Ahead of the highly anticipated #SilentStrike, in several cities the military regime is warning people not to participate in the protest scheduled on February 1st, the anniversary of the 2021 military coup. The military regime announced that those who will join the protest by closing their businesses or clapping, could be charged under the Counter-Terrorism Law and face life in prison.
Meanwhile the World Bank’s Economic Monitor forecasts Myanmar’s economy to grow only 1% year-to-year, a whopping 30% smaller than it might have been in the absence of COVID-19 and the February 2021 coup.
The National Unity Consultative Council [NUCC] finally scheduled its first meeting on January 27th to ratify the federal treaty. NUCC was formed to bring together forces opposed to the military coup, including CSO and 8 ethnic armed groups
The Irrawaddy published the incredible story of a young woman who was forced to give birth in a displacement camp during in the middle of artillery fire, while her husband was fighting in the frontline.
POLITICS, ECONOMY AND OTHER NEWS
• The World Bank’s Economic Monitor forecasts Myanmar’s economy to be very weak this year, and only grow 1%, “around 30 percent smaller than it might have been in the absence of COVID-19 and the February 2021 coup.”
• Cambodia PM and ASEAN Chairman Hun Sen met coup leader Min Aung Hlaing today. It appears that the meeting failed, as there was no sign of progress regarding the Myanmar crisis. Min Aung Hlaing refused to compromise, and the 5-points consensus is still a mirage.
• Following the request of China, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) will suspend military operations near the Chinese border. Chinese representatives contacted all ethnic armed organizations operating along the border, to request a “ceasefire” while the country is hosting the Winter Olympics.
• The National Unity Government blacklisted nine business owners and their companies for allegedly aiding the military council in committing war crimes. The list includes cronies who act as arm dealers for the military regime: Aye Ko, owner of multiple hotels and the AK Construction and Industry Co; Naing Htut Aung and the International Gateway group of companies; Dr Aung Moe Myint and the Dynasty group; Sit Taing Aung and the Suntac group and Yadanarpon Aviation Support Co; and Htun Hlaing and his STE Global Trading Co, Tay Za and his Htoo Group of companies; Jonathan Kyaw Thaung and his KT and Ky-Tha group; Aung Hlaing Oo and his Myanmar Chemical and Machinery (MCM) group; and Zaw Win Oo and his Trident Marine Co. (Source: Myanmar Now).
• Myanmar Witness tracked a recent shipment of military vehicles from Russia to Yangon
• According to Khit Thit Media, the military regime is secretly collecting personal data of military veterans. The news is not a surprise, as the military regime has been recruiting veterans and forcibly recruiting youths for months now. The Tatmadaw is reportedly overstretched, with many open fronts across the country. Defections and killed soldiers are surely weakening the junta.
• Captain Kaung Thu Win, who defected a few days ago, reports on the chaos within the military, with soldiers fighting with no clear plans, against their own families who are fighting back.
• In a recent interview with Asia Times, Major General Twan Mrat Naing revealed that the Arakan Army currently has 30,000 soldiers.
• DVB reports that political prisoners in Monywa are being physically abused on a daily basis
Indian media reported that 3 people, including a member of the Chin National Army have been arrested in Mizoram while trying to smuggle explosives into Myanmar
• The Chinland Post reports that “A group of Great Hornbill, the symbol of Chin State were flying near Thein Gyi Market in downtown Yangon today. Some social media users commented saying as this is the first time that these birds made their first trip to the centre of Yangon.”
CHIN STATE
• “The Chinland Joint Defense Committee claimed that 1,029 junta soldiers were killed in clashes with resistance groups in Chin State over the past nine months. More than 180 clashes occurred and 58 resistance fighters died in that period, the committee said.” (Source: The Irrawaddy)
• Matupi: clashes between Resistance fighters and regime soldiers. 15 regime soldiers were reportedly killed during an attack on a military vessel carrying rice along the Chindwin river. 8 soldiers were killed during an attack on a military base on the Matupi-Paletwa road
SAGAING
• Ayadaw: 4 civilians, including a 10-year old child, have been shot dead by regime soldiers. According to locals, 3 of them were farmers. San Lin (37), Maung Kalar (10), Phu Taung (60) and a 20-year-old are the victims.
• Shwebo: approximately 15,000 civilians had to flee as regime soldiers raided and burned their villages. Two civilians have been reportedly killed in Ywa Soe by the soldiers.
• Tamu: the military regime imposed a lockdown after finding over 50 new cases of Covid at a local school.
• Pinlebu: around 20,000 residents had to flee the conflict
• Khin U: several houses have been burned by regime soldiers. At least 7 civilians have been killed, according to locals.
KACHIN STATE
• Following the request of China, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) will suspend military operations near the Chinese border while the country is hosting the Winter Olympics.
SHAN STATE
• Taungyi: a report on the experience of a young innocent civilian who got stopped and threaten by soldiers, who let him go only after paying a bribe. These incidents are very common in Myanmar, especially following the coup.
• Monekoe: DVB reports that fighting between the Kokang army (MNDAA) and regime soldiers caused 1,000 to find shelter at two local churces
KAREN (KAYIN) STATE
• Mudaw: 11 soldiers killed by the Karen National Liberation Army
• Lay Kay Kaw: refugees who fled the conflict between the KNLA and regime troops, estimate to have lost 90% of their properties
MAGWAY
• Pauk: according to Myanmar Now, residents of Pauk Township are preparing to flee, as the Tatmadaw is sending more troops in the region.
• Myaing: regime soldiers burning oil wells. 3 civilian reportedly killed.
ARAKAN (RAKHINE) STATE
• During an interview on Asia Times, Major General Twan Mrat Naing revealed that the Arakan Army currently has 30,000 soldiers
YANGON
• Thanlyin: a bomb exploded near the market
• Lanmadaw: a bomb exploded at the electricity office
TANINTHARYI
• Palaw: 2 regime soldiers killed during an attack by Resistance fighters on a military oil tanker
COVID DAILY (as reported by the military-controlled Ministry of Health. Real figures are believed to be higher than officially reported)
• 120 new cases and 0 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:
• 1,494 killed (+1)
• 11,776 total arrests (+39)
• 1,966 evading warrant (+0)
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