Hi folks, the last few days have brought a new level of suffering to the people of Myanmar. Heavy rains caused massive flooding around Naypyidaw, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of displacements. As usual, the military’s response has been pathetic. They haven’t even mentioned the scale of floods in their state newspapers, which, however, did not fail to threaten civilians with continued aerial bombings in resistance-strong areas. Not only that, the regime is also blocking external help and harassing community workers trying to evacuate people.
We urgently need to act now and demand the military let aid in and do something to help the hundreds of thousands who are suffering. Too many innocent people have died in Myanmar simply because the military refuses to care. It’s tough for civilians, but it’s even harder for the resistance rangers, who are often based in more weather-exposed areas. Tragically, we’ve heard that 18 health workers from the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) drowned during a training session on Thursday. It’s heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with them and their families.
Read the highlights of the week below:
Internal Politics
- Min Aung Hlaing’s speech and propaganda suggested more deliberate targeting of civilian areas
Since September 7, the regime’s propaganda newspapers have been publishing a paragraph from Min Aung Hlaing’s speech given in Taunggyi City, Shan State. In his address, Min Aung Hlaing stated, “In order to protect the military’s counter-offensives, the armed groups could use residential buildings, administrative facilities, and innocent people as human walls.” He further emphasized, “The country’s sovereignty will be protected” and “We will respond as necessary depending on the availability of information and the circumstances.” This speech appears to confirm that Min Aung Hlaing has justified the deliberate targeting of civilian areas under the resistance forces.
- Typhoon Yagi caused deadly floods all across the country
Myanmar suffers loss of lives, properties and destruction in various parts of the country due to Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm, at a time when the country is at its lowest moment. This past week witnessed floods drawing huts and homes or entire villages, homes filled with water and residents trying to escape, torrential downpour and landslides claiming the lives of civilians, and displaced people fleeing conflicts further burdened by the floods. The people have already been suffering from man-made disasters since the coup, and the natural disaster caused more distress to them. Yagi reminds the people of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 when then-military leadership chose not to announce the warning and prevention measures as it did not want to postpone the election due in the same month. Myanmar people have yet again witnessed lack of preparation and accountability from a new set of military leadership, and paid the price of its failure with their lives.
- NUG and ABSDF strengthen cooperation in politics, military and finance
On September 12, the National Unity Government (NUG) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in four key areas: politics, public mobilization, military efforts, and finance. Ye Baw Kyaw Lin, ABSDF Joint Secretary General, confirmed the agreement aims to formalize and strengthen existing partnerships, particularly in joint military operations in the No. 1 military region. This cooperation extends to conflict zones in Kachin State, Sagaing, and Magway regions. The signing event was attended by key leaders, including NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La, Union Prime Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than, and ABSDF Chairman Ye Baw Than Khae. The MOU is seen as a step toward eradicating the military dictatorship through unified efforts.
- NUG administration to be more visible in regions instead of ethnic states
U Lwin Ko Latt, the NUG Minister of Home Affairs, announced that the parallel government’s administration will become more visible in regions where revolutionary forces have seized control of certain towns. He made these remarks during a press conference on September 11 about NUG’s interim law enforcement efforts. In July, the People’s Defense Army (PDF) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) captured Mogok town in Mandalay Region, a gem-producing area. TNLA is preparing to establish joint governance with civilians next year, though the specifics of Mokok’s future governance remain unclear. U Lwin Ko Latt emphasized ongoing efforts to cooperate administratively with local ethnic armed groups and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC). NUG has also established public administration bodies in 137 townships, showing a growing presence in these regions.
- The regime tightened rule for Myanmar nationals in Thailand with education visas
On September 12, the Myanmar Burmese Embassy in Bangkok announced that it will cease extending passport holders with Non-ED visas for those attending language courses in Thailand, effective September 16. Non-ED visas, which are popular due to their affordability and ease of acquisition, are widely used by Myanmar nationals who move out of the country. This decision will significantly impact many Myanmar who have chosen Thailand, a culturally familiar country, as their destination since the military coup. The embassy’s statement indicated that extensions would no longer be granted, and those seeking to renew their passports will need to return to Myanmar or apply through another country’s Myanmar embassy, which is often challenging. While it’s possible to switch to a different type of visa in Thailand, this option is more expensive. Concerns are also raised about returning to Myanmar due to fears of conscription and increased security measures, which might lead to arrest. However, extensions for those enrolled in Thai universities, primary schools, and high schools will continue as usual.
International Affairs
- The regime objected IIMM’s report
On September 10, the military regime issued a statement strongly objecting to the reports by the Independent Investigation Mechanism on Myanmar (IIMM), including its sixth annual report presented at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The regime criticized the IIMM’s report, claiming it misrepresented Myanmar’s situation, encouraged terrorism, and fueled instability. In contrast, the NUG welcomed the IIMM’s final report and its presentation at the UN. The NUG expressed support for the IIMM’s efforts to assist in legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and in Argentina, aiming to hold the military accountable for crimes.
- The regime to use fuel and ammunition from India and Uzbekistan for its military campaign
The regime is focused on reclaiming key areas lost during the Yan Naing Min operation, which began on September 1st, with top priority given to recapturing Lashio and the Northeast Military Command. The military is bolstering its forces, prioritizing large-scale ground offensives combined with airstrikes. According to a military source, reinforcements, including troops and recruits, are being sent to northern Shan State. Jet fuel and anti-aircraft ammunition are being imported from India and Uzbekistan to support the air offensive. The military council aims to retake Lashio and the Northeast Military Headquarters before the end of the year.
- BROUK urges international action against the Myanmar military and AA
On September 12, the British-based Burmese Rohingya Association (BROUK) called for urgent international intervention following the regime’s airstrikes that killed at least 70 people in two days in Rakhine State. The bombings, which took place on September 8 and 9 in Maungdaw and Pauk Taw, targeted temporary detention camps of the Arakan Army (AA), killing both prisoners of war and civilians. BROUK’s chairman, U Tun Khin, condemned the airstrikes as war crimes, accusing the military of terrorizing communities, including the Rohingya. He stressed the need for immediate global action to hold the Myanmar regime accountable, criticizing the lack of efforts to cut off resources like oil and military equipment. BROUK also raised concerns about the AA’s detention of civilians, including Rohingya, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law.
- Bangladesh increased border security as thousands of Rohingya flee Rakhine State
On September 11, Reuters reported that Bangladeshi authorities have ramped up security along the 271-kilometer Myanmar-Bangladesh border due to escalating conflict in Rakhine State. In the past month, around 18,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, despite repeated declarations from the Bangladeshi government that they will not accept more refugees. This influx is more than double earlier estimates, with thousands more waiting to cross the border, according to a foreign office official speaking anonymously. Authorities are currently undecided on whether to register these new arrivals as refugees to prevent further crossings. Monitoring the border has become increasingly difficult, posing a significant challenge amid the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
Business Matters
- JFM called for sanctions on Myanmar National Airlines for military ties
Myanmar National Airlines (MNA), now controlled by the military council following the coup, is facing renewed calls for international sanctions. Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has urged the sanctioning of ATR planes used by MNA, as they are allegedly being used to transport military personnel and supplies. This includes instances where military troops fled to Thailand after the Myawaddy battle in April, involving joint KNU and PDF forces. JFM also highlighted that many MNA pilots are former Air Force officers and that the airline maintains close ties with senior military leaders. U Lin Htet, a former MNA director and nephew of former Air Force Chief Maung Maung Kyaw, exemplifies these connections. Two ATR 72-500 aircraft (MSN 781 and MSN 765) were handed over to the Air Force in 2013 and 2014, while an ATR 42-320 was converted into a maritime patrol aircraft in 2016. JFM continues to push for sanctions on all military-controlled state-owned enterprises, including MNA.
- Expansion of Myanmar restaurants in Bangkok
In Bangkok, Burmese restaurants like Rangoon Teahouse, Feel, and Chilli Pot are becoming increasingly common, with Yankin Kyay Oh set to open soon. This trend reflects a shift driven by Myanmar’s political instability, as some view it as an opportunity to tap into a new market, while others see it as a necessary move to counteract a deteriorating domestic economy. A Burmese restaurant owner in Bangkok noted that the influx of Myanmar restaurants is unprecedented. Rangoon Tea House, located near the upscale ThongLor Skytrain Station, is one example of how Myanmar’s wealthy are relocating to Thailand. A veteran businessman in Thailand suggested that the establishment of such restaurants signifies the migration of affluent Myanmar individuals seeking better opportunities and stability. He added that some are even relocating their families to Thailand for education and safety reasons, given concerns about conscription laws in Myanmar. According to the Myanmar regime, over 2.2 million Myanmar nationals have left the country between 2022 and July 2024.
- Severe flooding disrupts transportation and trade across the country
Recent heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Myanmar, impacting transportation and infrastructure across the country, resulting in suspension of trade. Rising river levels, dam releases, and broken mountain streams have led to severe conditions in several regions.In areas such as Tachilek, Mayawaddy, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay, transportation of goods has been halted due to flooding and damaged infrastructure. Roads have been cut off, bridges have collapsed, and houses have been washed away. In particular, sections of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway and roads in Shan State and Bago have been severely affected. The Myanmar Highway Freight Transport Operators Association reported that the Yangon-Mandalay road has been temporarily closed, with some sections requiring repair work. Flooding has also disrupted border trade with Thailand, and transportation costs have risen significantly. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing negotiations to address the road closures and resume operations.
Humanitarian Affairs
- Impacts of Typhoon Yagi across Myanmar
Karenni (Kayah) State: 18 medics from Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and PDF were swept away by floodwaters from the river in Demoso Township. The resistance soldiers were attending a medical training in western Demoso Township. The bodies of all 18 missing soldiers have since been recovered. The KNDF Medical Center, which was running the training program, reported the incident and confirmed it is conducting an investigation.
Karenni (Kayah) State: About 70 houses in five IDP camps in Demoso Township were drowned in the heavy flood.
Shan State (South): In Kalaw Township, torrential downpour caused heavy flooding and claimed the lives of 60 people as of September 12, and more than 100 people have been missing.
Shan State (South): Inle Lake also suffered the effect of heavy rain with more than 100 villages in need of help.
Karen State: Ten houses in Yadao IDP camp in Thandaung Gyi Township were washed away by the floods.
Nay Pyi Taw: In Lewe Township, more than 300 villagers from Hay Man village are trapped in the village as the flood took over the village. Some were surviving on the roofs to avoid the rising flood.
Nay Pyi Taw: In Tat Kone Township, the entire Hpaung Taw village was affected by the landslide on September 11, and emergency aid is needed to save the affected villagers.
Bago Region: In Taungoo Township, two dams were broken by the heavy downpour and affected 30 villages.
Mandalay Region: In Yamethin Township, six villages were affected by the landslide that took place on September 11, and seven people died.
Mandalay Region: In Wundwin Township, a dam was broken due to the heavy rain and the floodwater flowed into more than 20 villages, displacing more than 10,000 people.
- Over 21,000 homes destroyed in 2024 by the regime’s arson attack
Data for Myanmar, an independent research group, reported that more than 21,000 homes were destroyed by arson in the first seven months of 2024, primarily due to actions by the military regime and its subordinate groups. The hardest-hit areas include townships in Sagaing Region, such as Kawlin, Kalay, Buthidaung, Myinchan, and Monywa, where between 1,000 and 5,000 houses were lost. In Kalay Township, six villages were completely burned down by military forces from May to June. Many residents have been displaced, living in nearby villages and forests, unable to rebuild their homes, which took years of hard work to establish. Since the 2021 coup, arson attacks have destroyed over 101,463 civilian homes, with more than 72,000 homes lost in Sagaing alone. The report calls for all armed groups to cease targeting civilians’ homes and urges international pressure to halt such destructive actions.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- 41 regime officers, including three Lieutenant Colonels, joined CDM in August
In August, 41 soldiers and policemen, including three lieutenant colonels, defected to the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), according to the National Unity Government (NUG). The Ministry of Defense, in its September 12 announcement, confirmed that these defectors were linked with the NUG’s relevant department and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF). Among the defectors are three lieutenant colonels, two majors, two captains, and three lieutenants. The Ministry also stated that those who brought weapons received honorariums, with a total of 18 weapons and ammunition handed over by the defectors.
- Pyu Saw Htee member shot dead in Pwint Phyu tsp, Magway Region
On September 8, two members of Pyu Saw Htee were shot while riding a motorcycle near Lalma village, Pwint Phyu Township, Magway Region. One of the men, Ko Yarzar, a member of the military proxy USDP party, was killed after being struck by four bullets to the head and body. His companion, Ko Aung Khaing Soe, was injured but managed to escape. The attack was reportedly carried out by resistance forces, who had prior information about the men’s movements. Later that day, regime troops sent to recover Ko Yarzar’s body were also ambushed.
- Seven regime forces killed in attack on bridge checkpoint in Mon State
On September 9, an attack on a police and soldier checkpoint near the Tgae Phyu River Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyaing road in Mon State resulted in the deaths of seven regime personnel—four soldiers and three policemen. The battle, which occurred between Kyaikhto and Bilin Townships, lasted for about an hour, leaving five additional soldiers and police injured. One resistance fighter from the Joint Forces was killed, and four others sustained non-critical injuries.
- UG rangers attacked regime soldiers in Shwepyitha tsp, Yangon
On the morning of September 14, at 7:10 am, an attack by the God’s Hand Forces (GHF) targeted regime soldiers during a guard change at the army bunker gate near the intersection of 14th Street in Shwepyitha Township, Yangon. Reports indicate that three soldiers were seriously injured, with a 70% chance of death. The exact outcome remains unconfirmed. The GHF carried out the strike as part of its mission to destabilize the regime’s control in urban areas. After the successful attack, the guerrilla forces managed to retreat without casualties.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Junta airstrikes killed over 50, mostly their own men, in detention centers in Rakhine State
On September 8 and 9, the junta launched airstrikes on Arakan Army (AA) detention centers in Pauktaw and Maungdaw townships, Rakhine State. The AA reported that two junta fighter jets attacked a Border Guard Police headquarters, which the AA had seized in July, near the Bangladesh border in Maungdaw. The facility was being used to detain regime forces. The airstrikes killed around 70 people, mostly regime detainees, with over 50 deaths confirmed and several others critically injured.
- Regime airstrikes targeted gold mine under MDY-PDF for two consecutive days
Mandalay City residents reported that the junta’s Air Force launched airstrikes on the Phayaungtaung gold mining project in Patheingyi Township, controlled by MDY-PDF, for two consecutive days on September 8 and 9. The regime has been frequently targeting the site, located 14 miles northeast of Mandalay, since MDY-PDF took over the project on August 7. The gold mine, spanning 5,400 acres, is a joint venture between the military’s No. 2 Mining Company and Myanmar Golden Point Family Company, owned by former Mandalay Chief Minister U Maung Ko, and has a capacity to produce 47,000 tons of gold and metal.
- Regime conducted airstrikes and raid arrests in Mindon tsp, Magway Region
On September 9, regime forces conducted airstrikes on Ywarthit Village in Mindon Township, Magway Region, and subsequently raided the village, arresting around forty residents from three villages. By the morning of September 10, most of the arrested individuals had been released, though five locals were re-arrested as guides. The airstrikes damaged a school and three houses in Ywarthit Village, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- 17 civilians sentenced for alleged resistance support in Sagaing Region
Regime tribunals in Sagaing Region have sentenced 17 civilians to prison on charges related to supporting the resistance movement. Between September 10 and 12, the Monywa Prison Court sentenced 13 civilians, while the Sagaing District Court and Phaungpyin Township Court sentenced four more. The individuals, 15 from Sagaing Region and two from Mandalay Region, received prison terms ranging from five to 15 years. They were accused of financially supporting resistance forces, though former political prisoners claim these charges were often fabricated due to personal feuds.
- Junta airstrikes killed five civilians in Lashio tsp, Shan State
The Kokang Army (MNDAA) reported that a junta airstrike on Nantpao village in Lashio Township, northern Shan State, on September 13 killed five civilians and injured eight others, including three critically. The bombing occurred around 7 pm. Additionally, the Ta-ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced that on the same day, regime forces dropped 13 bombs on Naungcho, with some explosions hitting the town’s police station and nearby residential areas.
- Regime extorted villages over militia recruitment in Bogale tsp, Ayeyarwady Region
The junta’s soldiers and ward administrators in Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Region, are extorting money from villages unable to meet militia conscription demands under the military’s conscription law. Villages are required to provide three to six recruits, and those unable to comply must pay 5,000,000 MMK per recruit. Additionally, residents have had to pay up to 300,000 MMK in total to hire a replacement and send them to military training. Families with young men of military age are being forced to sell property to meet these demands.
Armed Resistance
- Karenni forces launched coordinated attacks on regime camps
From September 5 to 7, Karenni forces launched coordinated attacks on regime camps in four locations along the border between Shan State and Karenni State. The assaults resulted in the deaths of approximately 30 junta soldiers, with several captured and many weapons seized. Three soldiers were taken alive during the attacks on a police station and a camp. Karenni forces have claimed that the regime will struggle to restore control over Karenni State following these significant losses.
- KIA & co blocked regime column and occupied police station in Hpakant tsp, Kachin State
On September 7, a 100-strong military column raided the Lucky Men Hotel in Saitaung Village near Hpakant Town, taking residents hostage. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces responded by surrounding and attacking the troop’s position, leading to intense fighting with heavy weapons that continued until September 10. The conflict forced Saitaung villagers into hiding and closed the roads in and out of Hpakant. On September 12, the KIA and joint forces further escalated the situation by occupying a police station in Hpakant, where around sixty policemen and soldiers were stationed.
- Intensified fighting in Tanintharyi tsp resulted in civilian casualties in Tanintharyi Region
Since September 4, fighting in Tanintharyi Township has escalated as the regime’s army deployed three columns, each with approximately 200 troops. Despite heavy casualties among the regime forces, the columns have continued their advance without retreat.
On September 11, a skirmish in Kywalhteinkone village resulted in the deaths of four civilians due to missiles and drones fired by regime soldiers. Resistance fighters also suffered losses, with one ranger from Myeik District Joint Column 1 injured and one from Joint Column 2 killed. The resistance forces have advised residents to remain alert and avoid areas prone to conflict as the situation may worsen.
- Escaped recruits from the regime to join KNU in armed resistance
The Karen National Union (KNU) reported that over 20 young men, who fled conscription by the regime in Palaw Township, plan to join the fight against the regime. These youths were initially arrested in Thailand, handed back to the military via the Ranong-Kawthaung border, and forcibly recruited as soldiers. Pado Saw Eh Na, secretary of the KNU’s Brigade 4 in Myeik-Dawei District, stated that 27 young men sought refuge with the KNU, with 22 choosing to take up arms. The remaining five expressed a desire to return home, which the KNU will facilitate based on security and transportation conditions. The recruits—of Karen, Burmese, Mon, and Rakhine ethnicities—escaped military conscription on September 8. The military had been transporting them by boat to Palaw Township for training at No. 12, Regional Training Academy in Palauk Town. Although 29 youths initially fled, two were lost along the way.
- KNLA & co moved to capture regime artillery camp in Laykaykaw, Karen State
The battle has intensified as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied groups launch an offensive to capture the regime’s artillery camp, Swetaw, located in Lawkaykaw Town, south of Myawaddy Town, Karen State. To defend their base, regime forces began bombing KNLA positions with Y12 bombers and cluster bombs starting at 7:00 pm on September 13. Since July, reinforcements for the regime have been arriving at this camp, but KNLA allied forces have managed to cut off and block the roads used for support, focusing their efforts on seizing the military camp.
- Resistance forces launched attacks on regime columns in Bago and Sagaing regions
On September 13, at 6:40 a.m., resistance forces targeted a 70-strong regime column in Paungde Township, Bago Region, with landmines. The attack resulted in four soldiers being killed and two others injured as the column transported food from Thitpote Village base camp. In a separate incident, the Chindwin Brothers group attacked the Northwest Military Headquarters in Monywa City, Sagaing Region, with electric missiles. The incident took place on September 11, resistance forces struck the headquarters with two 107 mm rockets and 20 homemade rockets.
Sources: Myanmar Now, Khit Thit, RFA Burmese, Irrawaddy, BBC Burmese, Myaelatt Athan
