Hi folks, within a week of the MNDAA reaffirming its stance of non-cooperation with the NUG, the regime has carried out at least two airstrikes on Lashio, killing civilians in the MNDAA-controlled area. The regime has made its intentions clear, warning civilians that they will face consequences if they move to areas under resistance control. It remains to be seen how the MNDAA will respond, especially after realizing that the regime shows no mercy despite their pro-dialogue approach last week. For all stakeholders in the resistance, it’s crucial to prioritize protecting the people. Controlling territory is meaningless if they cannot safeguard those who live there. Read the highlights of the week below:
Internal Politics
- The regime’s invitation for peace dialogue to resistance and revolutionary forces
On September 27, the military council warned of the dangers facing the nation due to lack of internal unity amidst global competition. Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun highlighted the importance of solidarity, citing regional tensions like those in Russia-Ukraine and the South China Sea. He announced political talks aimed at fostering unity, especially as the country moves towards a multi-party democratic system and faces severe floods and natural disasters. This explanation came one day after the regime’s announcement of invitation to peace dialogue and to the election instead of armed conflicts to resistance and revolutionary forces on September 26. While the regime seeks peace with ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), the revolutionary factions, including the National Unity Government (NUG), have rejected this offer. This marks the first time the military has reached out to the PDF, which opposes its rule.
- The regime pushed census for election despite the public’s opposition
As armed conflicts ravage the country and floods devastate homes, the regime is prioritizing a census for upcoming elections, despite hundreds of thousands facing displacement. Propaganda from the regime urges citizens to participate, even as Min Aung Hlaing directs flood victims to return home. Over 80,000 homes have already been lost due to the regime’s attacks since the coup, and relief workers argue that conducting a census during such turmoil is inappropriate and may yield inaccurate data. The Yangon People’s Strike Force calls for public resistance against the regime’s census efforts, urging citizens to employ various strategies to undermine the process and protect both themselves and revolutionary forces.
- NLD emphasized unity and constitutional development on 36th anniversary
On September 27, the National League for Democracy (NLD) announced plans to coordinate with allies on the Transitional Constitution (Third Draft) during its 36th anniversary commemoration. The NLD reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a democratic federal union, aligning with other groups also drafting transitional constitutions. The NLD expressed support for the declarations of ethnic resistance organizations and state councils aimed at building a federal democratic union. It called for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other detained leaders, asserting that no resolution to Myanmar’s issues is possible without their participation. NLD leaders, including Dr. May Win Myint, highlighted the long struggle for justice and freedom in Myanmar, underscoring the limited periods of civilian rule since independence in 1948. The anniversary event was attended by leaders from partner organizations and international ambassadors, reinforcing the NLD’s ongoing commitment to democracy despite the challenges it faces.
- Chin resistance forces agree to temporary truce
On September 21, the Chin resistance forces reached a temporary truce after months of clashing among one another amidst the armed conflict with the regime. Leaders from the Chin State Council (CC), Interim National Council (ICNCC), Chin National Front (CNA/CNF), and Chin Brotherhood (CB) met in Mizoram to discuss the agreement. Spokesperson Salai Paul emphasized the importance of resolving differences through dialogue rather than conflict. All parties agreed to establish a committee for ongoing discussions, including a long-term ceasefire. However, disagreements remain regarding the constitutional role of the Chin State Council, particularly concerning the involvement of their troops. Salai Peter Thang, from the Chin Brotherhood, noted that a follow-up meeting is planned before the year’s end to address these unresolved issues.
International Affairs
- Myanmar CSOs urged ASEAN to stop engaging with the military regime
On September 25, a coalition of Myanmar civil society organizations called on ASEAN to cease cooperation with the military council, exceeding the framework of the five ASEAN common agreements. Groups including Progressive Voice, Blood Money Campaign, Generation Wave, and Equality Myanmar emphasized that ASEAN’s inaction regarding recent military airstrikes in northern Shan State reflects a failure to address Myanmar’s escalating human rights and humanitarian crises. The organizations urged ASEAN to terminate all economic relations with the military council, including support for its electoral plans. They called for the removal of military representatives from all ASEAN platforms and advocated for political recognition of the National Unity Government (NUG) and support for the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) alongside ethnic organizations.
- Airbus’s Chinese partner supplying aircraft and weapons to the regime
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), in partnership with Airbus, has been reportedly supplying aircraft and military weapons to the Myanmar regime, according to recent findings by Justice For Myanmar (JFM) and Info Birmanie. Airbus, Europe’s largest aircraft manufacturer and primarily owned by Germany and France, has been implicated in a fraudulent tripartite business relationship with AVIC and the Myanmar military. The JFM report highlights that Airbus is a significant investor in AVIC’s Hong Kong-based subsidiary, AviChina, and serves as a strategic partner for AVIC in China, and that AVIC’s sale of military equipment to the Myanmar regime has been ignored by its partner Airbus. The report details the types of weapons and ammunition recently sold by AVIC to the Myanmar military, including Chinese fighter jets and missiles, raising concerns about the ongoing military conflict and human rights violations in Myanmar.
- Thai citizens protests against influx of Myanmar citizens
On September 23, approximately thirty Thai citizens protested outside the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, urging action to address the significant influx of Myanmar migrant workers into Thailand. The demonstrators called for solutions that would protect the interests of Thai citizens. Earlier in September, three Thai national organizations sent an eight-point letter to the government, requesting limits on the number of Myanmar migrants. On the same day, the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) urged Thailand to show compassion for the Myanmar people fleeing the military’s human rights abuses. They advocated for the development of plans to grant temporary residence permits to undocumented Myanmar migrants in Thailand. The NUCC also called on Myanmar citizens residing in foreign countries to respect the customs and traditions of host countries, promoting harmony and friendship with local communities.
- India invited Myanmar’s opposition groups to a seminar despite close its ties with the regime
On September 23, Reuters reported that India invited political and military opposition figures from Myanmar to a seminar in New Delhi, marking a significant shift in India’s typically close ties with the regime leaders. This move comes as Myanmar’s internal conflict continues to destabilize the border region with India, which is vital for several of India’s key projects. The seminar, scheduled for mid-November, will include representatives from the Chin community and the National Unity Government (NUG). Ethnic minority groups from Rakhine and Kachin states have also been invited. Organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) with government funding, the event will feature discussions led by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on constitutional systems and federalism. It remains unclear whether representatives from the military council will be invited to participate.
- Pope Fransis advocated for DASSK’s release
Pope Francis has called for the release of Nobel laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and offered her asylum in the Vatican, as discussed during his recent 12-day trip to Southeast Asia, according to a Reuters report. In a private conversation, the Pope expressed his desire for DASSK to reunite with her son in Rome and to seek refuge in the Vatican. The Pope, who visited Myanmar in December 2017, emphasized that Myanmar’s future relies on respecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens and advocated for peace rooted in democratic principles.
Business Matters
- The regime and India explored local currency trade for bilateral relations
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal wrote on X that discussions were held to explore the use of local currencies—Indian Rupee and Myanmar Kyat—to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations. The talks took place on September 21 during the 12th East Asian Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, involving Goyal and the regime’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Communications, Dr. Kan Zaw. Both parties expressed a desire to reduce transaction costs by using their respective currencies, thereby eliminating the need for currency exchanges. The discussions also covered potential areas for trade cooperation and the current ASEAN-India trade agreement regarding goods.
- Gold prices surge again amid currency fluctuation
According to reports from the gold industry, the domestic reference price for gold (24-karat) increased significantly, reaching about 200,000 kyats between September 20 and 27. The price jumped from approximately 5,200,000 kyats to over 5,400,000 kyats during this period. A gold trader, speaking anonymously for security reasons, attributed this rise to fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate as determined by the central bank’s online system. The Central Bank of the regime noted that the exchange rate for the US dollar rose from 3,519 kyats on September 20 to 3,529 kyats on September 27. Additionally, the regime’s announcement on August 30 regarding a three percent tax increase on gold articles effective October 1 could further impact gold prices by the end of the month. In the external gold market, gold was priced at around 6,600,000 kyats per kyat during the week of September 20-27.
- Myanmar nationals lead condo purchases in Thailand
The Thai government’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC) reported on September 20 that Myanmar nationals have emerged as the top buyers of condominiums in Thailand during the first six months of 2024, purchasing 638 units—a staggering 250 percent increase from the 182 units bought in the same period last year. China remains the largest market, with 2,872 condos purchased, while Russia ranks third with 567 units. Other notable buyers include Taiwan with 326 units and the United States with 292 units. The most popular locations for foreign buyers are Chonburi, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Samprakan, with 75 percent of purchases concentrated in Bangkok and Chonburi.
Humanitarian Affairs
- NLD reports significant losses after the coup
On September 27, the NLD announced that the properties of 833 party members and civilians had been sealed off during the coup, with a total of 1,014 assets lost. This includes properties belonging to 199 MPs and 250 party members, totaling 449 NLD affiliates affected. The reported losses comprise 826 homes and farms, along with 135 business assets and 53 vehicles. Additionally, there have been 165 attacks on the NLD’s headquarters and district offices, according to the Human Rights Document Collection Group (HRDT-NLD), which tracks human rights violations and was established by the NLD. The regime has not yet responded to these claims. The HRDT-NLD also reported that 107 NLD members have been killed, while 57 MPs and 1,544 NLD members remain detained.
- The NUG reported flood casualties and relief disruptions caused by the military
On September 25, the Ministry of Defense of the NUG announced that over 1,000 people are dead or missing due to flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi, affecting hundreds of thousands across Myanmar. The ministry accused the military of confiscating relief supplies intended for flood victims and intentionally disrupting communication channels to hinder aid efforts. The PDF is reportedly conducting relief operations, delivering cash and dry food to those in need despite these challenges.
- UNOCHA reports flood impact on one million people in Myanmar
On September 27, UNOCHA announced that approximately one million people across over seventy cities in Myanmar have been affected by floods caused by Typhoon Yagi. Flooding has impacted more than half of the country, including Nay Pyi Taw, with continuous rains raising the risk of further flooding in some areas. UNOCHA reported over 360 deaths and at least 100 people missing due to the floods. The disaster has devastated thousands of crops, with significant losses in the northwest, southeast, and Rakhine state, affecting farms and livestock. UNOCHA emphasized the urgent need for support in agricultural products, shelter, and health services to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term difficulties in the affected regions.
- The regime threatened arrests for flood relief donations in KNU and PDF areas
In Taungoo District, charity groups attempting to deliver relief materials to flood-affected villages in areas controlled by the Kachin National Union (KNU) and the PDF face severe threats from the regime. A local charity told Khit Thit that they have been publicly warned that donors and social organizations will be arrested and prosecuted for providing assistance. Donors from Taungoo have been instructed to report any connections with outside charities to military officials. The military has explicitly prohibited aid delivery to flood-prone villages within KNU and PDF territories, stating that those caught providing assistance will be charged under anti-terrorism laws. A charity official explained that essential supplies, including rice, oil, medicine, and other necessities, are banned from being transported into these areas.
Attacks on the Junta’s Lackeys & Assets
- Anti-Sham Election Committee formed in Mon State
On September 17, the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC) formed the Anti-Sham Election Committee with seven members, led by Dr. Thiri Mon Chan. The committee aims to oppose the regime’s staged election, which it claims is an attempt by the military to cover up its war crimes. Dr. Thiri Mon Chan urged both the public and the international community not to be deceived by the military’s tactics and not to offer political recognition through this election.
- Resistance forces warned regime lackeys against conducting census
Following Min Aung Hlaing’s announcement that a census would be conducted in preparation for next year’s general election, resistance forces nationwide have issued warnings to those assisting with the process. PDF Zoland, in Chin State, released a statement opposing the census and vowed to take action against anyone involved. Mattaya PDF in Mandalay also warned that it would punish anyone who supports the regime’s census efforts, whether morally or physically.
- 108 village/ward administrators killed since conscription law implementation
As of September 27, at least 108 regime-aligned ward administrators have been killed by resistance forces for enforcing the conscription law across Myanmar. This week alone saw three such incidents: On September 24, U Thein Oo, the regime’s household chief, was killed in Kyobingauk Township, Bago Region. The next day, a ward administrator’s wife was shot dead in Natmauk Township, Magway Region, and on September 26, a ward administrator in Insein Township, Yangon, was also killed. Resistance forces have been issuing warnings against participating in conscription efforts and have now extended similar warnings to those involved in the census.
- Regime’s Central Military Headquarters targeted in Mandalay
In the early morning of September 29, Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM) launched an attack on the junta’s Central Military Headquarters in Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay. The group fired six rockets into the compound around 2:30 am, according to BWM reports. Residents of Mandalay confirmed hearing explosions, but the extent of the damage remains undisclosed. This was the 22nd mission conducted by Shadow Mandalay under the command of BWM.
Arbitrary Arrests, Killings & Violence
- Mandalay residents targeted for criticizing regime
In September, at least seven residents of Mandalay were hunted down by the regime for criticizing the military, according to local sources. On the evening of September 23, armed forces arrested 35-year-old Ma Aye Aye Soe after raiding the Mya Taw Win Restaurant in Chanayethasan Township. Her arrest was publicized on military propaganda Telegram pages. Ma Aye Aye Soe had posted on Facebook criticizing a regime airstrike on a village near Mandalay on September 21, writing, “The army only attacks civilians, they don’t dare fight head on.” A 50-year-old man was also arrested for a similar anti-military post from June, while another 30-year-old man was detained after his phone revealed messages related to a friend involved in the armed resistance. Phone checks by the military are reportedly happening more frequently in Mandalay.
- Regime airstrikes in Rakhine State killed 16 civilians
On September 25 and 26, the regime’s air force conducted bombings in Rakhine State, targeting Thandwe Town and Myebon Township, resulting in the deaths of 16 civilians, including refugees, and injuring 32 others. On the morning of September 26, around 8:00 am, two planes bombed Thandwe Township, with bombs exploding inside the township hall and the Environmental Protection Office. The attack claimed the lives of 14 civilians, mostly children and the elderly, and injured at least 25 others, according to an Arakan Army (AA) information officer. In Myebon Township on September 25, at around 4:00 pm, airstrikes targeted the township of Kanhtaunggyi, killing 2 refugees and injuring 7 more. A total of four locations in the township were bombed. Despite the intense bombings, the AA reported no military casualties on their side.
- Three civilians killed, houses burned during raid in Myingyan tsp, Mandalay Region
On the morning of September 25, regime troops raided Pon Village in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, killing three civilians and burning three houses. A force of more than 100 soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee members entered the village, located about a mile east of Myingyan, in four military vehicles. The soldiers accused some locals of providing information to the PDF and began the assault. According to the PDF Myingyan District representative, the military had been hiding since the previous night and ambushed the village at dawn. “They accused the victims of giving us information and then killed three people. After the killing, they shot only at their heads,” he stated. The victims, three men in their 30s, were reportedly framed with weapons placed in their hands to make it appear as though they had fought back. In addition to the killings, three houses were set on fire during the raid. The names and details of the deceased are still being confirmed.
- 127 Myanmar repatriates abducted for military service after release from Thai Prison
A total of 127 Myanmar citizens, recently repatriated after completing their prison sentences in Thailand’s Ranong prison, have been abducted to serve in the military, according to labor rights groups assisting Myanmar nationals. On September 26, Ranong district authorities handed over the group, which included both men and women, to Myanmar’s Kawthaung authorities in Tanintharyi Region. However, instead of being allowed to return home, the repatriated individuals were taken to the Kawthaung-based Infantry Division (262). “Everyone is being dragged away. Initially, the military council only targeted those they needed for military recruitment, but now they are taking all the returnees,” one source said. The group includes individuals who had been detained for living in Thailand without legal documents as well as those convicted of crimes.
- CDM nurse arrested by army soldiers and police in Mandalay
In Mandalay’s Mahaaungmyay Township, a nurse involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) was arrested by the military and police on the night of September 26. The arrest took place at around 10:30 pm when over 20 soldiers and police raided a women’s hostel in five cars. According to local sources, the CDM nurse was detained after the hostel warden and another resident filed a joint complaint. Although the regime has publicly stated that CDM workers can contact them to have their social blacklist status revoked, the reality on the ground appears different. CDM participants are still being arrested, and often treated like criminals during these operations.
- Regime airstrikes killed civilians in Lashio, Shan-north
On the morning of September 27, the regime’s air force bombed Lashio, the northern Shan State, which is under the control of the Kokang Army (MNDAA), resulting in the deaths of two residents and injuries to at least six others. The airstrikes began at 3:30 am and targeted the city’s market in Ward 1 and Ward 2, with three bombing runs occurring over 15 minutes. A 43-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were among those killed, while details of the six injured are still unclear. Shops in the city have since closed, and power outages were reported in Wards 2 and 3 as the number of damaged buildings continues to be assessed. This is the second airstrike on Lashio in a week. The first attack came on the morning of September 24, where a woman was killed and 15 others were injured in two bombings by jets.
Armed Resistance
- TNLA & co continues to attack regime artillery headquarter in Shan-north
Fierce fighting in Shan State continues as allied forces, led by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), have been battling regime troops around Taungkham village, south of Naungcho Town, for over a month. The village is home to the No. 902 Artillery Command Headquarters, a strategic stronghold of the military. The TNLA, alongside other resistance forces like the People’s Defense Army-Mandalay (MDY-PDF) and the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA), launched an offensive on Taungkham village on August 10, following their capture of Naungcho on July 10. By August 29, the TNLA had seized control of the 206th and 406th Artillery Battalions, leaving only the 354th Battalion stationed at the headquarters. Despite attempts by the military council to launch a counteroffensive from the No. 902 Artillery Camp Command Headquarters, the TNLA and its allies have maintained their assault, pushing back regime forces.
- MNDAA and junta forces reinforced amid tensions in Mongyai tsp, Shan-north
Residents of Mongyai Township in northern Shan State report growing military tension as both the regime army and Kokang Army (MNDAA) have been reinforcing their forces since September 25. The junta appears to be preparing a counter-offensive from Mongyai against cities captured by resistance forces in the region, prompting the MNDAA to also bolster its military presence. “Both sides are building up strength. The residents of Mongyai are understandably worried, as the situation around the city is intensifying. The regime, along with SSPP Shan forces and the Kokang Army, are all nearby, and tensions are escalating,” said a local resident.
- KIA & co clashed with regime forces in Kachin State amid airstrikes
Intense fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), its ally KPDF, and regime forces has been ongoing in Hpakant and Banmaw, Kachin State, for over two weeks, with airstrikes and heavy artillery used by the junta to support ground operations. The conflict began on September 7 when regime forces raided the Lucky Men Hotel in Sai Taung Village Ward (4), Hpakant, and KIA blocked them in the area. Since then, heavy fighting has intensified, with the regime resorting to drones and fighter planes to attack the area. On September 25, at around 4:30 pm, a regime airstrike targeted Sai Taung village, though no casualties have been confirmed yet. Just days earlier, on September 22, fighting continued late into the night, with the regime bombing the same village. More than 30 residents have been killed, and over 150 homes have been destroyed due to airstrikes and heavy shelling, according to KIA sources.
- 150 regime soldiers deserted station in Tanintharyi tsp, Tanintharyi Region
According to the National Unity Government (NUG), approximately 150 regime soldiers deserted Theindaw Station in Taninthari Township, Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region. The NUG Ministry of Defense issued a statement on September 27 confirming the desertion and ongoing clashes. “Since September 25, the camp has been abandoned. Now, about 150 regime soldiers who left the camp are engaged in fighting with our resistance joint forces near Ban Kuk village,” a spokesperson of the NUG column said. The Myeik District People’s Defense Joint Column (1) and (2), under NUG command, have been attacking the Theindaw Station since late April, with the regime forces defending it fiercely, including air strikes.
- Regime announced arrest of 12 UG members in Yangon
On September 28, the regime announced the arrest of 12 members of the Anonymous Force, accusing them of involvement in the killings of ward administrators in the Yangon Region. The group, consisting of 11 men and one woman, was reportedly captured with weapons and ammunition. Those arrested include Kyaw Swa Aung (aka Kyaw Swa), Tin Win (aka Win Cho), Aung Min Khant (aka Kyaw Kyaw Nanda), Ma Yu Nandar Soe, Ko Khin Maung Htay (aka Kyan Kyaung), Ko Ye Yint Aung (aka Ko Ye), Ko Htet Gyi (aka Kyaw Gyi), Ko Arkar Phyo (aka Aung Min Khant), Ko Ne Lin, Ko Tin Hla and Ko Myint Kyaw. The group is accused of storming the Ward No. 107 office in South Dagon Township on September 20, where they allegedly shot and killed administrator U Kyi Tun and headman U Swe Myint Aung. They were also implicated in the killing of Ward Administrator U Aung Kyaw in Hlaing Thar Yar Township on May 13 and a June attack on Kamayut Police Station.
Sources: Myanmar Now, Khit Thit Media, RFA Burmese, Mizzima News
