FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
Coordinated attacks against military in northern Shan State
Homes were destroyed in an airstrike on Niupingziba village in Chinshwehaw, located in the Kokang self-administered zone in northern Shan State, on Oct. 29. Airstrikes were carried out on Chinshwehaw and Namtu townships after more than 40 military outposts were seized by anti-coup resistance forces. “Military fighter jets dropped bombs over two villages that morning. The airstrikes were non-stop as the MNDAA seized one of the military outposts east of Lashio,” said a Lahsio resident.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched an offensive against the military in northern Shan State on Oct. 27. The Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA) reportedly took part in the offensive.
Nearly all Chinshwehaw residents fled their homes due to the clashes. Fighting continued in Lashio, Hsenwi, Nawnghkio and Mogok on Oct. 29. The BPLA claimed that at least 40 regime troops were killed and three others were arrested.
Vietnam nationals rescued from cyber scam centers
At least 61 Vietnamese nationals were among the nearly 200 foreigners rescued from cyber scam centers in northern Burma, RFA reported. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that the regime informed its embassy in Yangon on Oct. 26 that its nationals were recovered from scam centers.
Hanoi did not state the exact location in Burma where the 61 were retrieved from. But it stated that it is working with Naypyidaw to organize the repatriation of its nationals. Both foreign nationals and citizens of Burma have been increasingly trafficked and forced to work at cyber scam operations along the China-Burma and Thai-Burma borders since 2021.
NUG calls for greater international support
The National Unity Government (NUG) Deputy Minister for Human Rights, Aung Kyaw Moe, called on the international community to take concrete action against the military in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said other countries need to openly engage with the NUG and impose an arms embargo and more targeted sanctions on the military.
Aung Kyaw Moe said the NUG is taking steps to end the statelessness of the Rohingya by abolishing the 1982 Citizenship Law. “It is therefore vital that in this historic moment where the whole nation is fighting to end the dictatorship and shape the future of the nation, the Rohingya are included in those efforts both by function and numbers to contribute and be part of the nation’s political decision-making,” said Aung Kyaw Moe.
News by Region
BAGO—President Win Myint was allowed to meet with one of his relatives at Taungoo Prison on Oct. 28. “They met in front of the authorities and the meeting was recorded,” said an unnamed source close to the prison.
A member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party confirmed the visit and said he is in good health. The regime’s prison department resumed family visits on Oct. 24. Win Myint’s prison sentence was reduced from 12 to eight years on Aug. 1.
KAREN—Forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) launched an attack in Kawkareik town on Oct. 27. The KNLA targeted military checkpoints and bases. A police station and a military intelligence office were set ablaze, the Karen Information Center (KIC) reported.
“We are working in alliance with other groups, and the situation on the ground is favorable,” said Saw Kyaw Thet, a KNLA official. There have been reports of civilian casualties and residents trapped in the township.
MANDALAY—More than 20 people were injured after a portion of the U Bein Bridge in Amarapura Township collapsed on Oct. 29. “The bridge collapsed as there were too many people moving on the bridge,” said a witness. Many tourists had visited the bridge for the Thadingyut holiday.
NAYPYIDAW—The regime ordered military battalions on Oct. 27 to be prepared for an attack on the city. “High-ranking officials are worried about Naypyidaw due to the ongoing clashes in northern Shan State,” said a source close to the Burma Army’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 302.
Soldiers from the LIB 413, 434, 302 and 406 received the order. They have been ordered to fight to the death to defend the capital. Other battalions were ordered to be prepared to reinforce Naypyidaw if it comes under attack by resistance forces.
Min Aung Hlaing said that the U.S. treats Burma as an enemy nation, regime media reported. He made the comments during a meeting in Naypyidaw on Oct. 26. “They create instability in all sectors of Myanmar,” claimed Min Aung Hlaing.
He alleged that the U.S. has interfered in Burma’s internal affairs and has abetted “terrorist groups under various titles.” The U.S., the U.K., and other western countries have imposed sanctions on Naypyidaw since the 2021 military coup.
YANGON—Ye Htut, the Minister of Information during President Thein Sein’s administration, was arrested at his home in Ahlone Township of Yangon on Oct. 28. He was a minister from 2014 to 2016.
“He has been arrested by the authorities under Section 505 (A) of the Penal Code and is now in Insein prison,” said an unnamed source from the Yangon Region government. A retired officer said that Ye Htut was accused of leaking information to the People’s Defense Forces (PDF).
