FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Regime claims control of Kawlin in Sagaing Region
Regime media reported that the military re-captured Kawlin in Sagaing Region from the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on Feb. 11.
The National Unity Government (NUG) President’s Office spokesperson Kyaw Zaw denied that the military took control of Kawlin but acknowledged that it had entered the town. “They conducted excessive airstrikes, offensives and artillery shelling. The revolutionary forces fought back the military offensives,” he said.
Kawlin was seized by resistance forces on Nov. 6. Local aid groups estimated that around 140,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the fighting. The Burma Army had amassed its troops in the nearby town of Kanbalu on Jan. 27 to launch the offensive on Kawlin.
HRW says Rohingya caught in the middle of fighting
Human Rights Watch called on the military and the Arakan Army (AA) to immediately take action to minimize the harm of Rohingya and other civilians in Arakan State. The military reportedly attacked Rohingya villages in response to AA troops being deployed there.
“The Myanmar military and opposition forces need to do all they can to minimize civilian casualties and destruction of homes and property,” said Shayna Bauchner, Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch stated that parties in a conflict must refrain from deploying themselves in populated areas if possible. At least 20 Rohingya civilians have been killed during fighting between the Burma Army and AA in Buthidaung Township in Arakan State since Jan. 25.
National League for Democracy claims 102 members killed
The National League for Democracy (NLD) party claimed that 102 of its members, including two Members of Parliament (MPs), have been killed in the last three years since the 2021 military coup. It added that 1,905 NLD members, including 144 MPs, have been arrested.
The properties and homes of 198 MPs and 237 other party members have been confiscated by the military. It also reported that there have been 164 attacks, including arson, on NLD offices in both rural and urban areas across the country. Read more here.
News by Region
ARAKAN—The AA stated on Feb. 11 that it sank three military vessels near Ah Pauk Wa village, Kyauktaw Township Feb. 7-8. It claimed that it attacked the ships after the military refused to surrender. Retaliatory airstrikes have been carried out on Kyauktaw since the AA seized control of the township.
Regime administration officials said that passengers flying from Kyaukphyu to Yangon will have to request an endorsement letter from the Kyaukphyu district administration office in order to travel from Feb. 15 onwards.
“We received a letter from officials on Feb. 11 that only passengers with endorsement letters will be allowed to travel,” said an unnamed source at Kyaukphyu airport. Residents believe that the restriction is in response to military families flying to Yangon to escape the AA offensive.
NAYPYIDAW—The regime announced the replacement of fourteen deputy police commissioners and senior superintendents who also served as the ministers of transportation in all states and regions. It also sacked Aung Khaing Swe, a member of the Naypyidaw Council.
“The police officers are unable to serve for security as they are spending much time on transportation issues. The newcomers are mostly veterans,” said a source close to the regime’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Ministers of Social Affairs for Kachin, Karen, Mon and Shan states, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Bago, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyarwady regions were also replaced.
SHAN—The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced its new conscription policies after establishing its administration in seven towns in northern Shan State. Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) reported that ethnic Ta’ang will be conscripted.
In families with at least two women between the ages of 18 and 25, one must join the TNLA. In families with at least two men between the ages of 18 and 35, one is required to serve. Teenagers from 16 to 17 years are allowed to volunteer.
Other ethnic nationalities may also voluntarily enlist in the TNLA. It took control of Namhsan, Mantong, Monglon, Kutkai, Namtu, Mongngawt, and Namhkam since the Brotherhood Alliance launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan last October.
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