Over 1,000 civilians killed in Myanmar conflict since July

The independent research group Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica has documented that at least 1,044 civilians have been killed and 1,383 others have been injured due to the armed conflict since July. It added that 2,126 clashes have taken place between anti-coup resistance groups and the military during its reporting period.

“Min Aung Hlaing’s leadership and the durability of his regime is now in serious question, but he appears determined to fight to the last, and continues targeting civilians in an attempt to increase the cost of resistance. The humanitarian consequences continue to be grave,” said Richard Horsey, the senior Myanmar advisor at International Crisis Group.

Fighting has been reported in every region of the country over the past three months, according to the report. Shan State, as well as Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway regions witnessed the most intense clashes since the Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), launched the second phase of Operation 1027.

Project launched to support Myanmar media

Reporters without Borders (RSF) launched the Myanmar Press Freedom Project in Chiang Mai, Thailand in partnership with Exile Hub on Oct. 19. It seeks to provide support for journalists in Burma, as well as those in exile, with laptops, mobile phones, solar batteries, and other equipment to support their reporting.

“It will provide crucial support to Myanmar journalists who continue to report on their country’s situation despite the relentless and ruthless repression of the military regime,” said Thibaut Bruttin, the RSF Director General. “Supporting these media professionals is more urgent than ever: without them, Myanmar risks becoming a black hole for information.”

The regime has cracked down on independent media since the 2021 military coup by revoking the publications licenses of several outlets, including DVB. Seven journalists have been killed since 2021 and 64 are currently in prison. Burma ranks at the bottom of the 2024 World Press Freedom Index at 171 out of 180.

Calls for immediate release of journalists in Kachin State

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to release Red News Agency reporter Ta Lin Maung and freelancer Naung Yoe, who were arrested in Hpakant Township in northwestern Kachin State last month and have been held incommunicado ever since.

“All combatants in Myanmar’s civil war have a responsibility to protect, and not target, journalists,” said Shawn Crispin, the CPJ senior Southeast Asia representative. “The Kachin Independence Army should not act like Myanmar’s junta by detaining journalists for their news reporting. It should free Ta Lin Maung and Naung Yoe now.”

Win Zaw Naing, the editor of Red News Agency, told CPJ that the KIA has refused to respond to requests for information about the whereabouts of the two reporters so far. KIA spokesperson Naw Bu told BBC that they are investigating the two, adding that the exact reason for their detention is still unclear. Fighting between KIA-led resistance forces and the military has intensified in Hpakant Township since early September.

News by Region

KAREN—Around 70 military personnel from the Anankwin strategic outpost, which sits on the Thanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas road near the border of Thailand in Kyainseikgyi Township, surrendered to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) on Oct. 18.

“We will get the outpost sooner or later as there are few military personnel including the strategic commander remaining there,” a source from the KNLA told DVB. Residents from at least six nearby villages have been forced to flee due to retaliatory airstrikes and artillery shelling since the KNLA began its siege on the military outpost in August.

A civilian was injured during a drone attack carried out by the military on the Karen National Union (KNU) Central Headquarters near the Karen State capital Hpa-An on Tuesday. Bombs dropped by the drones landed in three villages near the headquarters.

“Three bombs fell in Thabit village, two in Plae Kyar village, and one more in another village. A 30–year-old villager was injured in the leg,” a Hpa-An resident told DVB. Over 200 villagers have been displaced from their homes due to the attack. This is the first instance of the military targeting the KNU headquarters since the 2021 coup.

MANDALAY—A mother and her baby were killed and at least five others were injured by airstrikes conducted by the Burma Air Force on a village along the banks of the Irrawaddy River in western Madaya Township, located around 24 miles (39 km) from Mandalay, on Monday.

“Two Mi-35 helicopters and four fighter jets continuously opened fire over the villages for two hours that evening,” the pro-resistance Wetlet Information Network told DVB. The regime has restricted telecommunication services in Madaya since June, when resistance forces launched ‘Operation Shan-Man’ by attacking military outposts in Mandalay and neighboring Shan State.

TANINTHARYI—Rescue groups told DVB that 20 people have died, including 10 children, and eight remain missing since a boat carrying over 70 passengers capsized in Palaw Township, located around 98 miles (158 km) south of the Tanintharyi Region capital Dawei, on Oct. 20.

“I can’t provide exact details, as some missing individuals are not on the official list [of passengers],” said a rescue worker in Palaw Township on the condition of anonymity. The boat was carrying over 70 passengers, including students and residents, who were recently displaced from their homes due to fighting between the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the military in Palaw.

(Exchange rate: $1 USD = 4,550 kyat)