Myanmar Spring Chronicle – October 12 Scene
(MoeMaKa) October 13, 2024
More than 20 Informants of the Military Council Arrested by MNDAA in Lashio
In early August, after the MNDAA Kokang armed group seized Lashio, the largest city in northern Shan State under military council control, known as a key trade hub on the China-Myanmar border, the military council began airstrikes after several weeks. These airstrikes were employed both to support ground battles between the military and resistance forces and to target resistance bases and gathering points based on intelligence gathered by informants. Even when no direct clashes occurred, the military used airstrikes to disrupt the functioning of armed groups.
Facing significant territorial losses on the ground, the military has resorted to airstrikes to prevent the stability of territories and towns seized by armed groups. These airstrikes aim to disrupt governance and prevent armed groups from consolidating control.
The military council also relies on informants from local supporters or paid individuals to gather intelligence from these areas. This practice reflects the nature of war, where political or financial motivations are used to recruit individuals who provide information from enemy-held territories.
For local residents of these towns and villages, leaving their homes, farmlands, and businesses due to the war is not easy. Although they may flee during active fighting, many return once the situation stabilizes, reflecting the inevitable choices they face in a conflict.
In recent reports, it has emerged that after the seizure of Lashio in early August, MNDAA has arrested at least 25 individuals suspected of providing information for airstrikes. MNDAA has confirmed the arrests but has not yet disclosed how the suspects will be punished. Furthermore, MNDAA has cut off internet and phone communications in Lashio and is seizing Starlink satellite communication devices where found.
There is a possibility that the suspects accused of informing the military council could face severe punishment, as MNDAA has, in previous months, sentenced and executed individuals in public trials, similar to practices in China.
Before the conflict, Lashio had a population in the hundreds of thousands. After the city’s capture, tens of thousands of residents are likely to return, although continuous airstrikes have caused some to flee again. Following the 1027 Military Operation launched in late October last year, ethnic armed groups opposing the military council have successfully seized dozens of towns but still face challenges defending against airstrikes due to limitations in weapons technology and funding.
**Another News Item**
In a separate development, Malaysia’s foreign minister has announced plans to meet with the military council’s foreign minister to discuss the Myanmar crisis, according to media reports during the ASEAN summit. While previous Malaysian governments strongly pressured Myanmar’s military council, it remains unclear whether Malaysia’s current government has shifted to an engagement policy.
Malaysia is home to many legal and illegal migrant workers from Myanmar, as well as tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees. After the 2012 and 2017 crises, many Rohingya refugees fled to Malaysia by boat, despite lacking sufficient engines or protection. It is uncertain what outcome will arise from the meeting between Malaysia’s foreign minister and the Myanmar military council’s foreign minister.