At least 46 civilians killed in northern Shan State since June
The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) has documented that 46 civilians have been killed and 35 have been injured by airstrikes and artillery attacks in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, and Hsipaw townships of northern Shan State since June 19. Over 150 buildings have also been damaged.
“Similar to the first phase of Operation 1027, [military] artillery and air attacks – including the use of deadly 500 pound bombs — have been concentrated on towns and villages along China’s oil and gas pipelines in these townships,” its report stated.
The SHRF added that the death toll is likely to be higher as a local charity group recovered the bodies of 60 people in civilian clothes in Kyaukme town earlier this month. Fighting between the Brotherhood Alliance and the military resumed in northern Shan State after a Chinese-brokered ceasefire – signed between the two on Jan. 11 – broke down on June 25.
Arakan Army accuses Rohingya armed groups of killing civilians
The Arakan Army (AA) claimed that Buthidaung Township residents discovered the bodies of seven ethnic Khami people who were killed by Rohingya armed groups at the Gandayi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on July 18.
The AA added that the seven bodies it recovered had knife and gunshot wounds. It warned residents to be careful around other armed groups in Arakan State. “They arrest and [demand] money from civilians and sometimes kill them,” the AA posted on its social media account.
The AA has accused Rohingya armed groups of planting landmines on roads and setting fire to civilian homes. Over 7,500 homes and at least six mosques were destroyed by arson in Buthidaung after the AA took control of the town on May 18. Human rights groups have accused Rohingya armed groups of forcefully recruiting Rohingya at IDP camps to fight for the military against the AA.
Indian citizens freed from cyber scam compounds
The Embassy of India in Burma stated that 19 of its citizens were rescued from cyber scam compounds in Myawaddy Township of Karen State since Friday. Eleven were rescued from Shwe Kokko and eight were freed from a scam center in Hpa Lu. All were handed over to regime authorities on Saturday.
“In the last two days, 19 Indian nationals were rescued from scam compounds in Myawaddy. Due to ongoing armed conflict in the area, further complicated by crime syndicates, we strongly advise all to guard against their job offers,” the embassy posted on its social media account on Sunday.
The Indian embassy added that the victims from Hpa Lu had been trafficked through Thailand. Thai media reported that at least 1,843 foreigners have fled from cyber scam compounds in Myawaddy Township since October 2023. This includes 12 who were rescued with the help of the military regime in Naypyidaw and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) on July 5.
News by Region
AYEYARWADY—More than 900 residents of Kyangin Township are in need of assistance due to flooding caused by heavy rain since July 17. Civilians have been sheltering at monasteries and other buildings due to the rising levels of the Irrawaddy River. Flooding in Kachin State, Mandalay, Magway, Bago and Ayeyarwady regions began earlier this month.
“Water levels dropped slowly on Monday but it will only stay that way for a while. The number of people that have been affected continues to increase,” said a member of a local rescue group. Nine schools in the township have been closed since July 18.
CHINLAND—A total of 62 prisoners, including political prisoners, were released from Hakha Police Station after Chin resistance forces attacked it on Saturday. “Four of the fifteen policemen in the station were killed,” said a Chinland Defense Force (CDF) Hakha spokesperson. The CDF also seized weapons from the police station.
MANDALAY—The National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Defense stated on Sunday that the People’s Defense Force (PDF) seized control of a military outpost and an inspection gate in Innak village of Thabeikkyin Township on Saturday. Eight soldiers were killed and another eight were arrested by the PDF.
“The military staged two [retaliatory] airstrikes during the clashes. There has not yet been a response from them after we seized the outposts,” said a PDF spokesperson. Weapons and ammunition were seized at the outpost by the PDF.
YANGON—An unknown number of civilians were injured by an explosion near Black House Bar on 19th Street in Latha Township on Sunday. Residents reported that a bomb was left under a table at the bar. “I heard one was killed and three people were injured. Many tried to flee [the area],” said a Latha resident.
Many restaurants on 19th Street were shut down after the explosion. Four military trucks blocked entry to 19th Street from Anawrahta and Maha Bandula Roads. Soldiers reportedly inspected restaurants and bars. The area is popular for nightlife and it was a tourist attraction prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and 2021 military coup, which effectively halted mass tourism to Burma.
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