KNU accuses military of targeting Thai supply routes
The Karen National Union (KNU) stated that dual airstrikes carried out on Saturday by the Burma Air Force on its base in Karen State’s Hpapun Township, opposite Thailand’s Mae Hong Son, were aimed at disrupting its cross-border supply route used to procure goods from Thailand.
A KNU statement on Nov. 1 claimed that the regime in Naypyidaw had sent a formal letter to Thailand on Aug. 31 labeling it an “unlawful association” and warning Thai authorities and businesses against trading with the KNU–one of Burma’s oldest ethnic armed groups.
Hpapun, located 110 miles (177 km) north of the Karen State capital Hpa-An, was seized by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) from regime forces in March 2024. The KNU told DVB that a regime counteroffensive was launched with nearly 2,000 troops on May 5.
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Japan wants Myanmar removed from FATF blacklist
Japan is pushing a global financial crimes watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to remove Burma from its blacklist to make it easier to do business there—a sign that some major countries are looking to bring the regime in Naypyidaw back from the cold.
Japan wants the FATF to drop requirements that its members apply enhanced screening to financial transactions with Burma to avoid money laundering and terrorist financing, said a senior Japanese government official and another person familiar with the matter.
Removing Burma from the FATF blacklist would ease checks on business with a country that remains under scrutiny over scam centres and illicit finance. The only other countries currently on the list are Iran and North Korea. The 40-member body concluded its last plenary meeting of the year in Paris, France, on Oct. 30.
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Chin National Front on forming a new Chin National Council
In an exclusive interview with DVB, Chin National Front (CNF) executive committee member and veteran leader of the 1988 protests Salai Khua Uk Lian revealed that rival Chin resistance factions have agreed to draft a new joint constitution and transition toward a unified Chin State government under a single body called the Chin National Council.
The breakthrough follows high-level talks held in Aizawl, Mizoram, on Oct. 16, where representatives from the CNF and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) met with the facilitation of local leaders in northeastern India’s Mizoram State capital Aizawl to overcome a year of political stagnation and division.
Salai Khua Uk Lian explained that the CNF has agreed to set aside its existing Chinland Council constitution, choosing instead to co-author an entirely fresh charter that all Chin resistance groups can adopt. Once unification is complete, the CNF stands ready to provide immediate operational support whenever requested.
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News by Region
ARAKAN—At least 12 civilians were killed and 32 others were injured during airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Kyaukphyu and Pauktaw townships on Sunday, the Arakan Army (AA) reported. The towns, not including Kyaukpyu, were seized by the AA in 2024-25.
Wai Hun Aung, a humanitarian aid worker, told DVB that seven were killed and 10 others were injured during an airstrike that destroyed a bridge connecting Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun townships, located 20-60 miles (32-96 km) north of the state capital Sittwe on Nov. 1. Read the full article on our website
YANGON—The Highway Maintenance and Supervision Team, under the regime’s Ministry of Construction, announced it will take legal action against passenger bus drivers if caught delivering cargo along the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway due to the increasing number of accidents caused by heavy loads.
A farmer from Mandalay told DVB on the condition of anonymity that he relies on passenger buses to send his crops to market in Yangon. A total of 32 people have been killed and 63 have been injured in 52 accidents along the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway from January to August, regime media reported.
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