Munitions from Burma used in Russia-Ukraine war
International Crisis Group (ICG) Senior Myanmar Advisor Richard Horsey told DVB that the regime’s Directorate of Defence Industries have sent munitions to Russia, which it has used in its war against Ukraine.
“What’s interesting is that since the Ukraine war, it’s been a two way flow. There are Myanmar Defense Industries munitions of Russian caliber being sent to the battlefield in Ukraine. The Ukrainian deputy intelligence chief has spoken about that,” he said.
Horsey added that Ukraine has also used munitions sourced from Burma since Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. Moscow has maintained close ties with Naypyidaw since the 2021 military coup.
Thai authorities seize rubber trafficked from Burma
A total of 5,830 kilograms of rubber trafficked from Burma was seized in Thailand’s Ranong Province May 11-12, Thai media reported. Authorities seized a shipment of 2,000 kilograms of rubber from two boats on Sunday. One Thai national was arrested and another escaped.
Police confiscated 3,110 kilograms of rubber, two vehicles, a firearm and 71 tablets of methamphetamine at a house in Kraburi district of Ranong Province on Saturday.
Three of those arrested told Thai authorities that the rubber was from Burma. Another 720 kilograms of rubber was seized together with a man in a vehicle in the same district on Saturday.
India’s Manipur State to being deporting refugees
Manipur State Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Sunday that 5,801 refugees from Burma who have arrived since the 2021 military coup will be deported from Kamjom district, located along the India-Burma border, India Today reported.
N Biren Singh claimed that 15 refugees have died of natural causes and 359 have volunteered to return to Burma. “To protect the state, which has already been affected by various challenges and threats posed by illegal immigration, forest encroachment and poppy plantation, we will continue the deportation of illegal immigrants,” he added.
Refugees from Burma in India will be deported from Manipur State when conditions are said to improve, according to officials. N Biren Singh has accused Burma nationals of inciting violence between the ethnic Meitei and minority Kuki communities since May 2023. The Kuki in India and the Chin in Burma are known collectively as the Zo.
DVB English News’ latest op-ed on the end of India’s Free Movement Regime with Burma by Shalini Perumal will be available this Wednesday, May 15.
News by Region
KARENNI—Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) Deputy Commander-in-Chief Maui told DVB that resistance forces have continued to attack Burma Army troops in the capital Loikaw. Karenni resistance forces launched an offensive on Nov. 11.
“They [military] are trying to persuade people to return to their homes in the town to run their administration. But it is not that easy and people do not want to because they might be used as human shields [during fighting with us],” said Maui. Resistance forces have claimed that 90 percent of Karenni State is under its control.
KACHIN—The military has carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling daily on Momauk and Mansi townships since the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launched its attack on May 7. “They are trying to block KIA forces from breaching Bhamo,” said an anonymous source close to the KIA. Fighting has intensified at the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 437 outpost outside of Momauk. An unknown number of civilians were killed in the fighting. Many residents are still trapped.
SAGAING—Two People’s Defense Force (PDF) members were killed and 12 others were injured during fighting in Myothit town of Tamu Township. The PDF claimed that it seized control of Myothit after it captured all military outposts on Saturday. “There were around 250 Burma Army personnel, including the pro-military Shanni Nationalities Army as well as Pyusawhtee militias, in the town,” a PDF spokesperson told DVB. More than 20 Burma Army personnel have surrendered since fighting began on May 7.
Seven civilians were killed and 22 others, including a child, were injured by an airstrike carried out on Magyioak village of Depayin Township on Saturday. “A man who was injured in the airstrike died on Monday while he was receiving treatment,” said a Depayin resident. Six of 22 the injured are reportedly in critical condition. Several homes were destroyed.
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