Burma coup resistance notes December 30, 2022
Information is circulating that junta operatives, disguised as fake Revolutionaries, will set off bombs in civilian areas during its staged New Year celebrations, as a propaganda ploy to blame PDFs. Urban PDFs are advising that they *never* target civilians, and even call off attacks on junta targets if civilians could be harmed. (Mizzima)
Ethnic regions-------------------
A PDF in Beit-Tavoy District of Kawthoolei (Tanintharyi Region on Burmese maps) blew up a junta convoy of 70 troops on their way from Myeik to Palaw yesterday, killing 10 of them and wounding others. This came a day after another PDF in Thayetchaung township blew roadside bombs on a marching column of 50 troops, killing 6 and wounding 3. (Khit Thit Media)
Then today a battle broke out in Palaw, also in Beit-Tavoy District, and went on all morning. Junta troops began kidnapping civilians and they burned 2 villages in the viscinity. (Mizzima) The junta is shipping troops up and down the coast of Beit-Tavoy District by boat, due to the frequent losses by PDF roadside bombs. (Khit Thit Media)
The battle of Kaw T’Ree in Dooplaya District of Kawthoolei (Kawkareik township on Burmese maps) continued today, with more junta air strikes and fighting around Kaw Nwi village. No results from today are known, but 20 junta troops and a Karen soldier have been killed since the current battle started on Dec. 16. (Than Lwin Khet News)
The battle of Kaw T’Ree has all but stopped border trade between Burma and Thailand. Two bridges on the Asia Highway have been damaged and weapons fire endangers traffic. The longer, more arduous dirt road around the fighting causes perishable products like vegetables to rot. The blockage of the Asia Highway makes product prices rise in Burma, and prevents Burma exports to Thailand such as broken rice and fish. (Mizzima) On the other hand, the Karen army blockade of the Asia Highway may force some border trade through Karen-controlled areas, where it could generate revenues for the Kawthoolei government (KNU) and support the Karen army’s defense effort.
Junta troops fired mortars at a residential area and a Christian temple in Hpakant, Kachin State today, killing a civilian and injuring 6 others including 2 children. There was no previous fighting or other provocation. (People's Spring)
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
Junta troops are occupying Obo village in Myaing township, Magway Region as a camp, and used it yesterday to fire mortars into nearby Manjelaypin and Kannet villages. Then they invaded and burned the villages. (Khit Thit Media)
Six wounded PDF soldiers were being transported by 2 civilians from Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region to Nyaungcho in Shan State on Dec. 26. Junta troops stopped them on the road and shot all 8 of them. (Myanmar Now)
Junta administrators stole ambulances from medical charities in Ma U Pin, Irrawaddy Region, and are now demanding large ransoms to return them. Some of the charities have said they cannot continue operations under the junta’s violence. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
A police roadblock in Naungji Aing, Ayadaw township is typical in that junta police stop drivers, threaten them with weapons, demand cash, then look through the vehicles and take what they want. It is a regime of armed thieves. (Myaelatt Athan)
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
As junta troops were returning from burning Ywahaung village in Kawlin township of Sagaing Region on Dec. 28, local PDFs fired on them for 4 hours, killing 7 and wounding at least 10, while 5 PDF soldiers were wounded. Then yesterday the same troops burned Thehkaw village and the PDFs planted landmines in front of them, wounding 5 more. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
At the embattled Tawpu Pyu Saw Htee terrorist camp in Monywa township, a PDF got information that Pyu Saw Htee leaders were about to drive to Monywa town yesterday, so they waited in ambush and shot 3 of them dead, including the camp leader. The car hasn’t moved since then. (Myaelatt Athan)
Political and economic-------------------
Banks are closing branches due to dramatically reduced financial activity combined with increased insecurity and robberies after the Feb. 202 coup d'état. Kanbauza Bank and Myanmar Citizens Bank are among those closing branches, and Australia-based ANZ bank left the country completely. Citizens have less cash to deposit, businesses aren’t taking loans, and the junta imposes draconian restrictions on money transfers to try to deprive the opposition of financing. All of this is making banking difficult, dangerous, and unprofitable. (People's Spring)
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