Col Htoo Ka Shaw, the commander of the Brigade 5 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), was killed in a battle against the military regime in Mutraw, Karen State. the KNLA, supported by other Resistance groups, reportedly took control of the Walu camp in Kyawnya, Butho Township, a strategic military base, defeating the Infantry Battalion 434. He was considered as one of the most influential figures of the Brigade 5, a huge loss for the Karen community and the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.
After Mohibullah, the Rohingya community loses another prominent leader. Dr. Wakar Uddin passed away today in the US.
Activities of pro-military militias seem to be increasing. Earlier this week, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun, announced that there will be an increase in “public security, through the force of the people”. Pro-military groups are nothing new in Myanmar. Just like the thick net of military informants (called “dalan” by Burmese civilians) they have often be formed, trained and used by the Burmese military to strengthen its control in certain areas. Attacks by these groups, often referred as Pyu Saw Htee, have been frequent especially in Sagaing, but are happening more often in large cities too. Yesterday a group called Yangon Thwe Thout, shot and killed the grandfather of Hein Htet, a famous pro-democracy actor. The Thwe Thout Group has been active in Mandalay, attacking NLD members and supporters.
But who are the people joining these militias? Veterans, some military and USDP supporters, members of the Young Men’s Buddhist Association or members of the Buddhist ultranationalist group Ma Ba Tha.
The risk of widespread communal violence in Myanmar remains high, and the Burmese military is only trying to increase it.
POLITICS, ECONOMY AND OTHER NEWS
• Around 300 Thai women were forced to work as prostitutes at a casino in the border town of Myawaddy, according to a 25-year-old victim who managed to escape by swimming to the Thai side of the border. (Source: DVB)
• Malaysian energy giant Petronas today announced that it has withdrawn from four blocks in the offshore Yetagun gas project. The firm had operated the fields through subsidiary PC Myanmar, which held a 40.9% share in Yetagun (the junta’s Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise owns 20.5%). (Source: DVB)
• The military regime says it co-produced with China, 1 million doses of Covid-19 Vaccine Myancopharm
• Large amounts of drugs seized in February and March by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), have been handed to the Burmese military regime
• Japan’s Minister of Defense, Nobuo Kishi, has confirmed that the country will accept four Burmese military cadets will partake in multi-national training drills during a parliament committee session on April 26. (Source: DVB)
SAGAING
• Tabayin: a woman was killed and two men and two women seriously injured by junta soldiers shooting at fleeing villagers in Tabayin Township, Sagaing Region, on Friday morning. Junta troops then torched houses in at least two villages, according to residents. (Source: The Irrawaddy)
• Myinmu: the military regime burned Kandaw village
• Myaung: Myaung Education Network (MEN) has revealed 26 basic education schools have begun operations in Myaung township, shortly after the group announced the opening of 25 middle schools as a part of the roll out of its “interim education system (Source: DVB)
KAREN (KAYIN) STATE
• Myawaddy: a clash took place between junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army and a people’s defense force in Myawaddy town in Karen State on Friday morning after junta troops shelled a resistance outpost, according to residents (Source: The Irrawaddy)
• Kya In Seik Gyi: regime troops arrested and released 20 civilians in the Win Raw area
MANDALAY
• The military regime sealed off the Thuriya Clinic in Mandalay’s Maha Aung Myay Township on Thursday evening for allegedly employing striking doctors. The 30-year-old owner of the clinic as well as his father, sister and girlfriend were detained. (Source: The Irrawaddy)
MAGWAY
• Yesagyo: Resistance fighters attacked Pakhan Nge police station, reportedly killing 10 regime soldiers and 4 Pyu Saw Htee (pro-military militia) members
TANINTHARYI
• Launglon: two men aged around 50 and 70 respectively were killed and another was injured in Tanintharyi Region’s Launglon Township when pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia raided a house, according to the Dawei District Strike Committee.(Source: The Irrawaddy)
COVID DAILY (as reported by the military-controlled Ministry of Health. Real figures are believed to be higher than officially reported)
• 41 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:
• 1,803 killed (+3)
• 13,496 total arrests (+44)
• 1,977 evading warrant (+0)
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