FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Nearly 100 Border Guard Police flee into Bangladesh
At least 95 personnel from the regime’s Border Guard Police (BGP) have fled to Bangladesh to escape attacks by the Arakan Army (AA) in northern Arakan State along the border on Feb. 4-5, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
The BGP were disarmed and taken into the custody of the Bangladesh Border Guard. Fifteen of the 95 were reportedly injured during fighting with the AA. Two are receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said that Naypyidaw has agreed to repatriate the BGP personnel.
“Myanmar’s deputy foreign minister has contacted our ambassador there. They showed a willingness to take back the BGP members,” said Mahmud. Burma Army personnel have fled attacks by resistance forces into China, Thailand, and India over the past year.
National Unity Government calls for more international assistance
Members of the National Unity Government (NUG) called for more international assistance during a protest in New York City on Feb. 3. NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung and Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, Burma’s permanent representative at the U.N., addressed the crowd.
“We already won. We should question the international community whether they will stand with us or on the losing side,” said Zin Mar Aung. “We need to remember the people who gave up their lives when we are asking this question.”
US provides non-lethal aid to democratic forces
The Counselor of the U.S. Department of State Derek Chollet claimed in an op-ed published in the Jakarta Post that the U.S. has provided nearly $400 million USD in non-lethal aid to pro-democracy groups in Burma.
“Much of this assistance has reached those in ethnic areas along Myanmar’s borders, including those affected by the military’s ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya minority,” Chollet wrote.
He added that it went to help improve governance, health, education, and to strengthen plans for a transition to civilian rule. The Burma Act, signed into law in December 2022, stipulates the U.S. government will promote accountability for the military’s abuses.
News by Region
CHINLAND—The Maraland Territorial Council (MTC) stated on Feb. 2 that forces led by the Chin National Army (CNF/CNA) attacked a Maraland Defense Force (MDF) camp on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. It claimed the CNA and the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) assaulted its camp with drones.
The MTC called for an immediate end to attacks. The Mara Chin reside in Matupi, Paletwa and Thantlang townships. Chin World reported that there are tensions between the MDF and the CDF Mara.
KARENNI—At least seven civilians, including children, were killed and many were injured by airstrikes carried out by the military on schools located in Lay Maing and Loi Nam Hpa villages of Demoso Township on Feb. 5.
“The schools were destroyed and children as well as teachers were injured. Two children have been killed,” said a Lay Maing resident. Five other civilians in Loi Nam Hpa were killed during the airstrikes.
SAGAING—Monywa residents said electricity has been cut off in the town since an electric tower was destroyed in an explosion in Nyaung Pin Gyi village of Salingyi Township on Feb. 1.
“There are difficulties as the whole town is facing a blackout. We lost contact with everyone as our mobile phones were dead. We have to stay in the dark,” said a Monywa resident. Local aid organizations are helping residents obtain water and electricity with generators.
SHAN—The military-backed Pa-O National Army (PNA/PNO) is reportedly forcefully recruiting young men in Pa-O villages in southern Shan. Households are also being compelled to contribute 100,000 kyat each. “The PNO is recruiting in an effort to potentially retake Hsihseng,” a local told DVB.
A large gathering of mainly young men was reportedly organized in a village of Taunggyi Township on Feb. 1 to bolster the militia’s ranks. The PNO also told village elders in a village of Hopong Township on Jan. 27 that five men from each Pa-O village are required to register for military service.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) stated on Feb. 2 that it will inspect businesses and properties in the Kokang Self-Administered Zone of northern Shan to ensure they are in the possession of their legal owners. Business licenses must be brought to the region’s market and trade supervision office.
SEA Junction hosts Thread Under Threat: Myanmar Women Out of the 3-Year Coup Shadow at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center until Feb. 11.
