47 regime soldiers defected to the KNLA in what I think is the first mass defection since the coup. Hopefully this will turn into a trend. Increasing reports of the Burmese army recruiting old veterans and children, show how important is every single defection.
US President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes clear steps to be taken regarding the Myanmar crisis, including supporting and recognizing the coup, sanctions and humanitarian aid. The bipartisan Myanmar amendment, is now law and imposes the Biden administration to present a dedicated strategy within 60 days. It will be interesting to see what this strategy will be, especially regarding the NUG and sanctions (chances of sanctions on the oil and gas industry are very low, given the involvement of Chevron).
This small sign by the American administration is frankly one of the very few good news we had in these days.
On the other side, the inaction by the United Nations is absolutely inexplicable. Even after the Christmas Even massacred in Hpruso, Karenni State, in which 35 civilians have been killed and burned by the military regime, all the UN can do is releasing a statement calling for an “immediate and thorough investigation of the reported incident”, a ridiculous request given that the judiciary system in Myanmar is controlled by the military itself.
POLITICS, ECONOMY AND OTHER NEWS
• First case of mass defection. 47 regime soldiers defected to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)’s Brigade 5 with weapons.
• Save the Children confirms that its 2 missing staffers in Karenni State were killed an burned in Hpruso during the Christmas Eve massacre in which regime troops brutally murdered over 35 civilians.
• Mizzima reports that in Ayeyarwady region, military veterans have been recalledand armed by the military regime. They have been promised food and 350,000 kyats per month. Higher ranks have been promised an apartment or land. The retired soldiers are being trained and have been assigned to security posts.
• UN Rapporteur Tom Andrews on Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh: “I have received credible reports that members of ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) have killed, tortured, abducted, and threatened Rohingya refugees.”
• At least five Christian clergymen have been killed and four others are in detention in Myanmar since the military seized power in a coup (Source: RFA)
• Reuters: Indonesia says will turn away stricken boat of Rohingya refugees. Indonesian authorities will help repair a stranded boat packed with over 100 Rohingya off its coast but will not allow its passengers to seek refuge in the Southeast Asian country and will turn the vessel away,
• Monthly update by the Women’s League of Burma: “emerging reports from female detainees who were sexually assaulted”, “clashes have increased at an unprecedented level which has seen an uptick in killings and sexual violence. “ http://womenofburma.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/Oct-Nov-situation-update.pdf
• US President Joe Biden signed into law the United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes precise actions to be taken on the Myanmar crisis, including supporting and legitimizing the National Unity Government (NUG, the democratic government that opposes the regime), humanitarian aid and sanctions. In the NDAA, it seems clear that the US sees the strategic interests of China and Russia on Myanmar as a threat, as the Indo-Pacific dossier is becoming increasingly crucial for the next future.
• First 4 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 confirmed in Myanmar.
• Thai authorities have arrested 69 Burmese civilians who tried to cross the Thai border at two different checkpoints.
• Burmese model and actor Paing Takhon (25) has been sentenced to 3 years of prison for his anti-coup activities.
SAGAING
• Natchaung, Kalay: regime troops set civilian houses on fire again
KAREN (KAYIN) STATE
• A portion of the Asia highway between Kawkareik and Myawaddy was damaged by an explosion
MANDALAY
• Myingyan: Ye Win Zaw has been killed by the pro-military militia Pyu Saw Htee, just hours after being abducted
MAGWAY
• Gangaw: clashes between Resistance forces and regime soldiers. Several casualties on the regime’s side have been reported
ARAKAN (RAKHINE) STATE
• Maungdaw: Myanmar Now reports that 14 year-old Nobi Hussein is still being detained by the regime, apparently on suspicion of being involved in the murder of an assistant clerk.
BANGLADESH
• UN Rapporteur Tom Andrews, highlights the crimes committed by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on Rohingya refugees in the camps in Bangladesh. “I have received credible reports that members of ARSA have killed, tortured, abducted, and threatened Rohingya refugees.” he said.
COVID DAILY (as reported by the military-controlled Ministry of Health. Real figures are believed to be higher than officially reported)
• 187 new cases and 3 new deaths
AAPP Burma daily update (arrests and killings connected to the attempted military coup only, does not include events related to armed conflict). Since February 1st:
• 1,380 killed (+3)
• 11,248 total arrests (+16)
• 1,964 evading warrant (+0)
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