Myanmar’s junta reports heavy assaults by insurgents and urges government staff to be prepared for emergencies
November 16, 2023 (Reuters) – The military junta in Myanmar has reported “heavy assaults” by insurgents and has instructed government staff to prepare for emergencies, a junta official said on Thursday.
The spokesperson for Myanmar’s junta, Zaw Min Tun, stated that the military is facing significant attacks from armed rebel soldiers in several regions, including Shan State in the northeast, Kayah State in the east, and Rakhine State in the west. He mentioned that insurgents have used drones to drop bombs on military positions, prompting measures to protect against drone attacks.
In a separate development, government staff in the capital, Naypyitaw, have been ordered to form units to respond to “emergency” situations. However, there has been a denial from the city’s secretary, Tin Maung Swe, stating that the order was not a response to the security situation and the capital remains calm.
The latest reports come amidst ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, following the military coup in 2021 which led to the ousting of the government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup has resulted in a groundswell of opposition and clashes between the military and pro-democracy activists, as well as ethnic minority forces seeking self-determination.
The situation has also forced many to flee the country, with thousands seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including India. The ongoing conflict has also raised concerns from global bodies, including the United Nations. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the “expansion of conflict in Myanmar” and called for the protection of civilians.
The recent escalation in hostilities has been a cause of concern for Western governments, with the re-imposition of sanctions on Myanmar’s junta in response to the coup and crackdown on protests. Efforts by Myanmar’s Southeast Asian neighbors to encourage a peace process have largely been ignored by the military.
The situation further deteriorated with reports of clashes in Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army (AA) rebel group claimed to have captured or received the surrender of police and military personnel. In Kayah State, a video surfaced on social media, showing insurgents providing medical aid to wounded junta troops who reportedly surrendered.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent for the people of Myanmar and the region.
(Reporting by Reuters staff; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robert Birsel)