Myanmar News

Following a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, more than 3,400 individuals have lost their lives, prompting India to initiate 'Operation Brahma' to aid in recovery efforts. As of April 6, 2025, the Indian Army's field hospital in Myanmar has treated approximately 800 patients, according to a post by the Indian embassy in Myanmar on X. On Sunday, the Indian Air Force delivered 31 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food supplies, to those affected by the disaster. This follows the delivery of 442 tonnes of food, including rice and cooking oil, transported by the Indian Navy's INS Gharial and handed over at Thilawa Port, stated Ambassador Abhay Thakur. The earthquake has also resulted in significant casualties and damage in neighboring regions, with reports of tremors felt in Thailand, China, and Vietnam. In a display of international solidarity, the Quad nations, including India and the United States, expressed their condolences and support for the victims.

In response to a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, India has initiated 'Operation Brahma' to provide crucial humanitarian aid. As of April 6, the death toll has reached over 3,400 people, with thousands more injured and still missing, according to Xinhua News Agency. The Indian Army has established a field hospital in Myanmar, which has treated 800 patients thus far. The Indian embassy in Myanmar reported that the hospital has received high acclaim from local authorities, including a visit from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. As part of this operation, the Indian Air Force has delivered significant supplies, including 31 tonnes of food and medical aid via a C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Furthermore, on April 5, 442 tonnes of food aid were transported to the disaster zone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences and reiterated India's commitment to supporting Myanmar during this crisis, emphasizing collaborative rescue efforts among international partners, including Australia, Japan, and the United States.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, resulting in over 1,700 confirmed deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, according to the country’s ruling junta (AFP). The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction including the collapse of buildings and infrastructure, notably the control tower at Naypyidaw airport, which has entirely cut off access for many regions. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and the ongoing civil war, complicating logistics for foreign aid. Early assistance has come in from countries like India and China; India deployed military aircraft with a field hospital while China sent 135 rescuers and millions in emergency relief. However, many local residents are conducting search efforts with minimal equipment, facing extreme heat of up to 41 degrees Celsius (approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit) while recovering bodies from the wreckage (AP). The United Nations has issued appeals for over $100 million in aid, underscoring that the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the civil conflict has left the country ill-prepared for such disasters (AFP).

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in catastrophic destruction and a rising death toll. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that fatalities could be as high as 100,000. The official count from Myanmar's military-led government reported over 1,000 confirmed deaths and more than 2,376 injuries as of Saturday morning. The earthquake's shockwaves were felt across neighboring Thailand, exacerbating the situation. Following the disaster, Myanmar declared a state of emergency in the six regions most severely affected. Reports from local officials indicate widespread devastation, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Eyewitness accounts describe collapsed buildings and infrastructure, further indicating the scale of the disaster. As the situation continues to unfold, emergency services and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to respond to the crisis. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain cautious while rescue operations are underway.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM local time. The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, a city situated about 250 kilometers from Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were felt as far as northern Thailand, where metro and rail services in Bangkok were temporarily suspended, according to local authorities. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is convening an urgent meeting to address the situation. In China's Yunnan province, the tremor was recorded at a magnitude of 7.9, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center. Videos circulating on social media depicted buildings in Bangkok swaying and people fleeing into the streets. Reports indicate that the old Sagaing Bridge in Myanmar may have collapsed. Although no casualties have been confirmed as of yet, the impact on affected regions remains uncertain, and the healthcare system in Myanmar is already strained, especially in rural areas.

Myanmar's military government announced on Monday that over 1,000 foreign nationals have been rescued from cyber scam centers near the Thai border. The rescues occurred over the past three weeks, with around 1,030 victims, primarily from Asian countries including India and China, being saved, according to the country's ruling State Administration Council. As part of an ongoing crackdown on human trafficking and illegal labor, authorities have already returned 61 individuals to their home countries, with further returns pending verification of personal details. The United Nations reports that hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked for forced labor at these centers, which generate billions of dollars annually for criminal gangs operating throughout Southeast Asia. The effort to curb these operations intensified following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January, who was lured to Thailand with promises of acting roles but ended up in a scam center in Myanmar. In response, Thailand has cut essential services to several border areas to disrupt these criminal activities.

In Myanmar's Karen State, the city of Shwe Kokko, also known as Golden Raintree, has emerged from the backdrop of civil war to become a controversial hub accused of fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. Built by entrepreneur She Zhijiang, who is currently jailed in Bangkok awaiting extradition to China, Shwe Kokko presents itself as a luxury resort but faces claims of operating a scam economy. According to BBC's Jonathan Head, despite promotional videos showcasing the city's high-rises intended for wealthy tourists, locals assert that scams remain prevalent. Reports indicate that workers from various regions are coerced into fraudulent operations, further exacerbating the area’s tarnished reputation. The ongoing civil unrest complicates investment prospects, while Thailand has intensified measures to combat cross-border crimes, jeopardizing Shwe Kokko's potential as a tourist attraction. Yatai, the company behind the town's development, maintains that it is striving to dissociate from illegal activities. Nonetheless, experts like Jason Tower from the United States Institute for Peace remain skeptical, indicating that without substantial legal structure or oversight, Shwe Kokko is likely to continue its dubious operations.

Shwe Kokko, a burgeoning city in Myanmar's Karen State, has drawn international attention for its alleged ties to scams, fraud, and human trafficking. Erected from the ground up in just eight years, this seemingly glittering locale has emerged near the Moei River—once a site peppered with trees and conflict. According to the BBC, the city was developed by Yatai, a company led by She Zhijiang, who is currently imprisoned in Thailand pending extradition to China on fraud charges. Described as a haven for the wealthy and a resort for Chinese tourists, Shwe Kokko's marketing contradicts reports of widespread criminal activity linked to scam operations. While Yatai denies involvement in illegal matters, local sources reveal that these scams persist within the city's high-rises. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing civil strife in Myanmar, which hinders foreign investment and tourism, compelling local and international authorities to reassess their strategies against the rampant exploitation. The city's precarious position highlights the broader implications of lawlessness in the area as authorities in China and Thailand ramp up efforts to dismantle illegitimate operations affecting their citizens.

Since late August, violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State has driven over 500,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, where they now reside in the world's largest refugee camp, Kutupalong. According to a report from Neue Zürcher Zeitung, the Rohingya community, a Muslim minority, has faced long-standing discrimination and violence, being referred to disparagingly as "Bengali" and viewed as outsiders. In recent years, the situation has escalated dramatically, with allegations of ethnic cleansing emerging during the military's crackdown in 2017. The plight of the Rohingya reflects deep-rooted issues of nationalism and historical prejudice exacerbated by the legacy of British colonial rule, which fostered divisions among ethnic groups, including the Bamar Buddhists who dominate the country. Sharifah Shakirah, a 31-year-old Rohingya, recently gained U.S. citizenship, representing a stark contrast to the fate of many still struggling in Bangladesh. With little hope for return to Rakhine, the Rohingya’s search for safety and dignity remains deeply uncertain, as systemic discrimination continues to exclude them from basic rights in Myanmar.

Myanmar has become the world's largest opium-producing country in 2023, surpassing Afghanistan, as reported by the United Nations. The increase in opium production follows the military coup that ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to a rise in violence and a resurgence of drug cultivation. Price fluctuations have compounded the issue, with estimates that costs have more than tripled since the coup, pushing families below the poverty line, according to local farmers like Maung Hla Moe. In addition to opium, synthetic drug production, particularly methamphetamines, is reportedly rampant. Authorities seized 190 tons of meth in 2023 alone, signaling a burgeoning drug industry operating in both small jungle laboratories and larger industrial setups. Edward Blakely, who runs a rehabilitation program for drug addiction, noted that drug dependency is climbing, fueled by trauma and hopelessness amidst ongoing conflict. The ramifications extend beyond Myanmar, with warnings that heroin derived from opium could flood European markets, especially given the diminished Afghan supply. As the region grapples with these challenges, effective rural development initiatives remain critical to curbing drug production and providing sustainable livelihoods.

A recent airstrike by Myanmar's military has resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals, including nine children, in a detention camp located in Rakhine state, according to the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group engaged in conflict with the military regime. The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon in Mrauk-U Township, where family members of junta soldiers were being held. The AA reported 25 additional injuries from the bombing and stated that the victims were primarily women and children, emphasizing that they had planned to release the detainees prior to the airstrike. Following the incident, distressing images were shared on social media, showing bodies covered in white sheets, with mourners present at the scene. The military junta, which has faced ongoing resistance since its 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, has been criticized for its use of air and artillery strikes targeting civilian populations. This latest incident raises questions regarding the military's awareness of the camp's status and whether the strike was a mistake or intentional. The situation in Rakhine state remains tense, as fighting has escalated in recent months, contributing to a broader humanitarian crisis in Myanmar where over 3.5 million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflict.

A military airstrike in Myanmar's Rakhine state has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, including nine children, according to the Arakan Army (AA), an armed opposition group. The attack occurred at a temporary detention site in Mrauk-U Township, where family members of junta soldiers were reportedly being held. The Arakan Army reported that the strike took place on Saturday afternoon, as they were reportedly planning to release the detainees. The victims, primarily women and children, were killed when a military aircraft bombed the camp. Graphic images shared by the AA on social media showed bodies covered with white sheets on the ground. The situation in Rakhine state has become increasingly dire amid ongoing conflict between the military junta and various armed groups, including the AA, which has gained significant territory over the past year, isolating the state capital, Sittwe. Since the military coup in 2021 that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has been engulfed in violence and unrest, with over 3.5 million people displaced due to the conflict. The United Nations has raised alarms over potential famine conditions exacerbated by the ongoing fighting. The junta has not responded to requests for comments regarding the airstrike, and it remains uncertain if the attack was intentional or a mistake by military forces unaware of the detention camp's purpose.

An airstrike conducted by Myanmar's military has reportedly killed 28 people, including nine children, and injured 25 others at a temporary detention camp in Rakhine state. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Mrauk-U Township, where family members of soldiers from the junta were being held by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic minority armed group. The AA claimed responsibility for apprehending these individuals during conflicts in the region, stating they were in the process of planning their release when the airstrike occurred. Among the casualties was a two-year-old boy, with the majority of the deceased being women and children, according to the AA's Telegram post. Photos shared by the AA depicted the aftermath, showing bodies covered with white sheets and grieving individuals nearby. Efforts to reach the military junta for comments on the attack have gone unanswered. The airstrike is part of a larger conflict in Myanmar, which has seen significant violence following the military's coup in 2021 that ousted the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Over the past year, Rakhine has experienced increased hostilities, with the AA gaining control over many areas. Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about deteriorating conditions in Rakhine, with warnings of potential famine affecting the region due to ongoing fighting and economic disruption. The UN has reported that more than 3.5 million people have been displaced due to the conflict, indicating a growing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

In a tragic incident, a military airstrike in Myanmar's western Rakhine state has resulted in the death of 28 individuals, including nine children, according to the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group. The airstrike occurred on Saturday afternoon around 4:45 PM local time at a temporary detention area in Mrauk-U Township, where family members of junta soldiers were being held. The Arakan Army indicated that they had arrested these individuals during ongoing fighting with the Myanmar military and were in the process of planning their release when the airstrike took place. Among the deceased was a two-year-old boy, with the majority of the casualties reported to be women, as detailed in a list provided by the AA. Images released from the site depict multiple bodies covered with white sheets, amid scenes of grief from onlookers. Efforts by Agence France-Presse (AFP) to seek comments from the junta regarding this incident have gone unanswered. This attack is part of the larger turmoil enveloping Myanmar since the military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in 2021, which has led to widespread armed resistance and ongoing conflict in various regions, including Rakhine. The United Nations has raised alarms about deteriorating conditions in Rakhine, warning that the region is on the brink of famine due to ongoing violence disrupting trade and agriculture. Currently, over 3.5 million people have been displaced nationwide as a result of this crisis.

An airstrike conducted by the Myanmar military has reportedly killed 28 people, including nine children, at a temporary detention site in Mrauk-U Township, Rakhine state. The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group engaged in a conflict with the military, stated that the victims were relatives of junta soldiers who had been captured during recent fighting. The airstrike occurred on January 20, 2025, at approximately 4:45 PM. The AA condemned the attack as it was preparing to release the detained family members. Images shared by the AA on their Telegram channel showed deceased individuals laid out in a grassy area, covered with white sheets, while nearby, mourners grieved. This incident highlights the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021, which ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government and sparked widespread resistance. The conflict in Rakhine state is one of many fronts where the military faces opposition, prompting the use of airstrikes that have increasingly targeted civilian areas. Reports indicate that over 3.5 million people have been displaced due to the escalating violence, as Rakhine state suffers from deteriorating living conditions and threats of famine, exacerbated by ongoing military operations. The military has not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear whether the airstrike was a deliberate attack on the detention site or a case of mistaken targeting.

In the conflict-ridden region of Myanmar, young resistance fighters are employing guerrilla warfare against the military junta, which has held power since a coup in February 2021. Soldiers from the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), the armed wing of the exiled National Unity Government, are currently mobilizing at the Loikaw front, near the Thailand border, to reclaim territory and protect civilians. The ongoing civil conflict, which has resulted in over 5,000 deaths and millions displaced, has drawn many young individuals, including professors, farmers, and students, into armed resistance. Abel, a 26-year-old guerrilla fighter known as "Bye Bye," spoke about the dire circumstances motivating their actions, highlighting the junta's aerial assaults and the ongoing threat faced by nearby villages. Generational aspirations were shattered when the military’s return to power interrupted what many hoped would be a lasting democracy. Young fighters, like 21-year-old Thu Ra Aung, reflect on their lost dreams for education and a peaceful future. He notes, “Since the coup, everything has changed,” revealing the personal sacrifices young revolutionaries make as they fight against a regime accused of numerous brutalities, including bombing schools and hospitals. Guerrilla general Maui, a 31-year-old combat leader, emphasizes the importance of tactical intelligence over brute force in their operations. "Without enough weapons for a frontal assault, tactics and intelligence are everything in the outcome of the conflict,” he stated. As resistance forces gain control of significant areas, including Demoso, a refuge for displaced individuals, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Reports indicate that approximately 18 million people require urgent assistance. Local health facilities, like the hidden hospital run by doctor Soe Ka Naing, struggle with scarce resources to treat an influx of war casualties. Despite the grim circumstances, the young fighters remain determined. Many express hope for a democratic future that respects the rights of Indigenous communities and promotes peace. As General Maui poignantly noted, “In the end, we will win. We have no alternative; if we lose, I wouldn’t wish the hell we’d find ourselves in on my worst enemy.”

An airstrike carried out by Myanmar’s military in Rakhine state has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 individuals, among them nine children. The attack, which occurred in Mrauk-U Township, targeted a temporary detention camp holding families of junta soldiers, according to the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group involved in ongoing conflict with the military regime. The AA reported that the airstrike happened around 4:45 PM on Saturday while they were formulating a plan to release the detained family members. Among the deceased was a two-year-old boy, with the majority of the victims being women and children. The AA posted photos of the aftermath, showing bodies covered in white sheets in a designated area, with grieving relatives present. This incident is part of the escalating violence in Myanmar since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government in February 2021, leading to widespread armed uprisings against the ruling junta. The military has been accused of using airstrikes and artillery fire against civilian populations, particularly in regions embroiled in conflict, such as Rakhine, where fighting has intensified. The United Nations Development Programme has raised alarms about a potential famine in Rakhine due to the ongoing conflict hampering commerce and agricultural activities. As the situation escalates, over 3.5 million people have been displaced throughout Myanmar, a significant increase from previous years.

In Myanmar, young combatants from Generation Z are organizing resistance against the military junta that has ruled since the February 2021 coup. Located near the Thailand border, these fighters, primarily from ethnic groups including the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), have taken to guerrilla tactics to reclaim control and protect civilians amidst the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread displacement. These young resistance fighters, some as young as 21, are navigating treacherous terrains while facing daily threats from military airstrikes. Many joined the fight after witnessing the violent suppression of civilian protests following the military takeover. Abel, a 26-year-old guerrilla, emphasizes the persistent danger from air raids despite their control of parts of the border, revealing the constant tension on the frontlines. Since the coup, more than 5,000 people have died, and over three million have been displaced, according to the United Nations. The humanitarian crisis has deepened with millions in need of immediate assistance as the junta continues bombarding civilian targets, including schools and hospitals, revealing the brutal impact of the conflict on the population. In this environment, the morale of the young fighters remains resilient. General Maui, a leader in the KNDF, articulates a vision for a democratic federalism that respects Indigenous rights, stating, "In the end, we will win. We have no alternative." Their commitment to the cause is reflected in their personal sacrifices, with fighters like Thu Ra Aung and Pasqwar Let channeling their grief over lost loved ones into their battle efforts. Demoso, a city recently claimed by resistance forces, is now sheltering over 150,000 residents who have fled the ongoing violence. The city, representing a semblance of safety and unity for displaced individuals, starkly contrasts the destructive realities faced daily on the frontlines. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the young combatants remain committed to their fight for freedom, determined to challenge the military's long-standing rule in Myanmar.

In Myanmar, young combatants from the People's Defense Forces (PDF) are organizing to reclaim territory from the military junta that has ruled since a coup in February 2021. Our focus is on the Loikaw front, close to the Thai border, where these fighters, including students and professionals, are engaged in guerrilla warfare to protect civilians against military attacks. Since the military's takeover, the country has plunged into chaos with over 5,000 reported deaths and millions displaced. The PDF, alongside ethnic groups, is committed to fighting for autonomy and rights, utilizing stealth and strategic withdrawals to counteract the military's superior firepower. Young fighters, some in their early twenties, recount their loss of dreams and normalcy, having been compelled to join the fight after experiencing violence or the loss of loved ones. One significant stronghold for the resistance is Demoso, which has become a refuge for thousands fleeing the conflict. Despite limited resources, the medical and community support for those injured in the conflict continues, although the humanitarian crisis remains dire, with 18 million requiring immediate assistance. As the conflict escalates, the younger generation in Myanmar is determined to continue their struggle for a future they believe in, driven by the harsh reality of their situation and a longing for peace.

In a tragic incident on Saturday, Myanmar's ruling military junta conducted an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians and left 10 others injured in Kachin State, a region fraught with conflict. The attack took place around 11:00 am in a market located in a gold-mining area within Tanaing Township. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which controls the area, reported that those killed included gold miners and local shopkeepers. Colonel Naw Bu, a spokesperson for the KIA, condemned the airstrike as part of the junta's ongoing campaign against civilian targets since its 2021 coup. Images from the scene reveal extensive destruction, with debris scattered across the area and a large crater marking where the bomb was dropped. With significant resources like jade mines and rare earth elements, Kachin State has been a focal point of conflict, as the KIA, with its roughly 7,000 fighters, seeks autonomy from the military government. In a separate incident, the Arakan Army also reported that the junta launched multiple attacks on a public market in Arakan State, indicating a widespread pattern of violence against civilian populations. The junta's actions continue to draw condemnation as violence escalates amid efforts to suppress armed resistance in the region.

An airstrike carried out by Myanmar’s ruling junta has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians and injuries to 10 others in Kachin state. The attack occurred at a marketplace in a gold-mining area around 11:00 am on January 11, 2025, according to Colonel Naw Bu, a spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The victims included gold miners and local shopkeepers. This incident highlights the escalated violence in Myanmar as the junta continues its operations against ethnic rebel armies following the military coup in 2021. The KIA, which claims around 7,000 fighters, has long fought for greater autonomy and control over local resources in Kachin state, known for its significant jade mines. Local media reported severe destruction at the site, with images showing a large crater amidst debris. A town resident mentioned that three of the injured had subsequently succumbed to their wounds. In a related conflict, the Arakan Army reported that the junta conducted multiple airstrikes on a market in Arakan State on the same day, causing civilian casualties. The junta has not publicly responded to these allegations.