At least 64 killed in military assault on southern Arakan
Sixty-four civilians have been killed and buried after two days of airstrikes and artillery attacks by the military in Singaung village of Thandwe Township June 4-5, according to residents. Some people are still unaccounted for and are presumed dead.
“The death toll from the military’s attack is estimated to be between 50 and 100 civilians, including women and children, due to the shelling,” a Thandwe resident told DVB.
The Arakan Army (AA) is fighting for control of the town. It has already seized 10 towns in Arakan and one in southern Chinland. The regime has suspended all flights to Thandwe. Remaining residents said that they are trapped and unable to flee their homes for safety.
UN Secretary-General condemns attacks on civilians
The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned military attacks, including an airstrike that killed at least 50 people in Maw village in Sagaing Region on June 4 and the alleged murder of more than 70 civilians in Arakan State.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the widening regional ramifications of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterates his appeal for a unified approach,” said Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General’s office.
The U.N. expressed alarm over attacks targeting Rohingya in northern Arakan, as fighting between the AA and Burma Army intensified. Dujarric said that Secretary-General Guterres called on member states to support Julie Bishop, his recently-appointed Special Envoy on Burma.
Burmese migrants in Thailand targeted in bank scam
Migrant worker groups report that some workers from Burma in Thailand have had money in their bank accounts stolen through online scams. Most migrant workers in Thailand rely on job agents to open Thai bank accounts for them to transfer their wages into it.
“Affected workers have approached us to investigate and take action,” said Kun Sone Phone Sar, the spokesperson of the Thai-based Labour Protection Network (LPN).
The Burma embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will assist migrant workers who have fallen victim to the crime, as Thai authorities have issued arrest warrants for some migrant worker account holders due to suspicious bank account activity.
News by Region
CHINLAND—The Mansawng bridge, located on the Manipur River in Tedim Township, was destroyed by the Burma Army on Saturday. “They raided Lanzan village and arrested some young people. They also locked up the people who attended church. All of them were released after they destroyed the bridge,” said a Tedim resident. Mansawng bridge is an important link in India-Burma border trade.
SAGAING—Eight civilians, including two monks, were killed and more than 30 others were injured in airstrikes carried out on a monastery in Thabyetha village of Sagaing Township on Saturday. A meeting between the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and residents was taking place at the monastery when it was hit.
“Two monks, four members of resistance forces and two civilians were killed, so far. We are still collecting the numbers of casualties and damages,” said a PDF spokesperson. Several structures and buildings located inside the monastery compound were destroyed.
SHAN—A Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) spokesperson announced that towns under its control will transition to a “civilian administration” starting in 2025. The TNLA took control of seven towns in northern Shan State during Operation 1027.
“The new civilian administration will include civilians from the lower to central levels. The TNLA will also be involved, along with civil parties and other local community groups,” said Lway Ye Oo, a TNLA spokesperson. “The key is maintaining openness, transparency, responsibility, and accountability,” said a Ta’ang resident. The TNLA currently operates 12 administrative departments in its territory.
MAGWAY—Five residents, including a child, were killed by an airstrike carried out on Kanmyintkone village of Myaing Township on June 3 and 5. “Twelve locals were injured. Among them, an 18-year-old died while she was receiving emergency treatment,” said a Myaing resident. Kanmyintkone villagers fled their homes after the airstrikes.
Three people, including a monk, were injured in an airstrike carried out on a monastery in Natogyi Township on June 6. “Four bombs dropped and three exploded. They landed on the monastery, which was completely destroyed,” a Natogyi resident told DVB. The Burma Army has suffered heavy casualties in fighting the PDF in Natogyi Township.
