fired more than 100 artillery shells, destroying at least four houses and causing civilian casualties.
- Resistance forces captured the fourth regime’s oil field in Pakokku tsp, Magway Region
Resistance forces in central Myanmar reportedly captured their fourth junta-controlled oil field on August 22. The Thagyitaung-Sabal oil field in Pakokku Township was seized after a pre-dawn assault on approximately 50 soldiers defending the facility. Six junta soldiers were killed, and two were captured during the fighting. The resistance seized weapons, ammunition, and roughly six million kyat (US$1,000). The junta responded with airstrikes and sent reinforcements to a nearby police station in Pauk Township.
Sources: Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now, RFA Burmese, Mizzima News, Associated Press
