BLOG: BURMA DEATH WATCH
(www.dictatorwatch.org/burmadeathwatch.html)


(Formerly named Burma Conflict Situation Report: original introduction)

In Tunisia and Egypt the pro-democracy resistance organized large, and successful, popular uprisings. In Libya, in response to Dictator Gaddafi's war crimes, the resistance expanded to include armed struggle, and which, with air support from the West, was also successful. The resistance in Syria is now expanding to armed struggle as well, in response to the crimes of Dictator Assad (although it has not sought foreign intervention).

For Burma, the National League for Democracy has told the people of the country that they should not rise up and and that they should not fight back. Even though the military regime has committed crimes far in excess of Gaddafi's or Assad's, the people should wait and hope that it - the NLD - will be able to organize reform.

When there is free resistance, the people sacrifice themselves for a cause. Therefore, when they die it is not in vain, even if it takes ages for the struggle to succeed. In Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria, the people who sacrificed their lives are national heroes. Their families and friends are suffering a profound loss, but they also understand that the sacrifice served a purpose, that it was a necessary cost on the road to freedom.

With reregistration - on November 25, 2011 - the NLD has effectively restricted the people of the country's freedom to resist. It has not said: "We will try talking to the regime but you, the people, should feel free to push for freedom as you see fit." Because of this, it now bears some responsibility for the deaths that the military perpetrates, including of deaths within the Tatmadaw itself. There is a human life and death cost to its decision, which the NLD must accept, and which we will document.

Due to the severity of the gamble that Daw Suu and the NLD have undertaken, we are renaming our conflict blog, Burma Death Watch.

Bookmark this blog for easy reference to Burma conflict news.

Please also see the reports of:

The Karen Human Rights Group
The Shan Human Rights Foundation

MAY

May 24
Shan Rebels Fight Govt Despite Peace Deal

More info on regime clash with SSA-S.

May 24
SHAN news release:
Villagers flee new conflict in Southern Shan State.

Tensions at Lawng Mark Oh, north of Homong, where the Shan State Army (SSA) had lifted the siege on the joint Burma Army-People's Militia Force (PMF) on 20 May. Many villagers have fled to the Thai border as a result. The PMF had demanded one of its officers Sai Lu be released. SSA says Sai Lu had been serving as an agent for the Burma Army and would be released as soon as the Burma Army withdraws.

May 23
Heavy fighting continues around Namsan-yang village

Burma Army shelled two Kachin villages today with heavy weapons. Many clashes underway. Five BA soldiers killed in one. BA soldiers tortured and kill two Kachin villagers.

May 23
People's Militia Force terrorize village

Regime militia in Southern Shan State suffers major defections, then retaliates against local villagers.

May 23
SHAN news release:
First post-new ceasefire agreement clash with the SSA-S.

A patrol from Mongton township's Nakawngmu-based Infantry Battalion 65, in search of a deserter, ran into a Shan State Army (SSA) patrol between 11:00-12:00 this morning. The exchange of fire between the two sides ceased after IB 65 informed the SSA of its mission. No casualty on either side reported. This is the first clash that took place after the SSA-Union Peacemaking Work Committee (UPWC) meeting in Kengtung on 19 May.

May 23
Fund Collected from Locals for Construction of Schools and Clinics Donated by China-Myanmar Oil Pipeline Project

Example from Western Burma of the common regime practice of extortion from villagers.

May 22
Two trucks ambushed by KIA soldiers: state media

This report is suspicious, because it is from the dictatorship. If true, it would be interesting to learn what the trucks were hauling.

May 21
KIA attack blamed for loss of electricity in Rangoon

KIA attacks infrastructure. Well done. When you are being invaded you must defend your people. Maybe the people in Rangoon and Mandalay will start to pay more attention to how the regime is committing war crimes against the Kachin.

May 20
Burmese army making Kachin war from political to racial in nature

Burma Army committing ethnic cleansing against the Kachin.

May 20
A Kachin woman gang-raped by Burmese government soldiers

Eyewitness to regime's latest gang rape.

May 18
Heavy battles rage around Laiza

The U.S., by ending its sanctions, has given a clear signal to the Tatmadaw. It should feel completely free to attack the Kachin and as aggressively as it wants. The U.S. obviously feels that the sooner the Kachin conflict goes away, the better. The regime also has a complete pass from President Obama to rape and kill as many Kachin people as it wants.

May 18
Gang-rape in church highlights Burma Army impunity for sexual violence in Kachin conflict

Why would the U.S. let a little thing like gang rape get in the way of American companies doing business?

May 18
Burma Army still using torture and forced labor says report

The Karen like the Kachin are the regime's preferred victims.

May 17
4 Burma army soldiers killed in Shan state clash

Battle near the Shwe gas pipeline in Northern Shan State.

May 17
Kachin villagers take shelter in Sumprabum church

Fighting in Northern Kachin State.

May 16
Burmese Troops Killed in Clash with KIA Ally

The Palaung join the fight. At least 4 regime troops killed.

May 15
Burmese Army increases its use of airstrikes in Kachin war

Regime using helicopters in combat, not only for supply. Four more battles reported. Ten BA soldiers killed in one of them.

May 15
KIA creates new battalion near Pangwa

New battalion staffed by defectors from regime BGF. Continuous fighting around Pangwa at the China border. Kachin IDPs in the area in terrible straits.

May 15
Villagers and gold mine workers flee from the Irrawaddy Myitsone dam area

New refugees from the fighting that is now underway near Myitsone.

May 14
2 Burma army soldiers dead after Myitsone dam clash

Another clash at the Kachin front, near the controversial dam that the regime refuses to stop.

May 14
A new wave of IDPs flee Pangwa

More clashes at the China border. The Burma Army is committing rampant gross human rights violations.

May 14
More clashes before powwow

Three more regime clashes with the SSA-S. Two BA soldiers killed.

May 14
Karen BGF official shot dead in TPP

Regime officer killed, possibly over drugs.

May 13
Burma army shoots Kachin preacher in the knee

Kachin church attacked.

May 11
Brig-Gen Zeyar Aung threatens to eliminate Kachin Independence Organization

This is the real face of Burma. A full-on attempt at ethnic cleansing by the regime. Five recent battles mentioned. 8 BA soldiers each died in two of them

May 11
Heavy fighting continues in Kachin state: rebels

53 clashes this month so far.

May 11
Kachin army takes control of key Burma army post on Putao route

KIA captures strategic BA checkpoint.

May 11
Kachin front field report posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:
New report of the military regime using chemical weapons.

There was fierce offensive attacked by Burmese military on 08 May 2012, against Pan Tsun Post KIA battalion troop in Eastern side of Daw Hpum Yang town. Burmese military rained down CHEMICAL BOMBS against KIA troop then the Burmese soldiers from the ground attacked fiercely trying to seize the Pan Tsun Post which is strategic location for 5th KIA in Kachin State.  The Pan Tsun Post was under direct command and control by 19th KIA Base in 5th KIA Base control territories Kachin State. Burmese military uses CHEMICAL WEAPONS or BOMBS in this offensive attacked against KIA troops. According to KIA frontline troop reported (3) of KIA soldiers were inflicted by the CHEMICAL BOMBS severely. The (3) soldiers were vomited and fainted by the CHEMICAL BOMBS toxic and critical health conditions. In the recent months, Burmese military has been using the same type of CHEMICAL WEAPONS to attached KIA troops. We Kachin people appeal to United Security Council (UN), USA, UK, EU and world communities' leader to stop Burmese military the use of CHEMICAL WEAPONS in civil war against KIA in particular Kachin civilian in Kachin State. We, Kachin people concern grave danger of CHEMICAL WEAPONS used by Burmese military in civil war against Kachin people in Burma. In spite of political reformed by regime government in Yangon Burma only but on the other hand Burmese military has intensified attacked against Kachin civilian and threaten to wipe out Kachin Ethnic in Burma. We, Kachin people all will stand together as one united people and defend against Burmese military killing and offensive attack against us until Burmese military is defeated as well as the justice and truth has prevail.

May 9
Burma Army suffers high casualties along Loije route

Over 70 Burma Army soldiers killed in two separate KIA ambushes on Sunday and Monday.

May 8
Two Kachin boys shot dead by Burmese Army's 76th LIB

More information on the atrocity reported yesterday. Burma Army, in response to battle losses, is taking revenge against Kachin villagers.

May 8
Burmese Navy orders shooting of any person on its confiscated lands

Abuses in Western Burma identical to those in the East.

May 8
12 Burma soldiers die in KIA attack in southern Kachin state

More info on clash reported in yesterday/s news release.

May 7
Kachin Net news releases.
1. Two minors—a five years old and a seven years old—were killed by a Burmese troop believed to be from Light Infantry Division (L.I.D) 76 on May 5, 2012, according to their parents. The victims were from Ta Li village situated on the way to Bhamo in eastern Kachin State.

The minors were supposedly shot from the back while running to the village in fear of hearing a bomb explosion after bathing in the nearby river of their village.

Villagers from the victims' village said that they were summoned by the Burmese authorities to propagandize the tragedy that the minors will killed by KIA-planted landmines.

With the invading Burmese army's troop reinforcements in Kachin areas in recent weeks, appalling human rights violations occur on a daily basis throughout Kachin State.

Burma's retired general-turned President Thein Sein ordered Burmese Army to halt offensive against the Kachins twice. However, it has been ignored and the fighting has intensified since late April this year.

2. A fighting took place yesterday near Uga Shan village between Kachin resistance army's brigade No. 251 and invading Burmese troops from Light Infantry Division(L.I.D) 386 and 105, according to KIA sources.

The battle was reportedly sparked by the Burmese troops' crossing into KIA areas.

Casualties of the battle are not known.

3. 12 invading Burmese soldiers were killed and 6 injured at a battle between Kachin troops from KIA's brigade 3 and Light Infantry Division (L.I.D) 99 of Burmese Army, according to KIO sources.

The fighting took place at 7:30AM on Sunday on the way up to Man Je from Kai Htik in southern Kachin State.

May 7
KIA intensifies railroad attacks

KIA doing sabotage to prevent Burma Army movements.

May 7
Abuses since the DKBA and KNLA ceasefires: Forced labour and arbitrary detention in Dooplaya

Continuation of human rights abuses against the Karen.

May 5
Burma army flies in reinforcements in bid to retake Pangwa

Regime increasing its use of helicopters, now trying to reverse loss of Pangwa. KIA destroys five BA trucks.

May 5
Kachin battle intensifies as Burmese troop build-up continues

Description of latest battles. At least four BA soldiers killed.

May 5
Twin blasts in Myitkyina injure two police

More unattributed explosions in Myitkyina.

May 4
FBR REPORT: Western Burma Update: Burma Army abuses in both conflict and non-conflict areas

Human rights report of the regime's widespread abuses in Western Burma.

May 4
Massive Land Confiscation for Copper Mine

Thanks to Suu Kyi supporting the end of sanctions, the regime is now free to steal land at will.

May 3
Burmese Army gang-raped Chyi Chya villagers

More atrocities!!! The regime is still using rape as a weapon of war! Many women and girls in a Kachin village are raped and terrorized! Suu Kyi, is this reform!? Do you really have "tremendous good will toward the military" which is nothing more than a gang of war criminals!?

May 3
Drugs found at abandoned Burma army post in Kachin state

The Tatmadaw uses Yaba, and then rapes village women!!!

May 3
Govt Helicopter Reportedly Shells KIO Bases

More news about how the regime is now using helicopters in the Civil War.

May 3
Army prepares for 'major assault' on Kachin stronghold

An open question: When will Suu Kyi agree with her fellow MPs that the Kachin are terrorists, for refusing, like her, to rejoin the legal fold?

May 3
Harsh Lessons of Kachin 'Development'

What the upcoming western corporate rape of Burma holds for all the ethnic nationality homelands.

May 3
SHAN news release.
Regime landmine kills Pa-O farmer.

Landmine believed to have been planted by Light Infantry Battalion # 513, based in Panglong sub-township, Loilem district, exploded at around 13:00, 1 May, killing one PaO farmer and injuring his wife. They were preparing the ground for their new home outside the premises of LIB 513 command post when the blast took place.

May 2
Burma Army making war on Kachin to protect "foreign" interests

The Burma Army is fighting the Kachin people on behalf of China. The generals are willing to kill their own people to enrich China, and also, of course, themselves. Just how does this equate to "democratic" reform?

May 2
CPI head meets relocated villagers to win their support for Myitsone dam

The regime, and China, remain absolutely committed to destroying the Irrawaddy River.

May 1
SSA North: Burma Army breaching truce 13 times

Regime orders its units to shoot all uniformed Shan soldiers. Continuous breaking of the ceasefire.

May 1
Inquiry Launched into Police Death Plunge Teen

Police torture Shan woman to the point that she commits suicide.

May 1
Burmese Army razed homes in Ban Sau village

Burma Army destroys a Kachin village.

May 1
KIO Asks Govt for Fresh Peace Talks

Separate mine and bomb attacks on Sunday.

May 1
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:
Regime attacks continue; reinforcing and resupplying front-line units.

On the 01 May 2012 (Labor day) Burmese military evacuated all government public servants from Pangwa village, former NDAK HQ (border guard force) where the major air assault begin by Burmese military. However, majorities Pangwa villagers Kachin people are told to flee away from village where air assault by military Helicopter intensified against KIA currently recaptured NDAK HQ in Pangwa village accordingly report from the battle frontline. According to some of  Kachin analyst said this is obvious reason for launching major air assault by Burmese military and Regime government against KIA and Kachin civilian in Wangwa systematically. We Kachine people condemn the use of air assault against civilian and domestic war against KIA who defend Kachin people freedom and self determination for our own future. The use of air assault against civilian and domestic conflict also violate UN security charters or war saw convention and against international law.

Burmese military transporting by train more soldiers and more artillery, motors and weapons to Myitkyina Kachin State for reinforce major offensive against KIA and civilian. From the Myitkyina then transported to Talaw Gyi village by speed boat and from there transported again to Manmaw Town by thef same kind of speed boat. Once arrived in Manmaw Town the weapons are being transported to Myotit village truking Burmese military based hk-l-y(41) to renew offensive attacked against KIA despite peace talk initial agreement by Burmese military to reduce military intrusion into KIA control areas in all over Kachin State. Since UN chief Mr Ban Ki Moon arrived in Burma to meet Burma regime military top officers , and schedule to visit Shan State, we Kachin people urge Mr Ban to travel to the Kachin State to witness the truth about Burma recent reform in Yangon Burma only which was exclusive reformed for Kachin and other minorities races in Burma.

APRIL

April 30
KIO tightens grip on former NDA-K stronghold Pangwa

KIA captures town from NDA-K, which years ago split off and joined the regime, in return for proceeds from deforestation. Another regime town at the China border also close to falling. Burma Army fighting back using helicopter gunships.

April 30
Government militia force-recruiting villagers

Many Karen members of the regime BGF have defected to the resistance. The BGF leaders are now doing forced recruitment from local villages.

April 29
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:
Regime preparing helicopter assault on Laiza.

According front lines reported, Burmese military is preparing air assault with 20 helicopters to launch major offensive with code name TAWNG PAW TAR SIT SIN YAY(simply mean mountain tribe assault Operations) against KIA and Kachin civilian.  According eyes witness report from Myitkyina City, Kachin State on the same day, 10 helicopters are hovering over the city as preparation for major air assault against KIA and Kachin civilian.

Despite initial peace talk agreement between KIA and Burmese military to withdraw Burmese military present from Kachin State, KIA control, areas gradually but there was a heavy artillery shelling by Burmese military continue against Laiza Town 5th bridge KIA Head quarter command center  on 28 April 2012. However there was no casualties and damage in Liza tawn and the artillery shells have exploded nearby mountains of Laiza. Burmese military continue to dispatch more soldiers and artillery to Laiza Town, KIA Head Quarter Command center and around KIA control areas for fierce offensive against KIA and Kachin people, we Kachin people condemn Burmese military killing and attacking civilian committed rapping and human right violation.

There was a inhumane acts of the Burmese military battalion troop Dap Hk.M.Y (384) intentionally burned and ruined many home in Ban Sau Mung village. The soldiers have eagerly gathered all the villagers belongings, rice and food supplies before very eye of the villagers torched to ruined. The following household name lists homes are being burned and ruined by merciless fire torched intentional by Burmese military. This is clearly ethnic cleansing order instructed by regime government and Burmese military against Kachin people. Therefore we call upon the world communities, UN,EU,UK and USA to stop Burmese military brutality and help affect Kachin internally displaced people in our own country.

According Kachinnet, KIA news media reported, the following homes, property, rice and supplies  and belonging being intentionally burned and ruined by cruel Burmese Military.

(1). Mr Maji La Nu's home
(2). Mr Labang Ze Lum's home
(3). Mr Chit Shwe's home
(4). Mr Shadan Di's home
(5). Mr Marip Naw Ja's  home and over dang (200) paddy, Padi refinery machine (1), motor cycle (1), cloth Sewing machine (1), Jinma generator (1)
(6). Mr Maji Brang's home
(7). Mr Jang Ma Tu's  home and  motor cycle (1)
(8). Community Development's home and over dang ( 100) paddy,  storage building (1), Kitchen (1),
total paddy  about dang (500) donated by the villagers were being burned and ruined by Burmese military.

Dang = unit of Measurement equal to approximately 16 kilogram

April 28
Kachin troops recapture former posts

Battles raging at the Kachin front. Fighting very close to Laiza. KIA makes progress and recaptures a number of its outposts. At least five BA soldiers killed in one clash. Kachin BGF soldiers defecting to the KIA.

April 27
KIA mine injure seven Burmese soldiers in Hpakant jade mine area

Action in the central Kachin area.

April 27
Bridge connecting Myitkyina to China border hit by blast

KIA now concentrating on pro-regime militia.

April 26
Burma army shelling kills 2 kids in Kachin state

Regime mortars murder two Kachin children. Thank you Aung San Suu Kyi, for encouraging the E.U., the U.S., Canada and Australia to end their sanctions. If I could meet you face to face, I would ask you one question: Why don't you care about the ethnic nationalities?

April 26
Shan army ordered to move out of Burma Army's way

Burma Army trying to restrict movements of both the SSA-N and the SSA-S.

April 25
Police kills a Rohingya in Maungdaw

Murder with impunity by the dictatorship's police.

April 25
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Mortars Villages and Burns Homes in Kachin State; 50,000 people displaced

New report on Burma Army human rights violations in Kachin villages. Three villages and over 100 homes burned.

April 25
Chinese timber tycoons supply rations to Burma troops

China is heavily involved in backing the Tatmadaw. Everyone thinks the "reform" is bad for China, but it is proceeding exactly to a mutually-agreed plan between Naypyidaw and Beijing.

April 25
Three Hurt in Kachin State Bomb Blast

Another bombing, once again almost certainly the work of regime agents.

April 25
Body of Raped Chin Girl Found in Rakhine State

A child was raped and murdered in Western Burma. At this point the perpetrator is unknown. But, the regime is either directly responsible, with the rapist/murderer a Tatmadaw thug, or culpable, through the climate of lawlessness that has been created by its dictatorship.

April 23
Regime breaks ceasefire with the SSA-N

We received word that the Burma Army has been breaking its ceasefire with the Shan State Army - North, and that 14 BA soldiers were killed in a battle last week.

April 23
Burmese Army shells villages as fighting intensifies

Burma Army attacking Kachin villagers and KIA positions. Sau Lam, 28 years-old Shan national and a mother of four, killed by artillery shells. BA using helicopters to resupply its front-line troops.

April 23
Burma army troops assault Kachin village headman

More regime brutality.

April 20
Bomb hits checkpoint; one official dead

Report that the regime has attacked Laiza, the KIA's HQ.

April 20
KIA says deserters were from village defense group

Village militia defects to the regime. Their fate is unknown. Many may have been killed in recent heavy fighting in the area.

April 18
KIA slipping into Burma Army back door

KIA making advances in Northern Shan State.

April 15
Leaders around the world praise Burmese government as war intensifies in Kachinland

Major warfare in progress at the Kachin front, but now a word about it from the NLD, U.S., or U.N.

April 15
Blast during Myitkyina Water Festival

Another regime attack in Myitkyina?

April 15
Mosque building halted in Burma's Kachin state

Yet more religious persecution in Burma.

April 13
KIO closes Loije trade route after Burma army shelling

Heavy shelling by the regime; KIA loses an outpost.

April 11
Burmese Army continues shelling and burning

Burma Army attacking at at least five locations on the Kachin front, including with heavy weapons.

April 10
SHAN news release:
Offensive against KIA HQ underway?

The Burma Army's Light Infantry Divisions (LIDs) 88 and 99, and Military Operations Commands (MOCs) 3 and 10, have been pounding Kachin Independence Army (KIA) bases around its headquarters Laiza with heavy weapons since 6 April, according to Kachin spokesman La Nan. "Maybe their objective is Laiza," he said.

April 10
Burma army buildup near Laiza suggests push for KIO capital

Over 300 BA soldiers killed at the Kachin front this year.

April 7
Burmese troops prepare major assault on Kachin's administrative capital

The military regime is a two-faced bastard! While it agrees with the Karen to have a nation-wide ceasefire, it prepares to launch a major offensive against the Kachin.

April 6
Kachin forces capture Burma army checkpoint in N.Shan state

War at the Kachin front is unabated. KIO HQ still targeted.

April 5
Local official shot by army captain

Internecine example of the conflict.

April 3
4 Burma soldiers fall in battle on election day in N.Shan state

Large battles continue at the Kachin front.

April 1
Burmese Army torches a guest house and homes

By-election or not, the Burma Army atrocities continue!!!

MARCH

March 30
Shan State by-election goes ahead despite bombings

Violent intimidation against the election.

March 28
A clash before voting in Shan State North

New clash between the Burma Army and the SSA-North. Two bridges destroyed in separate actions.

March 27
FBR REPORT: A Compilation of Burma Army activities since 12 January 2012, as of 23 March 2012

Detailed status report of recent clashes, and ongoing human rights abuses by the Burma Army including attacks on and murders of ethnic villagers.

March 26
A Kachin historic site ransacked and destroyed

Burma Army takes control of, and destroys, old Kachin church.

March 26
Blasts in Tachilek: Link to politics, drug trade "possible, but not likely

Motives around Tachilek explosions still unknown.

March 24
Govt Sincerity Key to Civil War Endgame

Good overview of how the military regime is abusing its ceasefire agreements.

March 24
Two wounded in Myanmar golf course bombing

Bombs in Tachilek target regime golf tournament.

March 23
Burma Army breaches ceasefire again

The regime breaches its ceasefire with the Shan State Army - North, for the fourth time. It has breached its separate ceasefire with the SSA-S fourteen times.

March 23
Burma army steps up Kachin offensive ahead of by-elections

Heavy fighting underway at many locations at the Kachin Front, both in Kachin and Northern Shan States. The regime is attempting to resupply outposts, and has also launched offensives. More that a dozen BA soldiers have been killed.

March 23
Time-Bomb Exploded in Tonzang Township

Although not as volatile as Eastern Burma, there is significant unrest and discord in the West as well.

March 22
Border Guard Force kills its own company commander

More on the death of the regime's Karen BGF officer.

March 22
Burma army sent to Myitsone dam site to enforce evictions

Five truckloads of regime soldiers abuse Kachin villagers.

March 20
Newly-wed woman gang-raped by soldiers and paramilitaries

Burma Army soldiers rape a young woman in Western Burma.

March 20
Wartime abuses and forced displacement in Burma's Kachin State

Documentation of Burma Army's crimes against humanity at the Kachin Front.

March 20
Eviction order at Myitsone

Regime getting ready to restart the Myitsone Dam?

March 20
Govt Troops Clash with SSA-South Despite Truce

More info about the latest clash.

March 19
FBR REPORT: Burma Army kills one, wounds one as villagers try to cross road in Northern Karen State

Regime kills one Karen villager.

March 19
Karen border forces clash, officer killed

Regime's Karen BGF fight each other!

March 19
Taungoo Township villagers scared of forced labor orders and forest fires lit by Burma Army

No end to forced labor in Karen areas.

March 19
14th clash fought between BA, SSA

At least four BA soldiers killed in new clash with SSA-South. Regime soldier says the Shan ceasefire is only with Thein Sein, not the Tatmadaw!

March 19
Two Palaung villagers killed

Regime kills two Palaung villagers in Shan State.

March 19
Arakan Rangers and Government Troops Clash, One Injured, One Killed

Arakan Rangers formed by Arakan Liberation Army. New clash in Western Burma.

March 19
Money extorted for the houses and care of Mon armed group which recently surrendered

Regime extorts money to pay off new Mon ceasefire group.

March 16
Karen fighters and Burma Army soldiers killed over ceasefire breech

New fighting at the Karen front. The Burma Army breaks the ceasefire; the KNLA responds.

March 16
Burma soldiers set Kachin truck ablaze near Momauk

Burma Army destroys Kachin property.

March 14
Burmese Army Breaches Karen Ceasefire

Burma Army breaks the Karen ceasefire. New clashes with the KNU, and also between the BA and the SSA-S.

March 14
TNLA, KIA, and SSA together Bombed Burmese battalion (130)

Resistance armies join forces to attack the Burma Army in Shan State.

March 13
SHAN news release:
Thirteen clashes between the Burma Army and the SSA since the ceasefire.

Since the ceasefire agreement was signed over 3 months ago, at least 13 clashes have taken place, a situation which prompts the question: Who's the boss? The government or the military? said Maj Lao Hseng, spokesman for Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). Government negotiators, at the meeting on 27 February, had promised to see that such undesirable incidents no longer happen. "But they kept happening even afterward." He said the government needs to work harder to establish genuine peace.

March 13
Burmese Army uses chemical weapons again

Renewed gas attacks as part of a larger Burma Army artillery assault on the KIA. Let it be known, the U.S. and the E.U have refused to test samples smuggled out from previous regime gas attacks.

March 13
Military clashes resume after peace talks

Following the ceasefire impasse, the regime attacks the KIA again, even though it had said that it would not.

March 13
Villagers accuse Burma Army of forced labor abuses

Burma Army continuing to take advantage of Karen ceasefire.

March 13
Force labor still used in northern Arakan

Forced labor in Western Burma as well.

March 12
SHAN news release:
The Shan State Army was attacked by the Burma Army at two different locations yesterday:

Battalion 108 by Light Infantry Battalion 573 at Loi Larnfa Hin Khio, between Kenglarb and Mongyawng.

An unidentified SSA unit by a Burma Army unit (also unidentified) at Pongwo-Haikwi, Kyaukme township.

March 12
Ongoing forced labour and movement restrictions in Toungoo District

Regime continues human rights abuses against the Karen.

March 9
Offenses continue even as Ruili talks underway

New Burma Army attack against the KIA.

March 7
Fighting in N.Shan state continues along Shwe pipeline route

China pipeline project fuels ongoing battles.

March 7
10 arrested after returning home to Myitsone dam village

Villagers arrested for trying to return to their homes near China dam project.

March 7
More bombs found in Irrawaddy town

Signs of an underground insurgency against the military regime?

March 7
Mon armed group of Nai Bin surrenders to Burmese Army

A small Mon group surrenders to the regime. The question is: In return for what?

March 6
Three Burma army officers die in Shan State

At least 31 Burma Army soldiers killed in recent clashes in the Northern Shan State area of the Kachin front.

March 6
Fighting continues as Burmese Army expands its presence

Additional descriptions of recent Kachin front battles.

March 6
Bomb blast hits Irrawaddy govt office

Regime office destroyed.

March 6
Karen woman 'sexually assaulted' by troops

Yet another attack by Burma Army soldiers against an ethnic minority woman.

March 5
FBR REPORT: Forced Labor, Torture and Military Activity Still Present in Karen State

Report on ongoing widespread human rights violations against the Karen, including arrest and torture of villagers.

March 5
Burmese government agrees to talk to KIO in China

Ninety clashes at the Kachin front since mid-January.

March 4
Human rights group say Burma Army abuses continue

Widespread extortion and demands for forced labor by the regime against Karen villagers.

March 2
Two women killed in fighting between the DKBA and Government's militia

More Karen victims of the regime's offensives.

March 1
Wa, Shan to join ethnic army grouping

The ethnic armed alliance expands to include all the major armed resistance groups.

FEBRUARY

February 25
Fierce battles continued in KIA's 5th Brigade territory

At least seventeen Burma Army soldiers killed.

February 24
Teenage Boys Tell of Forced Labor Horror

Burma Army using boys as human shields at the Kachin front.

February 24
Troops die in renewed Shan fighting

Regime clashes with the SSA are turning into on-going battles.

February 24
Killings and attacks between DKBA and BGF drives villagers from their homes

Karen villagers flee conflict from breakdown of DKBA ceasefire.

February 23
SHAN news releases:
Eleven clashes since the SSA ceasefire was signed.

Another clash took place at Monghai, 25 km northwest of Tachilek, between the Shan State Army's Battalion 34 and the pursuing Burma Army's joint column this morning. Casualties are not known. Since the ceasefire was signed, at least 11 clashes have taken place between the sides.

Since mid-February, the Burma Army has been renovating the road that goes up to its border bases, according to monks at the Fa Wiang Inn monastery that straddles the boundary between Burma's Mong Hta sub-township and Thailand's Wiang Haeng district. The fresh move by the Burma Army, following the recent signing of a ceasefire agreement with the Shan State Army (SSA) has alarmed both the Thai military and the local populace, they say. One result was the drilling of monks and novices in personal safety measures in case the monastery is caught in the crossfire.

February 23
DKBA Ceasefire Breaks Down

The regime breaks another ceasefire.

February 23
BGF ordered to return DKBA arms

Regime seizes more than thirty DKBA weapons.

February 23
KNU Calls for Govt Troops in Ethnic Areas to Withdraw

Regime preparing to attack the KNU.

February 22
Karen rebels and govt in talks to end clashes

Regime allied BGF troops attack five DKBA camps. Three BGF soldiers killed.

February 22
Burmese narco-battalion fights KIA in Shan State

Report of heavy fighting at the Kachin front.

February 22
SSA-South Reports Renewed Fighting with Burma Army

More on the new clashes between the Burma Army and the SSA. Report that 15 BA soldiers have died in recent clashes with the Kachin Independence Army.

February 21
BA-SSA stand-off in Tachilek

New clashes between the regime and the SSA. So much for the ceasefire!

February 21
Burma army burns Kachin rice harvest

Regime crimes against the Kachin continue.

February 21
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:
Five Burma Army soldiers killed in recent battle.

There was fierce fighting between KIA 5th bridge forces and Burmese army intrusion soldiers on18 February 2012 in the morning at Ja Pu village under KIA control area. According to front line report, 5 Burmese soldiers were killed in the arms clashed between them due to Burmese army intrusion into KIA control territories in Kachinland. There was a report about Burmese military is quietly increasing his present in Kachin States again and KIA control areas with more more weapons and sending more soldiers while peace talk with KIA/KIo delegates for nothing. However, Burmese military is continue to attack KIA and sending more soldiers to KIA territories to renew the civil war against Kachin people despite the international communities pressure regime government stop the war instead Burmese army and Burmese regime government joint effort to continue dreadful civil war game. Burma regime government is just playing dirty politic games to receive reward from international communities, to gain access to freeze financial sources for Burmese army. We Kachin people call the international communities to freeze Burmese military financial supply sources and impose restriction of doing weapon business across Asia and since Burma army and regime government committing crime against it's own citizen.

February 20
SHAN news releases:
Regime murders two Shan people; new clashes with SSA.

Shan State Army (SSA) South's Hsipaw township administrator Sai Ta Long and his wife were shot dead by Hsipaw-based IB 23 troops at Haikwi while they were shopping on 17 February. He was wearing the SSA uniform. The SSA South signed the ceasefire agreement on 2 December 2011. The killing has upset both the SSA and the local people, said the source.

A Shan State Army (SSA) South patrol clashed with a Burma Army column on 18 February in Monghai, where Mongphyak and Tachilek townships meet, according to SSA Sources. "It could escalate into a prolonged battle, if nothing is done", said Lt-Col Gawn Zeun, Commander of the SSA forces in Shan State East. As far as the Burma Army is concerned, the "no-fighting zone" is the Homong-Monghta area, opposite Maehongson and Chiangrai, said an informed source on the border.

February 19
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Killing and Raping Civilians in Karenni State

News from Karenni State is rare. This report gives a sitrep for the area and describes two murders and four rapes by Burma Army soldiers of Karenni villagers. There were nine battles with the Karenni Army during January and the BA suffered ten KIA and ten WIA casualties. Three dams are being built in the state by a Chinese company.

February 18
Burma soldier dies in Shan state battle with KIA

Fighting at the Kachin front in northern Shan State.

February 16
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:
Twenty Burma Army soldiers killed in a KIA attack. Major clashes underway.

There was a bomb explosion on 14 February 2012 along the Kagam Bum road side in Htung Hku Laika mountain under KIA 5th Brigade control area. The explosion killed about 20 Burmese soldiers from Hk.M.Y.(389), it was due to the Burmese soldiers intrusion into KIA restricted and control areas.

The same day evening on 14 February 2012 at 4:12pm to until 6pm, there was fierce arm clash between KIA 5th Bridge forces and Burmese soldiers. Burmese soldiers are crossing into N Ting Mai Tawng road of KIA 5th control area thus KIA forces led by Lieutenant Major Du Kaba Gum Sau clash face to face each other. According to Kachin Net report, the exact numbers of casualties were not known yet. Burmese Army is continue to build up soldiers and weapons all over the KIA control areas as well as Kachin States. Inspite of during discussion with KIA/KIO and other ethnic groups for possible cease fire or peace agreement. However Burmese army continue attacking KIA cited that no real intention for national reconciliation, but just for the sake of gaining international attentions and expect to lift up sanctions against regime government.

February 16
Burma government soldiers kill Kachin civilian in Manje

Regime troops murder a Kachin villager, injure his wife, and rob a number of villages.

February 14
SHAN news release:
Two Burma Army battalions fight each other!

Light Infantry Battalion # 506 and Light Infantry Battalion #115, mistakenly exchanged fire on 8 February. It took 20 minutes of fighting, with at least 2 dead, to learn the mistake. LIB 115 is notorious for looting the locals.

February 12
Burma Army reinforcements run into Karen minefield – six dead

Burma Army doing major reinforcement and resupply at the Karen front. Clearly this is hostile activity. The regime will be well prepared to attack again when the KNU ceasefire fails.

February 11
Talks stall as Burma refuses to meet KIO in China again

Burma Army currently attacking the KIA in northern Shan State.

February 10
Burmese Army Attacks Shan Base

The BA launches a major assault against its ceasefire partner, the SSA-S.

February 10
Fighting breaks out in Shan state

More attacks against the SSA-S, and word of clashes at the Karen front as well.

February 10
More armed clashes ahead of Burma gov't-KIO talks

Clashes at the Kachin front near the China pipeline project. At least five BA soldiers killed and seven WIA.

February 9
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:

The wicked attacked launched by Burmese army against KIA 12th Brigade Mung Hkawng village on 08th February 2012. In spite of ongoing Peace talk between KIA and Burmese regime government, Burmese army instigated attack against KIA by surprise according to KIA frontline report. However KIA was trying to calm down the situation during discussion between them. But KIA troops have no choice must defend against Burmese soldier's intrusion and have defeated Burmese soldiers successfully the end of the day. The exact casualties from both side still unknown and Burmese army and government has no genuine intention for change and progress for the country. This is the fact of Burmese government and army for the past over 50 year since military rule the country. We Kachin people and KIA/KIO have witness it for the past many decades and Burmese army launched civil war against Kachin people. We KIA/KIO will continue to defend our Kachinland and our people until we have own freedom and right to rule and determination for our future.

There was another wicked surprise attacked by Burmese army against KIA 23 Brigade in Sadung village on 08 February 2012. It was 2nd ruthless attacked by Burmese army during peace discussion between KIA and Burmese government regime in spite KIA is trying to minimizes arms clash during peace talk with regime government. The fierce attacked have lost 3 KIA soldiers life while Burmese army take this time as opportunities to launch brutal and wicked attack against KIA. However KIA have defended successfully against intrusion attack by Burmese soldiers. This brutal attacked cited that Burmese army and regime government has no intention for national reconciliation and peace for the country. According to front-line report that KIA is calm the fighting during discussion with regime government, therefore it caused unexpected casualty from KIA troop. However KIA troop have retaliate the Burmese army and many of Burmese soldier died and wounded. The fighting lasted till evening according to frontline report. We condemn the wicked attacked by Burmese army and they have always broke the principle, disregard mutual understanding. It shown that regime government has not change yet in their oppressive stand toward Kachin people and always act provocatively by undermining the important of peace and stability for the nation as well as for the country.

February 9
SSA leader: Burma Army downgrading government peace efforts

BA trying to force SSA units to move, two new clashes.

February 8
UN counts 55,000 displaced Kachin

It is not clear if this total includes the 10,000 Kachin refugees now in China.

February 6
Despite ceasefire talks Burma Army abuses continue in Karen State

The KNU should return to armed struggle!

February 5
Villagers pay the price

The Burma Army has detained four Karen villagers since December, who were also tortured. They are political prisoners!

February 3
KIA attacks Burma army convoy in Kachin State

After a brief lull, widespread conflict in the Kachin area has resumed.

February 3
FBR REPORT: Ceasefires, Continued Attacks and a Friendly Encounter Between Enemies

Burma Army attacks numerous villages, shoots a villager, demands forced labor, and is doing large-scale resupply of its front-line camps.

February 3
3 Burma army soldiers fall in battle in Kachin State

Six hour firefight at the Kachin front.

February 3
Attacks continue despite Karen ceasefire

Burma Army breaking its ceasefire with the KNU.

February 3
Villagers Fear Arrest after Refusing to Pay Paddy to Army

In Western Burma the regime is stealing land and then extorting the villagers for crops.

February 2
Burma Army sends troop reinforcements to Karen areas

Tatmadaw exploiting the Karen ceasefire with a major resupply effort. Also forcing villagers to labor.

February 2
Burmese Military Oppression Continue in Arakan State

No change in regime abuses in Western Burma.

February 2
Cholera outbreak in Kachin refugee camps

More preventable deaths among Kachin IDPs.

February 1
Burma army kills KIA officer, more talks soon

Burma Army continuing its attacks against the Kachin.

JANUARY 2012

January 31
Kachin Refugees Suffering from Preventable Disease

Pregnant women among the 45,000 Kachin IDPs are suffering miscarriages. At least thirteen elderly IDPs have died since late December. These are examples of the indirect casualties of the Burma Army's aggression. It is disgusting that Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD do not speak out more forcefully on their behalf.

January 31
Burmese soldier dies after KIA mine explodes

Attack on Burma Army column.

January 30
FBR REPORT: Villager shot and beaten to death on Christmas Eve as Burma Army continues to oppress people in northern Karen State. December 2011

Report of another murder committed by the Burma Army.

January 29
Free Burma Rangers report recent Burma Army shelling of Karen villages.

The sun is coming up after a night movement from the mountains down to the plains of Burma. It is here that the Burma Army has feudal rule with tight control over people's lives and camps surrounding the forced relocation sites. Up in the mountains the Burma army shoots to kill, but there is room to get away and the resistance is strong enough to slow and sometimes stop Burma Army attacks. Two days ago in the mountains, we could hear the Burma Army shelling towards Karen villages as they advanced to supply their camps. In Kachin state our team is helping over 40,000 IDPs displaced in ongoing attacks.

January 27
FBR REPORT: Burma Army continues attacks, burns houses and kills one man and two women; over 40,000 Kachin people now displaced by attacks and more preparing to run

When will Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD wake up? This is the real face of the regime. They are helping mass murderers!

January 27
10 Burma soldiers die in battle with KIA in Shan State

Four more clashes at the Kachin front. At least ten BA soldiers killed in one of them.

January 27
Troops deployed to guard China pipeline

Why doesn't the NLD demand that this pipeline be stopped? It represents one more industrial/resource theft from the Burmese people.

January 27
DKBA put the hard word on the KNU for 'peace talks' to be open and honest

Burma Army ally, the DKBA, tries to pressure the KNU. Clashes with BA units continue in the KNU's 6th Brigade area.

January 27
Burma Army out of step with government reforms

Five thousand Karen villagers from twelve villages forced to labor for Burma Army units.

January 27
Thein Sein urged to investigate human rights violation in Namkham

Burma Army tortures and murders Palaung villager.

January 26
Burma army redeploys troops to Kachin frontline

More information on recent BA troop redeployment.

January 26
Dam to destroy Karen villages

More forced relocation of Karen villagers. Report of villager murdered by the regime in December.

January 24
Burma army sends more troops to fight KIA along Shwe pipeline route

1,500 more regime troops heading to the Kachin front.

January 24
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:

One of Burmese army Lieutenant Colonel shot and killed one civilian in Hopin village, Kachin State. The killing took placed at 10:30pm local time on 20 Jan 20 January 2012 in the food stall near Hopin, Kachin State train station brutally with no reason, and any investigation as though he Burmese soldier has license to kill any civilian in Kachin State. According to eye witness report villager Zaw Zaw Aung was shot brutally at this forehead by by Burmese army Lieutenant Colonel Soe Aung Htet without any reasons.

There was another fierce fighting due to Burmese army intrusion into KIA 3th Brigade intrusion in Wa village on 20 January 2012. Fortunately KIA forces have successfully defeated Burmese army intrusion and killed all 10 soldiers. According to frontline report, Burmese army continue to build up more soldiers and weapons into the KIA control areas and Kachin State to reinforce the civil war against Kachin people in spite regime government peace talk with KIA recently. Burmese army fierce attacked and intrusion against KIA cited that the peace talk or discussion called by Burmese regime government is not honest and truthful intention for ethnic reconciliation.

January 23
Burma soldiers open fire on Chinese village sheltering refugees

Burma Army attacks inside China continue.

January 23
Update on Burma army attack on civilians in New Seng Ra village in Hpakant jade area

Photos of recent attack victims.

January 23
Government militia arrest villagers over land rights

Ceasefire or not, the regime continues its abuses against Karen villagers.

January 21
Kachin Net conflict briefs.

On January 15, 2012 a battle engaged at Mazup Yang area of KIA Battalion (6) under KIA brigade (2) region at 1:00pm with Burmese government troops from Ts. K.HK-(3) confronted with KIA battalion (6) of the control area. Whereas the countered effected killed 8 burmese soldiers and injured 8 in the battle.

On January 17, 2012 at 9:00am a counter takes place between KIA battalion (18) and Burmese troops from LIB-29 at Namsan Yang Lai Lum Awngja under KIA Brigade (5) control region. The counter reacts with the heavy shelling of mortar and launcher frequently released by the Burmese troops at KIA soldiers.

On January 16, 2012 a combat takes place between the units of KIA battalion mobile forces and Burma government troops from LIB-318 who takes the position at Gangdau Yang. The exchange of fire continued from 7:00am to 12:00am local standard. 

Another series of confrontation occurred with the Burmese government combined troops from LIR-389, 390 countered from KIA battalion (255) mobile forces during the same hour on the same day to the north of Malei River Bridge. The countered targeted with the shelling of heavy bombardment.

Following the same day during evening hour at 5:00pm Burmese combined forces from LIR-438, 320 were countered by the KIA battalion (25) while the former combined troops trekking up towards Loi Jaw hill the area under KIA Brigade (5) administrative zone.

Number of soldiers killed and injured in the battle from both sides however still yet to known.

January 20
Update on Burmese army killing of Chinese civilian in Yunnan

Additional information about BA execution of Kachin villager in China.

January 19
Thein Sein's orders for Burma army to halt Kachin offensive are worthless

Heavy fighting underway. Burma Army continues buildup around KIA headquarters.

January 19
FBR REPORT: Two women and one man killed, 70-year-old woman wounded, and four men tortured as Burma Army attacks villages in Kachin State

Three more murders of ethnic minorities by BA soldiers.

January 17
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:

There was another Burmese soldiers intrusion into KIA 5th Brigade control area and fierce fighting continue between them. KIA force command under Colonel Brang Mai was successfully defended Burmese Battalion hka-ma-ya 318 soldiers on 15 January 2012 at 7am local time. According frontline report cited 2 Burmese soldiers were killed and unknown number of soldiers were injured. The fierce fighting continue daily by Burmese army in spite the regime government order to cease the fighting against KIA and Kachin people.

The Burmese amy intrusion into KIA control area of Taw Maw on 16 January 2012 and KIA forces have trapped the Burmese soldiers with remote control bombs. The bombs killed more the 10 Burmese soldiers and many others were also wounded. According battle frontlines witness cited that KIA forces set up sing of remote control bombs and being detonated as a defensive attack against Burmese army.

On 15 January 2012 evening, there was another fierce fighting between KIA forces and Burmese army. The fighting took place in KIA 5th Brigade control area Madi Yang near orange firm with Burmese battalion No.389 and 390 soldiers intrusion at 3pm local times. The fighting is become part of daily life affair for KIA and Kachin people as the Burmese military try to occupy the KIA control area and Kachin states just of China self interest in doing Burmese as well as economic benefit.

On 15 January 2012 about noon time, there was another deadly attack by Burmese army against KIA 3th Brigade control area Kawng Sa village. No exact report about casualties from both side and KIA forces together with Kachin people will defend the Kachin Land from any Burmese army intrusion.

There was another heavy 120mm artilleries shelling by Burmese Battalion hka-la-ya (142) against under KIA government 5th Brigade control area of Dawhpum Yang, Kachin state on 14 January 2012. Burmese Army is continue its intrusion into KIA control areas and attack against KIA as well as brutal killing of Kachin civilian. On the other hand regime government is releasing more prisoners' to gain international ...

January 17
Chinese police tried to hide a murder committed by Burmese Army

China allows the Burma Army to murder a Chinese resident.

January 17
Burma army continues killing unarmed civilians in Hpakant

Burma Army murders two more Kachin villagers and injures four others.

January 17
Shan militias in forced recruitment drive

Regime militia forcing villagers to join. Some ceasefire!

January 16
FBR REPORT: Ceasefire Talks and Ongoing Conflict Update from the Field

No regime ceasefire in Karen State.

January 16
SHAN news release:
Burma Army attacks an SSA-S base.

Shan State Army (SSA) South temporary base in Mongpulong, Mongpiang township, attacked by a patrol from Infantry Battalion 314 on 12 January, after an SSA fighter Sai Yawn was detained and forced to guide it to the base. No casualties reported and Sai Yawn was released later. Minister for Border Security Col Aung Thu later told SSA South it was a "misunderstanding", according to SSA sources.

January 16
KIO says Burmese army suffered major casualties the during Kachin campaign.

For the entire regime offensive beginning in June, BA total casualties number several thousand. The KIA has lost one hundred soldiers.

January 16
KIA reopens Burma's Hpakant jade roads in Kachin state

Daily clashes in the jade mining area.

January 13
Burma Army kills Chinese civilian in Yunnan

The Burma Army extends its reign of terror against the Kachin to China! Also, BA soldiers kidnapped another Kachin woman. What the regime is doing to ethnic women now is beyond despicable.

January 13
Burma government soldiers execute farmer in Loije near China border

Burma Army commits another summary execution of a Kachin villager.

January 12
SHAN news release:
Kachin front clash, two Burma Army soldiers killed.

A 3 hour clash between Nam Oon and Namphakka, Muse district, between the Burma Army's Infantry Battalion 123 and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) yesterday, beginning 0400. 2 soldiers killed and more than 10 wounded. No casualties on the KIA side known, although blood was found on the road after it had retreated.

January 12
Over 4,000 Kachin civilians flee to China from Loije as fighting spreads

Burma Army attack forces Kachin to flee border town.

January 12
Two Kachin girls killed for no reason

More information about the two Kachin women that the Burma Army murdered yesterday.

January 12
Burmese Army Arrested 60 Local Residents

More arrests of Kachin villagers, who will likely be forced to porter. The women are at risk of being used as sex slaves.

January 12
44th LID opens a new offense

BA launches an offensive against the KIO's second largest city.

January 11
Burma army kills two unarmed Kachin women

Burma Army shoots in cold blood two Kachin women near a market. If they had been captured they likely would have been forced into sexual slavery.

January 11
Kachin State Day celebrations curtailed as fighting spreads

KIA attacks regime base.

January 9
A Kachin Porter's Experiences

A Kachin man describes his arrest by the Burma Army to be a forced porter, and his subsequent escape. He also describes in detail how two Kachin women are being gang raped by Tatmadaw soldiers every night. I'm curious if Aung San Suu Kyi knows about, or cares about, this abomination.

January 8
Kachin Front battle videos

Part 1: http://vimeo.com/34656004

Part 2: http://vimeo.com/34654247

Part 3: http://vimeo.com/34657541

Part 4: http://vimeo.com/34655088

January 8
Four Killed, 40 Injured in Bomb Blast at Karen Festival

It is unquestionable that this atrocity was perpetrated by the Burma Army directly orby its agents (like the house bombing in Myitkyina).

January 8
Burma Kachin churches in Hpakant take in 1,000 refugees since New Year

The new refugee crisis in the jade mining area is worsening.

January 8
Rohingya become landless, face starvation in Arakan State

Widespread oppression by the regime is also commonplace in Western Burma.

January 7
60000 villagers flee Burma military assault

Total number of Kachin refugees rises to 60,000. One-third are children.

January 7
Burma Army offensive against KIO in jade area forces more to flee

Hundreds of new Kachin refugees in the Hpakan jade area flee from the Burma Army. Six BA soldiers killed in a KIA attack on a regime column. Casualties unknown from a second column attack.

January 6
SHAN news release:
Burma Army murders a villager trying to escape becoming a porter.

Ai Hta, a young villager, who ran away to escape from being recruited as a porter shot and killed on 4 January at Pha Pien village, Namkham township, by troops from IB 130. One other young man and 3 women were taken by them.

January 6
Army readies for large-scale Kachin assault

Major warfare has resumed at the Kachin front.

January 6
Burma Army helicopter shot down by Kachin resistance

Russian built supply BA helicopter shot down, pilot dies.

January 6
Burma Army injuries 3 civilians in Kachin State's Hugawng Valley

BA shoots three local workers.

January 6
Burmese and Chinese Ships Attacked on Mekong

More conflict along Burma's far-eastern boundary, the Mekong River.

January 5
Army Abuses, Murder Reported in Taungoo

Burma Army murders Karen villager.

January 5
Burma marks 64th Independence Day with continued offensive against KIO

The Burma Army has more than 130 battalions fighting the KIA. There are more than 50,000 Kachin refugees from BA attacks.

January 5
KIO closes Hpakan jade mining road due to Burma army offensive

The Kachin close a road that the regime is using for troop resupply. Three Burma Army soldiers killed in an associated clash.

January 4
Kachins in Fight to Defend Mountain Base

Burma Army attempting to take KIA Battalion 16, Brigade 3 base.

January 4
Burma Army reinforcing KIA 4th Brigade area

Regime moves twenty more trucks of soldiers, 300-400 troops in total, to KIA Brigade 4 area.

January 1
FBR REPORT: Burma Army mortars villages in Pa'an District, Karen State

Regime still attacking Karen villages.

DECEMBER

December 30
Burmese Troops Overrun Kachin Base

Regime takes control of a KIA base, at the cost of 80 BA casualties. As this proves without a doubt, the December 10 order by Thein Sein to stop offensives on was a fraud.

December 30
KIA attack in Muse kills 2 government personnel, 3 injured

Regime brings in 500 more soldiers. Major fighting underway.

December 29
Burma Army fights KIO to secure Shwe pipeline route in Shan State

Major conflict at the Kachin front restarted on Christmas Day and is continuing daily. No casualty reports so far. New use of chemical weapons by Burma Army.

December 29
Burma Army deserters claim abuse continues

Deserter describes abuse by BA officers, and continued regime use of child soldiers.

December 28
Burmese soldiers kill Kachin civilian in Loije on Christmas Day

Burma Army soldiers murder another Kachin villager.

December 28
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Kills Woman and Continues Attacks in Ba Maw District, Kachin State

Another recent murder by the regime.

December 28
President's Ceasefire Order Fails to Stop Offensive

New battles at the Kachin front. Report of new use of chemical weapons by Burma Army troops.

December 28
Some Kachin refugees visit home as heavy weapons cease

Report of heavy fighting on the Myitkyina - Bhamo road.

December 28
Burma Army officers using HIV patients to avoid frontline duty

BA officers using a scam to avoid orders to the front.

December 24
Burma Army soldier stabs breastfeeding mother

Report of yet another murder by Burma Army soldiers. Since Suu Kyi made peace with the regime, it knows it can kill ethnic minority villagers with impunity, since she has said there will never be a war crimes tribunal.

December 24
A Distant Peace in Kachin State

Regime now using helicopters to resupply front line units with troops and arms.

December 22
Burma army enforces night curfew – issues shoot-to-kill orders

No let up in the regime's terror, all to help a development project for lead exploiter, Thailand.

December 22
SSA hopes to clear up problems at the next round of talks

New regime clash with SSA-S on December 20: some ceasefire!

December 22
Government sending more battalions to Kachin State

Regime moving LID 44 to the Kachin front.

December 22
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Continues Attacks in Kachin State as of 14 December 2011

Daily attacks by the Burma Army against Kachin villagers.

December 21
Victim relatives forced to accept compensation

No justice: Regime forces relatives of Shan villagers that BA soldiers murdered to accept small cash settlement.

December 21
Burma armed group hijacks 16 Thai company trucks

Extortion associated with the Thai development project.

December 19
KIO report on Burma Army war crimes

This is THE most pressing issue in Burma.

December 19
Images show scorched earth in Kachin war

A second reporter makes it to the Kachin front. (The first was from Aljazeera.)

December 18
62 trucks full of Burmese Army soldiers crossed Bala Minhtin Bridge

Major resupply of regime soldiers and materiel to the Kachin front.

December 16
Burma Army burns Kachin Baptist church in war-torn north

Another hateful attack by the regime.

December 16
Burma Army ignores Thein Sein's no fight order

We'll say it again and again. Thein Sein has no real power!

December 16
Irrawaddy news release:
Kachin Refugees Suffer Food Shortages
Tens of thousands of displaced ethnic Kachins in northern Burma are facing food shortages and health problems, a local aid group told AlertNet, as the United Nations made its first aid delivery to people seeking shelter in rebel-controlled areas. Diarrhea had already broke out in a makeshift camp housing some 2,000 displaced people, mainly women and the elderly, because of a lack of proper sanitation and access to clean water, killing a one-year-old baby, said Mary Tawm from local relief group Wunpawng Ninghtoi. Some of the displaced crossed the border to China but now face the prospect of returning to the conflict zone after the Chinese authorities ordered them to go back to Burma a few days ago, Tawn told AlertNet.

An ethnic minority refugee infant dies of disease. This is the hidden cost of the NLD's appeasement and the international community's inaction!

December 16
SHAN news release:
Burma Army murders two Wa villagers.

Three days after SHAN reported on 23 November of the killing of two Wa villagers in Mong Ngen tract, Mong Khark township by Mongyang-based infantry Battalion 281, the deputy commander of Mongkhark, met their relatives and paid K 720,000 ($ 960) compensation, according to a report from the Sino-Burma border.

December 16
Despite 'peace talks' government troops abuse

Burma Army murders Karen village head; robs his corpse.

December 16
Burma Army clearing roadsides of SSA

Some ceasefire! The SSA-S never should have signed.

December 15
Burmese government soldiers raided an IDP camp and raped mothers

More BA rapes. Thein Sein ordered the Tatmadaw to stop fighting, but not to end its war crimes!!!

December 15
Govt Sending More Troops to Kachin State by Helicopter: KIO

Fighting continues, despite Thein Sein's order. This is proof that he has no real power. The Tatmadaw is also now using helicopters to bring in new troops.

December 15
KIA bans logging in Northern Burma

Chinese loggers rushing to destroy the Kachin State's last forests. It is time for the KIA to confront the Kachin BGF militias that protect the logging trade.

December 15
Chinese back at Salween dam site

Thanks to the SSA-S's ceasefire, the Chinese can shift from the Irrawaddy Dam, which the KIA blocked, to the Salween Dam.

December 15
'All the information I've given you, I faced it myself': Rural testimony on abuse in eastern Burma since November 2010

The regime continues its human rights abuses against the Karen, Mon and Karenni - more than 1,000 testimonies from local victims.

December 14
Clashes ongoing as UN visits Kachin IDPs

Conflict continues despite puppet Thein Sein's order for the Tatmadaw to stop. This is clear proof that he has no power.

December 14
Threat and Appeal: The Burmese Government's Rhetoric of Reform and Contradictory Eliminationist Behaviors in the Kachin State

Argument that the real goal of the regime with the Kachin is genocide. (Kill the Kachin off, and let the Chinese move in!)

December 14
China quiet despite Burmese mortar shells landing in its territory

BA mortars land in China; Beijing unperturbed. PLA continuing to refoul 7,000 refugees; no comment from the UN on this!

December 14
Interview: 62nd anniversary of anti-feudalist revolution

Accurate characterization of the regime, and of its divide and rule strategy.

December 14
Fighting flares near Tavoy project

More fighting at the Karen front.

December 13
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:

There was deadly fighting in Maru Ying Sung village and Prang Hkudung today [13 December] between KIA forces and Burma soldiers. Burma army is continue attacking against KIA and Kachin people under General Min Aung Hlaing commands and on the other hand, General Thein Sein regime government is manipulating dirty politic tricks and tactics with KIA and the world. Such as the spread rumor about cease negotiation with KIA now and then, many meeting also took place with KIA leaders before and during Mrs Hillary Clinton visit to Burma. Also rumor about peace agreement with Shan arm group but it was just a lie to nation and the rest of the world who is not aware of true situation in Burma. We Kachin people and KIA, as well as other ethic people and Burmese people know better how cruel and crude Burma military.

According eyes witness report cited that Burma army is delivering weapons and ammunition to KIA HQ where the fierce fighting zone with 3 helicopters today 13 December 2011 to continue civil instead dishonest announcement of cease fire negotiation with KIA. On the same day at 430pm Burma time,1 truck fully loaded with Burma Soldiers and another truck loaded with weapons from Nam Hkam town Shan State moving into Muse town reported by eye witness.

There was another deadly fighting between KIA forces and Burma soldiers in Maru village on 12 December 2011 at about 250pm local time. There was no exact casualty reported from both side and the fighting still continue despite KIA several attempt to defuse the civil war situation. But Burma regime government is not willing and have failed to take opportunities for peace negotiation for nation.

There was another fierce fighting between KIA 15th Battalion forces on 12 December 2011 and the fight took place at KIA HQ 3rd Division. The report from battle front line cited that Burma soldiers are order to take medicine to boost energy and bravery for attacking against KIA forces. According to KIA front line reported that Burma soldiers are shouting and screaming fiercely during fierce fighting thus many soldiers were killed in the battle.

According to eye witness said Burma army has dispatched 10 trucks from Muse town Shan State to Nam Hkam town for ongoing civil war operations against KIA and Kachin people since 09 June 2011. The trucks are fully loaded with supplies and many steel drum assume to be oil and patrol reported by eye witness.

December 13
The Battles Continue Unabated In Spite of President Thein Sein's Order For a Halt

More Burma Army troop movements and battles.

December 13
Government reforms fail to stop Burma's military attacking civilians

Continuing war crimes in Karen areas.

December 12
KIA's mine trap at abandoned base kills dozens of Burmese soldiers

KIA mines an outpost and then abandons it as a trap. As many as two hundred BA soldiers killed.

December 12
ALA and Burmese Army Clash

Report of fighting in Western Burma.

December 12
Speech-impaired woman raped by Burmese soldiers

Yet another Burma Army gang rape of an ethnic nationality woman. Isn't it great for the NLD that things are going so well in Rangoon? When will the NLD start protesting the regime's war crimes!?

December 12
Shan pledge return to arms if abuse continues

The SSA-S should look at the preceding news item, of a war crime in Shan State! One hopes its ceasefire will be short and that it will quickly resume fighting.

December 12
Mekong patrols get off to deadly start

Three BA soldiers killed, reportedly by drug lord militia.

December 11
Chinese government soldiers drive refugees back to war-torn areas

China refouled 2,000 Kachin refugees on December 8th.

December 10
Burmese soldiers raped and killed a Kachin woman

Burma Army barbarians rape and kill a Kachin woman and in another incident kill a Kachin man.

December 10
Burmese Army reinforces troops at Kachin battlefront

BA resupplies Kachin front with another 1,000 soldiers in 52 trucks from Sagaing Devision MOC-10.

December 9
Bomb blast kills Burma Army soldiers

BA convoy attacked in northern Shan State. Three officers killed.

December 9
China tells Kachin refugees "go back to Burma"

China planning to refoul some 7,000 Kachin IDPs who have managed to cross the border.

December 9
Burmese government soldiers committed violent crimes

Burma Army arrests and tortures two Kachin men; kidnaps twenty Kachin young people, forces the boys to serve as front-line porters and two girls to serve as sex slaves.

December 9
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Kills Villager and Burns Homes While 3000 Flee Ongoing Attacks in Kachin State

Good report, with photos. Burma Army murders a farmer; using forced labor to build new camps.

December 8
Many Burmese soldiers killed during week long offensive in Wuhtau Bum area

In the last week, two hundred BA killed in action casualties in battles in KIA Brigade 5.

December 8
More Kachin Refugees Increase, Int'l NGOs Denied Access

7,000 new Kachin refugees in the last week. International NGOs refuse to press the regime for access.

December 7
Over 60 Burmese soldiers killed by the KIA during defense of Gauri Krung-Maru Ying Sung

Major defeat for the Burma Army.

December 7
KIA attack in Myitkyina suburbs kills 3 Burmese soldiers

Another attack by a 2nd Brigade unit.

December 7
Fighting escalates as Burmese Army deploys more soldiers

Major clashes in the last few days. BA again using heavy weapons.

December 7
Burmese Army soldiers burned down houses and killed a villager

Burma Army attacks a Kachin village and kills a villager.

December 6
KIA attack kills three army officers on Mandalay-Muse Highway

KIA attacks another BA convoy.

December 6
Yawdserk: Ceasefire pact yet to be enforced

SSA-S ceasefire deal not yet operational. Three recent clashes.

December 5
KIA raid kills Burmese Major, 17 others in Mongkoe

Major attack by KIA 4th Brigade in town on China border.

December 5
KIA weekend road attacks kill three Burmese soldiers north of Myitkyina

Two separate attacks by KIA 2nd Brigade.

December 3
UNFC to form Union Army at last

The prelude to a coordinated armed pro-democracy resistance.

December 3
Deaths and troop build up on Tavoy-Kanchanaburi road

BA force buildup along a development road. Three BA soldiers killed in a KNLA attack. (This is a separate incident from the ambush described on December 2nd.)

December 3
5 Burmese Army soldiers killed in KIA attack

Burma Army convoy attacked in jade mining area.

December 2
KNLA ambush kills three and wounds six Burma Army Soldiers

An attack by the KNLA's 4th Brigade.

December 2
'They Are Fighting Us Like a Foreign Invasion'

Interview with KIA Chief of Staff. 180 clashes in October; 100 in November.

December 2
KIO rejects government's claim about deadly Myitkyina blasts

The regime tries to blame the Kachin for its own crimes.

December 2
Displaced Kachin villagers face health problems

Cold weather leads to suffering and disease for Kachin refugees.

December 2
No UN aid for more than 32,000 refugees trapped on China-Burma Border

The United Nations is ignoring the Kachin refugee crisis.

December 2
Schools closed in fear of more intense fighting

Ten schools closed at the Kachin front.

December 2
Naypyidaw Signs Peace Agreement with SSA-South

A big loss. The SSA-South, which had been a stalwart resistance group, agrees to a ceasefire. The SSA-S, notably, had refused to join the UNFC. It cut its own deal.

December 1
Incident Report: Villager shot and killed in Pa'an District, October 2011

Karen villager killed in Burma Army attack.

December 1
Kachin front field reports posted on Jinghpaw Kasa:

On 30 November 2011 at 730am Burma time Burma soldiers from hka-ma-ya (385) are gathering Irrawaddy river bank. While they are planning to cross over to Da Law village to capture porter, KIA Battalion (11) ambush that killed 4 Burma soldiers and 3 injured. Burma soldiers retaliate fiercely with heavy shelling of mortar targeting the village that killed one villager, 6 villagers injured and Buddhist temple was ruined by the Burma bombardment.

On 30 November 2011 at about 3:30pm Burma time Burma battalion hka-la-ya (141) command by Major Soe Thura with about 100 soldiers and about 50 porter for human shield and to carry supplies and arms for Burma soldier were being ambush attack by KIA Battalion 5 to restrict Burma soldiers intrusion and positioning in KIA control areas. However no casualty was report from both side so far.

Another deadly offensive by Burma army battalion led by Major Awng Myat Soe hka-la-ya(309) with KIA command Battalion 5 under KIA 2nd Brigade at 9am Burma time on 30 November 2011. As usual Burma army suffer large number of soldiers died and casualty. The injured soldiers are being carriage away by bull lock cart must be looting it from the villager as there was no transport or truck at that time to carry injured soldiers to hospital.

In another furious attack by Burma battalion hka-la-ya(142) from Hang Kai continue to shelling with (120mm) against KIA control areas of Hka La and Bum Sawn KIA Command battalion. However there was no casualty report from KIA army side.

On the 1st December 2011 in the village call Sin Lum, Htingra Kawng fierce battle continue between KIA and Burma government soldiers. As usual Burma government army suffer huge losses of soldiers live in this offensive against KIA and Kachin people.

There was another deadly battle between KIA forces and Burma government soldiers at Sin Lum village. The exact number of casualty was not reported from both side.

There was deadly arms clash between KIA forces and Burma army at Manwai and Hpakgyi two different locations, Burma army soldiers 30 and battalion Chief commander (Byu-har-Mu) was killed in these Hpakgyi due to Burma army suffer heavy losses of life the soldiers burn 40 houses in Manwai and 20 houses in Hpagyi villages.

On 30 November 2011 at about 10pm Burma time, Burma soldiers arriving in Nam Hkam and Muse town with five army trucks. Among them 10 injured soldiers from Burma battalions and there was a truck in Hospital in Muse town loaded with two broken motorbike and one deer horn according to eyes witness reported.

Burma government army battalion ka-ma-ya (309) has formed into two infantry and maneuver to Kachin State on 28 November 2011 at 530pm Burma time for to continue major offensive operation against KIA and Kachin people. One of infantry led by Major Aung Myat Soe was stationing around west south four miles from Myo Han village and General Than Myint Tun infantry was station in one mile away from Mang Tang village.

On 28 November 2011 at 520pm Myanmar time 2ac Major Zaw Win Tun Burma army battalion kha-la-ya 141 soldiers arriving in Nam Chyang river which is 92 mile from KIA Battalion Division 5 Prang Hkawn village.

On the same day at 1130am Burma army battalion division hka-ma-ya (317) with 15 trucks loaded with additional soldiers, arms and supplies delivering to near KIA Battalion division 3 Sin Lum village and they have returned back to Nmawk division at 730pm. On the same day at about 330pm Burma soldiers over 300 are maneuvering around KIA division 3 Man Wing town. In Kai Htik village Burma army soldiers 300 have been surrounded and under attack by KIA light infantry 1 soldiers.

Burma regime government is talking and acting to draw attention international community attention only not real intention of national reconciliation reform. Instead Burma army continue fierce attack against KIA and Kachin ethnic and as well as other minorities in Burma.

On 28 November 2011 Burma army soldiers about 300 with 20 trucks loaded with arms and suppliers heading to KIA Battalion 11 Mali Sut Yang. No one know these soldiers are from any of which Burma army division or battalion. However these same soldiers will going over to across the Irrawaddy according to the eye witness reported.

There was deadly clash between KIA light infantry 27 and Burma army hka-ma-ya battalion soldiers on 28 November at 1230 noon in Balawng Dingsa village.

On 28 November 2011, there was bomb explosion at 9am Burma time near bridge No. la-ha (488823) Sin Lum village, Kachin State and two Burma soldiers have killed instantly at the scene.

On 27 November 2011 there was deadly arms clash between KIA battalion infantry 36 under KIA division 4 Shan State with Burma army at 230pm. The number of casualties unknown from both side.

December 1
Government troops burn down more homes in Kachin State

More news on recent BA destruction of Shan villages.

NOVEMBER

November 30
Burmese Army mortars kill woman, injure six

Deadly village attack by Burma Army; new clash with the KIA.

November 30
Bomb blasts kill one, injures one in Myitkyina

Another terrorist bombing by regime agents.

November 30
Kachin IDPs 'suffering food shortage, disease'

Terrible conditions for Kachin refugees.

November 30
Two Shan villages burned down

Over thirty houses burned by Burma Army; two new clashes with the KIA - three BA soldiers killed in one of them.

November 29
Fighting flares in northern Myanmar

Good documentary on the Kachin conflict.

November 29
More and more Kachin IDPs flee to China border

China is blocking Kachin refugees.

November 29
Burma Army random shelling scares villagers and closes schools

Burma Army shelling affects twenty-five Karen villages.

November 28
KIA Battalion 27 overrun by Burmese Army

Kachin withdraw from another base. It is extremely difficult when one side has heavy weapons and the other does not.

November 28
Yellow rain again in Burma's Myitkyina

Renewed unusual phenomenon - evidence of chemical weapons?

November 28
CRIMES IN NORTHERN BURMA: RESULTS FROM A FACT-FINDING MISSION TO KACHIN STATE

Major report, with photos, of regime war crimes.

November 28
Residents extorted by armed group

Conflict breeds social disorder.

November 27
81 Women Raped, 36 Killed by Burma Army Soldiers: WLB

The NLD is rewarding rapists.

November 27
Burmese Army's battalion commander committed suicide

Well done KIA. The best way to defeat the enemy is to have them kill themselves!

November 27
This is our land! Villagers pay the price of land confiscation

Large-scale theft of land for regime bases in Shan State.

November 27
FBR REPORT: Chin State Suffering from Rampant Burma Army Forced Labor

Even though there is less conflict, it is far from peaceful in Eastern Burma.

November 25
KNU ceasefire statement

Contrary to a number of media reports, the KNU has not reached a ceasefire agreement with the Tatmadaw.

November 25
KNU January to October Battle Summary

The KNLA has killed almost 1,000 regime soldiers this year.

November 25
'Yellow rain' fuels chemical weapons fears

Good overview of the Burma Army's use of chemical weapons.

November 25
Fighting intensifies in Kachinland

Overview of the recent conflict at the Kachin front. About 120 BA soldiers were killed and another 200 wounded in the fighting near Laiza.

November 25
Four Burmese government planes flying over Sinlum Kaba

The regime is starting to use its jets. Another major offensive is expected.

November 25
One Kachin villager killed and four still being detained

One of the recently arrested Kachin villagers was tortured to death.

November 25
Rising Number of Refugees Strains Relief Efforts

Kachin refugees rise to 40,000.

November 24
Over 30 Burmese soldiers killed in clashes with KIA

Clashes in three different areas south of Bhamo. Total BA casualties are unknown.

November 23
Burmese Army dispatches reinforcements to Kachin State

The NLD deciding to reregister gave the Tatmadaw a green light to attack the Kachin.

November 23
Burmese Army uses twin explosive devices with chemical gas

Evidence that the Burma Army is using two different types of chemical weapons.

November 23
2 Villagers Killed and 1 Rebel Wounded in Ambush After Kidnapping

Burma Army kills two Mon villagers.

November 23
What election? For the Burma Army it's business as usual

No reduction in regime abuses of Karen villagers.

November 22
Is the attack in Myitkyina a sign of worsening conflict?

Analysis of the regime attack in Myitkyina, which left fourteen dead, and which analysis reaches the conclusion that the Burma Army is now purposely conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Kachin people.

November 22
Burmese Army is committing horrendous rights violations

Numerous cases of Kachin villagers being arrested and tortured by the regime.

November 22
Escaped porter claims 37 Burmese soldiers killed in N'Tap Bum

High BA casualties in recent battle.

November 22
Latest KNG War News

Many more clashes in last two days, Three BA soldiers killed in one of them.

November 22
Homemade Burmese bomb damages USDP office in Irrawaddy Region

Bomb attack against regime office.

November 21
SHAN news release:
New Shan front clash.

The meeting between Naypyitaw representatives on the Thai-Burma border for peace talks, on 19 November coincided with a clash in Mongyu-Mongyawng area on the same day. The half-hour encounter, 06:00-06:30, between the SSA's 108th Battalion and IB 334 column led by Capt Myint Kyaw Naing, ended with the retreating SSA in possession of a G-3 automatic rifle, says the SSA's eastern region commander Lt-Col Gawn Zeun. The Burma Army, he adds, has also been in a campaign to push out the SSA from Kengtung township.

November 21
KIO condemns bombings in Kachin State

More clashes. Material sent for tests to confirm BA use of chemical weapons.

November 21
Yellow rain in KIO's Mai Ja Yang in Northern Burma

More evidence of the regime's use of chemical weapons?

November 21
Burmese Army detains Baptist pastor, seven Kachin villagers in Nam Hkam

Eight Kachin arrested, now being tortured.

November 21
Several thousand more Kachin IDPs flee to China border

Refugee crisis worsens.

November 21
Troops take frontline Kachin base

Burma Army now making extensive use of heavy weapons.

November 20
SSA South reaches ceasefire agreement with Naypyitaw

Bad news. It seems the reunification of the SSA-North and the SSA-South wasn't for real. The SSA-S has struck a ceasefire deal with the regime.

November 20
KIA expelled Burmese Army from Ntap Bum

Confirmation of the KIA victory near Laiza.

November 18
Myitkyina police forced Mr. Dingyau Tang Gun to confess

Regime tortures the owner of the home that they bombed.

November 18
Chin Villagers Forced as Porters by Army Soldiers

Forced porters in western Burma.

November 17
A local Kachin Baptist pastor arrested

Burma Army arrest.

November 17
Why we struggle: Chin National Front

CNF completes military training exercise.

November 17
KIA pushes back Burmese Army troops from Laiza headquarters

Significant victory at the Kachin front!!

November 17
FBR REPORT: Kachin State- Burma Army Burns and Loots Homes in Wai Maw District

Photos of Burma Army destruction of Kachin village.

November 16
KIA withdraws from Kambaiti Road stronghold

Another major battle is underway.

November 16
Six Burmese Army soldiers killed on Irrawaddy Bridge

KIA attacks BA at Myitkyina bridge.

November 16
1,000 Kachins Flee to IDP Camps

Many more Kachin refugees in the last few days, fleeing BA attacks and human rights abuses.

November 16
Thai women released by breakaway armed group

Regime allied ethnic militia kidnaps for ransom.

November 14
Bomb explosion kills Kachin students in Myitkyina

Bomb targets a Kachin residence, and ten people are killed. Since the KIO certainly would not attack the Kachin people, this means that the military regime must be responsible. Cowardly murderers!

November 14
Burmese Army soldiers wounded by their own chemical weapons

Report that a BA chemical weapon mortar detonated prematurely and injured some 90 Tatmadaw soldiers.

November 14
SHAN news release:
Five BA soldiers killed in Kachin front clash yesterday.

Kachin Independence Army (KIA) yesterday morning attacked a cave post of the Burma Army, in Manwiang, bordering Shan State's Namkham township, killing 5 and wounding 3. One of the fatal casualties is said to be a major. The cave had been dug in the side of the Loi Ho Serh (Tiger Head Mountain).

November 14
Sino border town under curfew

Regime imposes a curfew following an explosion at a police station.

November 11
China sends two weapon-laden trucks to Burma border

China openly arming the Tatmadaw.

November 11
KIA soldiers wear cloth masks for protection against poison gas

BA chemical weapons have red and white smoke.

November 11
A dozen Burmese Army soldiers killed in Northern Shan State

More than 12 confirmed BA dead in KIA 4th Brigade clashes.

November 11
Police officer killed in Nam Hkam mine explosion

Explosion at a regime police station in Northern Shan State.

November 11
KIA destroys Burma Army weapons train to Kachin State

Burma Army five car weapons train blown up.

November 11
Three KIA soldiers unconscious after poison gas attack

New Burma Army attack against the Kachin using chemical weapons. Over 50 BA soldiers have died in recent clashes.

November 11
Burmese Army fires chemical agent-filled artillery shells against KIA's 3rd Brigade

More information on the chemical weapon attack.

November 11
Troops raze Kachin villages, locals flee

Burma Army soldiers burn fifty homes.

November 11
Kachin Rebels Blow Up Major Railway

The KIA works to prevent Burma Army resupply.

November 11
KNU Appoints Delegation for Peace Talks

Karen Resistance has an emergency meeting.

November 10
SHAN news release.

Burma Army reinforcements to Kachin State.

Troops from Magwe-based Light Infantry Division #88 that arrived in Bhamo on 4 November has been engaging the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Moemawk township. The Burma Army sends more reinforcements by trucks from Lashio through Muse and Namkham to the Kachin State today.

November 10
Naypyidaw Sends More Troops to Tavoy Road Site

Regime reinforcing its troops in advance of the expected offensive against the Karen.

November 10
Burma Army arrest health workers

Regime detains two Karen Backpack medics.

November 10
Heavy battles raging on Waing Maw-Kampaiti road as Burmese Army prepares for a major offense

Multiple battles underway. Burma Army soldiers take revenge for battle losses on Kachin villagers.

November 10
Burmese Army soldiers enter Kampaiti through Chinese territory

Regime using Chinese territory to attack the Kachin.

November 9
Church Looted, Worshippers Forced as Porters in Kachin State

Religious persecution, theft and forced labor by BA soldiers.

November 9
KIO leader's orange orchard burnt down by Burmese Army

Troops from over 100 BA battalions now at the Kachin front.

November 8
Burmese Army-KIA clash for seven hours near Man Win

Major battle at Bhamo front.

November 8
Burmese Army moves 120mm mortars closer to KIA key positions

Regime using heavy weapons again, new civilian crisis likely.

November 8
Top official: Than Shwe still holds the reins

The idea that there is reform in Burma is a joke. Than Shwe is still the dictator. Thein Sein has no real power at all. Than Shwe could have him imprisoned, or even executed, at any time.

November 8
Burma Army prepares for war

This year's dry season offensive against the Karen people may be horrendous. Does anyone in the international community, or Rangoon, care?

November 8
Armed group razes workers' barracks after not receiving extortion money

Regime-owned plantation is attacked.

November 7
Seven Burmese Army soldiers killed on Kachin-Shan border

The Kachin front conflict rages on.

November 7
KIO's power supply lines to Myitkyina destroyed by Burmese Army

More information about the regime denying electricity to Myitkyina.

November 7
Kachin church razed, pastor detained by Burmese Army

BA destroys a Kachin church, four villagers also arrested.

November 7
A bomb destroys a cargo boat on the Salween River

Ship used to transport regime troops in destroyed.

November 7
When Unarmed Women Are in the Hands of Armed Men

Burma's noble Tatmadaw, an army of rapists!

November 7
WLB launches a short film "Bringing Justice to Women" demanding the accountability of Burma's military for war crimes and crimes against humanity

New film by the Women's League of Burma about the regime's sexual violence.

November 6
Burma Army bomb civilians out of their village

Burma Army shells Karen village, forcing villagers to flee, then enters the village and steals their belongings.

November 6
Villagers fear army will force land takeover

Burma Army plans to steal Karen villager land for new camp.

November 4
Three teenaged Chinese girls raped and killed by Burmese soldiers

Burma Army soldiers are on a rampage.

November 4
The Burma Army must immediately release four women held as sex slaves near Kachin-China border

Burma Army committing unspeakable atrocities.

November 4
KIO power cable serving Myitkyina cut since Tuesday

Regime cuts power to major Kachin city.

November 4
Checkpoint to SSA controlled area reopened

Regime, for the moment at least, gives up in its attempt to take the SSA Wanhai HQ.

November 4
Karen rebels, govt agree ceasefire

The DKBA may be turning their backs on the Karen people again. One wonders how much they were bribed.

November 3
KIA kills 16 Burmese Army soldiers in Ga Ra Yang

Two more large clashes.

November 3
Kachin woman abducted and gang-raped by Burmese troops

Inhuman brutality by Burma Army soldiers. Rape victim still not released.

November 3
Villager executed in Papun District

Karen villager murdered by Burma Army soldiers.

November 2
Burmese Army-KIA clash twice in N. Shan State

Clashes along the Chinese border in Northern Shan State.

November 2
KIA ambush kills three Burmese soldiers in Sinlum

KIA ambush at the northern Kachin front.

November 1
KIA kills 10 Burmese soldiers in North Burma

Three hour battle in Northern Kachin State.

November 1
Burmese fighter planes fly over near KIA headquarters

Burma Army show of force.

November 1
Burmese Army attacks KIA with poison gas

More on the chemical weapon attack.

November 1
SHAN news release.

Clash takes place before talks

A 20 minute long shootout took place on 28 October, 15:30-15:50, between the SSA's 801st Battalion and the Burma Army's Mongnawng-based IB 286 in Tuya, Kehsi township. SSA fighters came out unscathed. No casualties known on the Burma Army's side. SSA delegates met regime negotiators in Naypyitaw on 29 October.

November 1
Forced Labour, Extortion Persist in Chin State

Burma Army abuses in Western Burma.

OCTOBER

October 30
Burma Army using chemical weapons against the Kachin, by the Kachin News Group

The real face of the military regime, not the sweet talk from Naypyidaw and which many people are only too happy to hear.

October 29
Burma Army target Kachin women for forced labor

Burma Army terrorizing Kachin villagers.

October 28
Attempted rape by IB No. 31 Captain on 12 year old school girl

Another Burma Army rape atrocity.

October 28
23 govt soldiers killed by KIA during fighting in three areas

Three different battles underway at the Kachin front.

October 28
Burmese army extend area at Tavoy-Kanchanaburi highway

Burma Army reinforcing units along a major road construction project to Tavoy. The KNU is currently preventing the construction.

October 27
9 Burmese soldiers killed on Myitkyina-Sumprabum Road

Large battle in northern Kachin State.

October 27
FBR REPORT: Photo Essay- Burma Army Uses Civilians as Shields in Karen State

Burma Army uses children as human shields.

October 26
Chinese police exercise with riot shields on Burma border

PLA openly assisting the Burma Army against the KIA. There are now 6,000 PLA troops at the border.

October 26
Four Burmese soldiers killed in fighting on Loije-Bhamo Road

First report from yesterday's battle at the Kachin front.

October 26
Fighting halted in northern Shan State

The northern SSA front is quiet. The Burma Army failed to take the SSA's Wanhai HQ.

October 26
Burma Army fomenting another war between Wa, Shans?

The BA is trying to create trouble between the SSA-South and the UWSA.

October 26
Burma Army shells from Thai side of the border to attack Karen fighters

Burma Army and Karen BGF use Thai territory to attack the Karen resistance. This is similar to what is happening at the Kachin front, where BA soldiers are now on Chinese soil. China and Thailand are backing Burma's regime in the country's civil war!

October 25
KNLA September battle summary

Seventy-one clashes; Fifty-four known Burma Army KIA casualties.

October 25
Burma Army-KIA involved in heavy fighting at Du Ra Kawng

Major battle underway at the Chinese border.

October 25
Pregnant teacher hospitalized after Burmese soldier fired on her

Another war crime.

October 24
Kidnappers demand one million kyat for each abductee's freedom

Ransom set for road construction workers.

October 23
Burma Army soldiers gang-raped and killed 9 Chinese women

U.S. Special Representative Mitchell, now in Burma, should be demanding an end to this!

October 23
Burma Army sends reinforcements to secure Tavoy-Kanchanaburi road construction

Burma Army launching offensive against KNU on behalf of Thai construction company.

October 22
China transports Burmese troops inside its border to fight KIA

Important: Chinese military trucks are transporting Burma Army soldiers through China to attack the Kachin Independence Army from behind.

Chinese help for North Korea during the Korean War is the reason why the Korean peninsula is not now unified, and why the Stalinists in the North are threatening the world with atomic weapons. Now, China is starting to give the same type of help to Burma's generals.

October 21
Four abducted in southern Mon State

Burma Army contractors kidnapped, truck burned.

October 21
More government troops deployed around Laiza

Review of Burma Army activity near KIA HQ.

October 21
Kachin conflict worsens, civilians trapped

Review of the major surge in fighting at the Kachin front in the last three days.

October 21
Teenage Kachin girl raped and killed by Burmese soldiers

How many women in Burma have to be raped by BA soldiers before the International Community will finally act? The West is disgusting, that it absolutely refuses to help in any significant way.

October 21
Innocent Shan civilian killed by Burmese soldiers

The Burma Army is committing many different war crimes every single day.

October 21
Three Burma Army officers killed at Ga Ra Yang

Five new Burma Army killed in action casualties. Because of the regime's barbarity, the resistance armies are fully justified in killing every BA soldier that they can. It is rapidly becoming the case that the only possible solution for the country, as in Libya, will be military.

October 21
DKBA kill six Burma Army Soldiers

New action at the Karen front.

October 20
KIO calls for reunification with Kachin militias

Kachin traitors need to return to the Kachin mother organization.

October 20
Kachin villagers shot by Burma Army

The war crimes keep mounting. BA murders two Kachin villagers.

October 20
Elderly Kachin man shot by govt troops

Yet another regime war crime.

October 20
Fears for Arrested Karenni Villagers

Karenni villagers arrested. Also report of a Burma Army attack on Karenni medics.

October 19
KIA destroys two Burma govt weapon transport ships

Important action by the KIA to disrupt the Burma Army's weapon supply. Many BA casualties.

October 19
Christian pastor arrested by Burmese government Light Infantry unit

Kachin village burned by the Burma Army. Villagers now refugees in Laiza.

October 19
Burma soldiers and police beat boy

Burma Army torture a boy tending cows in Northern Shan State.

October 18
Over 2,000 Chinese troops arrive at Burma border

China continues to block refugees. Will the PLA expand its role and actively assist the Burma Army to defeat the Kachin?

October 18
Three Burmese soldiers killed in morning fighting

A new clash at the Kachin front.

October 18
Kachin baby shot dead by govt troops

Burma Army murders an infant and burns down the family's home.

October 18
Peace talks fuel fighting

Report of three new clashes at the Karen front.

October 17
Burmese Army Mounts Multi-front Offensive Against KIA

This is the real situation in Burma. The Army is extremely aggressive. It want's nothing to do with peace. Thein Sein is just a useful idiot, put on stage to give regime cronies and international opportunists an excuse to spread propaganda.

October 17
Over 50 govt soldiers killed on Sunday

Keep fighting, Kachin Independence Army!!!

October 17
Burma Army detains 20 Myitkyina residents as porters

BA using Kachin forced labor in its war against the Kachin people.

October 17
Arakanese join Karen rebel ambush

A good example of cooperation between the ethnic resistance groups.

October 17
Burma Army's militia demands rice from villages

More BA extortion and theft.

October 17
India and Burma argue over border insurgent issues

Update on the situation in Northeast Burma.

October 14
KIA attack near Myitkyina kills over a dozen Burmese soldiers

The war at the Kachin front is raging, with the KIA scoring a number of real victories over the Burma Army.

October 14
BGF stealing and selling village farmland

Statement that as many as 1,500 Karen BGF soldiers have defected to reform the DKBA and cooperate with the KNLA.

October 14
KIA attack near Myitkyina kills over a dozen Burmese soldiers

Major battles at the Kachin front. The Burma Army continues to suffer a large number of casualties every day.

October 14
KIA-Burma Army battle on the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road

Burma Army convoy attacked. High BA casualties but exact amount unknown.

October 13
SHAN news release:
KIA attacks Burma Army ethnic militia outpost.

An outpost manned by Panhsay People's Militia Force (PMF) 12 miles outside Namkham attacked by Kachin Independence Army (KIA) yesterday. 5 wounded, 1 seriously, on PMF side. Panhsay is notorious for its involvement in the drug business.

October 12
KIA kills 10 Burmese soldiers, injures 2 in southern Kachin State

Many new clashes in southern Kachin State. Casualties from some not yet known.

October 12
KIA captures important frontline government post

Good news at the Kachin front.

October 12
Four Burma govt soldiers killed in fighting with KIA

Another clash near Bhamo.

October 11
Rights abuses persist in ethnic states despite international perception

Recent Burma Army abuses in Shan State.

October 11
Mekong killings: SSA wants to help

A new drug lord has taken control of the Golden Triangle.

October 10
Govt troops shell Kachin village, kill student

Attacks by Burma Army against Kachin villagers continue.

October 10
Burma govt troops gang-rape three Chinese women

More rapes by Burma Army soldiers in Kachin State.

October 10
Militia bomb village to avoid frontline duty

Regime militia attacks village in Shan State.

October10
Burma Army using Karen villagers as 'shields'

More cases of BA troops using human shields.

October 9
Karen fighters kill 10 Burma Army soldiers

The Karen resistance is increasing its operations. When the rains end a major escalation is likely.

October 7
KWAT condemns international community's wait and see approach to problems in Burma

The Kachin Women's Association Thailand (KWAT) denounces the lack of international intervention to end Burma Army abuses against the Kachin people..

October 7
Burma's Cover up War: Atrocities Against The Kachin People

Full KWAT report.

October 6
Fighting erupts between gov't, KNLA near Three Pagoda Pass

New clashes at the Karen front.

October 6
Two powerful bombs explode in Burma's northern city

Two railway bridges destroyed in Myitkyina.

October 6
Two Burma Army soldiers killed, one injured in Mongkoe

More KIA attacks in Northern Shan State.

October 6
KIA ambushes Burma Army's column in Mongkoe

New KIA ambush in Northern Shan State.

October 6
One government soldier killed, three injured in S. Kachin State

More about the clash on October 4th.

October 5
40 Burma Army soldiers killed in one day in Kachin State

Kachin front fighting shifts from Northern Shan State to Kachin State proper.

October 5
Army puts ransom on Kachin porters

Local villagers kidnapped by the Burma Army.

October 4
SHAN news release:
New clash, two Burma Army KIA casualties

Shan State Army (SSA) reports today that a surprise encounter took place between a 3 men patrol from its 36th Brigade and a column from Infantry Battalion 128 on the road between Mongkao and Ta Mansom Salween crossing in Tangyan township, 30 September. Two killed and one wounded on the Burma Army side.

October 4
China said to be arming Indian rebels

China is playing a very complex game in Burma, including both siding with the regime and with groups that oppose it (such as the Wa and Mongla and rebels in the Northeast).

October 4
KIA-Burma Army battle for 3-hours in S. Kachin State

Another significant battle at the Kachin front. Casualties are unknown. Burma Army soldiers used Kachin students as human shields.

October 3
FBR REPORT: Seven-year-old child killed, a mother and other villagers wounded in ongoing Burma Army attacks in Karen State

Burma Army kills a Karen child.

October 3
BGF steal land and mine homes

Regime affiliated Karen BGF preying on a village.

SEPTEMBER

September 30
Seven suspects arrested in connection with kidnappers' group

More confusion in the conflict in the Three Pagodas Pass area.

September 30
Karen fighters kill four Burma Army soldiers and torch bus

Karen resistance forces attack a Burma Army camp. News from the Karen front is sporadic, but regular conflict is continuing. The Karen fighters are under orders to counter Burma Army operations, and also to sabotage the businesses of regime cronies.

September 30
4 Burmese soldiers killed, 5 injured in KIA attack

The KIA is now fighting in five different areas in Northern Shan State.

September 30
Burma military intelligence agent killed by KIA

KIA attack on Burma Army military intelligence office.

September 30
130 more Kachin IDPs arrive at China border in a single day

There are now 16,000 IDPs in KIA run internal refugee camps.

September 29
Over 150 govt. soldiers killed in war in Shan State

Update on the status of the Burma Army's offensive in Northern Shan State.

September 29
IDPs from over 30 villages in NE Burma have not reached safety

More than thirty villages in the KIA Brigade 4 area are now deserted, with the villagers in hiding and short on food and supplies.

September 29
Burmese Army Commits Massacre in Shan State

BA soldiers on a rampage; eight villagers murdered.

September 29
Opposition study: Shan State has the most infantry battalions

Analysis of Burma Army units in Shan State. "most of the battalions are woefully understrength, undernourished and underprepared. "Its main strength lies in heavy weapons," said a border watcher. "If it weren't for them, the Burma Army wouldn't have been able to take the [Kachin Independence Army's] 4th Brigade base (at Loikang, Shan State North on 27 September) with such relative ease.""

September 28
Kachin Rebels Lose Major Stronghold as Govt Army Advances

KIA yields its Northern Shan State Brigade HQ. Intense and widespread conflict is underway, involving thousands of soldiers. There have been no good, detailed status reports so far.

September 28
SHAN news release:
SSA fighting alongside with KIA

The Shan State Army (SSA) North fighters are fighting alongside the KIA 8th Battalion against Burma Army forces in Mantong township. It has already lost 4 fighters resisting the offensive in Muse and Kutkhai. Both are members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), formed in February.

September 28
Chinese authorities guard Burma border to stop IDPs

China refusing safe haven to refugees. All official and unofficial border crossings are blocked.

September 28
Mongpaw Kachin church receives 109 IDPs

One group of refugees finds sanctuary in a church.

September 28
Burmese Army Kills Two Civilians in Raid

Burma Army kills villagers in Mon/Karen area.

September 27
Burma Army takes control KIA's Brigade 4

KIA forced to retreat from Northern Shan State bases in the face of sustained heavy artillery. The KIA needs to launch major offensive guerrilla operations.

September 27
Over 20,000 IDPs in NE Burma flee to safety

Large new refugee crisis underway.

September 27
Protracted shelling unnerves Kachin army

KIA withdraws from two bases in response to heavy artillery.

September 27
Thousands Flee as Kachin Fighting Escalates

As many as 20,000 new refugees from the Burma Army's offensive at the Kachin front. The affected area has two hundred villages and a total population of over 200,000.

September 27
Burmese government troops scouring Shan State for SSA-N guerrillas

Burma Army terrorizing Shan villagers. New clash with SSA results in seven BA WIA casualties.

September 26
Four Days of Heavy Fighting in Northern Burma

The fighting at the Kachin front is escalating into open warfare, fought by the Tatmadaw for the benefit of China.

September 26
Burmese government offensive prevents halt to fighting: KIO

Report that in the last few days at least one hundred BA soldiers have been killed.

September 26
First KIA military base in N. Shan State falls

The KIA abandons a base if the face of a heavy artillery barrage.

September 26
Three KIO members shot at Lajayang Gate

Three KIO members, not soldiers, murdered at a BA checkpoint.

September 26
Burma Army shoots down KNLA peace moves

The Burma Army mortars one KNLA base and attacks another. In the second attack one BA soldier was killed.

September 24
Burma Army plans to capture KIA's Brigade 4 in three days

Sixteen hours straight fighting on the first day of the new offensive. Many BA soldiers killed.

September 24
Burma Army launches storm-offensive to KIA

The Burma Army has launched a major offensive against the Kachin Independence Army, seemingly for control of a new pipeline route to China. Conflict is underway at at least five different locations. Many refugees are fleeing the offensive, but are being blocked from entering China, by the PLA.

September 23
SSA news release.

The Shan State Army North has revealed that in the fighting from March through August, total casualties were as follows:

BA KIA: 537
BA WIA: 649
SSA KIA: 33
SSA WIA: 44

The SSA continues to control its Wanhai headquarters.

September 23
SSPP/SSA wishes to have peace with regime

All the ethnic resistance forces would prefer to have a genuine peace than to fight. But the Tatmadaw refuses to offer a real peace agreement, much less democracy. Also, new clashes are underway at the Shan front. In one of them, one BA soldier was killed.

September 23
KIA-Burma Army continue fighting in N.Shan State

New clashes underway.

September 23
KIA rejects request to withdraw Kambaiti post

The KIA reports that since the conflict at the Kachin front began, more than 600 Burma Army soldiers have been killed.

September 22
Burma Army mine injures local Kachins

It's not until you work on a cause like Burma that you realize how many different types of war crimes there are.

September 22
KIA frees 52 prisoners from government labor camp

KIA ends a regime abuse. Note: The military regime also regularly uses prisoners as forced porters for Burma Army units.

September 21
KIA bans cement imports from China

China can't build the Myitsone dam without cement! Also, the KNG's Kachin language service is reporting ongoing clashes at six different locations.

September 21
Shan monks used as human shields

At the Shan front the Burma Army is using Buddhist monks as human shields. At the Karen front, it is using women and children. Is there no limit to the Tatmadaw's barbarity?

September 20
August update on situation in Karen State.

Analysis by the KNU.

September 20
KIA Warned Not to Block Myitsone Trucks

The Burma Army is fighting the people of country on orders of the dictators of China.

September 20
Dawei Project Hits a Roadblock, as KNU Bans Ital-Thai Vehicles

The parallels are clear. The KNU and KIA are fighting to help the people of Burma and to protect its natural ecology. The military regime continues its scorched earth destruction.

September 19
Burmese government troops arrest 12 Kachin villagers

The military regime regularly arrests villagers by accusing them of having links to the pro-democracy resistance. In many cases the villagers are then executed.

September 18
Seven Burmese soldiers killed, two injured in Mongkoe

Another battle at the Kachin front, this time in the area of operations in Northern Shan State. (The Kachin front encompasses clashes in Kachin State and also, as here, just to the south in Northern Shan State.)

September 18
Fighting Continues in Kachin State

This story includes a report of small clashes at the Shan front and news that the Burma Army has seized thirty-five Shan villagers for use as human shields.

September 18
Army Soldiers Threatened, Forced Chin Locals to Sign

Although reports of fighting in Western Burma are rare, the regime is obviously worried that open conflict will spread to this region.

September 17
Army rations destroyed on Thai Burma road

KNLA destroys truck carrying Burma Army rations. BA protecting Thai road construction for new deep sea port, which development will displace 30,000 Karen villagers.

September 17
KNU tightens construction ban on Tavoy to Kanchanaburi Road

KNU bans Italian-Thai Development Company trucks from the road leading to the Tavoy development project (site of above mentioned deep sea port).

September 16
40 Burmese soldiers killed in fighting with KIA

As anticipated, major conflict has resumed at the Kachin front.

September 16
Ethnic leaders welcome U.S. envoy's call to investigate abuses

There can be no peace in Burma if the regime is not held accountable for its crimes against humanity.

September 1
KNU to Observe One-Day Ceasefire on International Day of Peace

The KNU demonstrates that it wants peace, and calls on the military regime to end its offensives and to withdraw its troops.

September 15
Security Tightened in Pruso since the Establishment of a Military Training Ground

Burma Army building major training base in Karenni State.

September 15
Two Burmese soldiers killed at Manje

Two new clashes at the Kachin front. Two BA soldiers were killed in one; The casualties are unknown for the other.

September 15
KNU accuses government of dirty, drug running plot

More regime propaganda. The military junta and its remaining Karen BGF allies are the drug traffickers; The KNU fights their trade.

September 14
Shan villagers beaten by troops: reports

Burma Army abuses villagers as retaliation for two new clashes with the SSA that left a total of four BA killed in action casualties.

September 13
DKBA attack Burma Army Tax Gates

DKBA renews operations.

September 13
Burmese army post burnt down by KIA

KIA destroys regime extortion checkpoint.

September 13
Burmese soldiers injured in KIA mine explosion

New KIA - Burma Army clash.

September 13
KIO blocks construction material for Myitsone Dam project

The regime announced yesterday that even in the face of massive opposition it would continue building the dam. The KIO says, not so fast.

September 12
DKBA reform

DKBA restructuring. Cooperating with the KNLA. May become separate special operations troops under the KNU.

September 9
Wa, Mongla sign new ceasefire agreement

Both good and bad news. It's a good sign that the regime has given up its attempts to pressure the Wa and Mongla. The generals have accepted that they cannot bring them under their control. It's bad, though, that the Wa and Mongla are being used in Naypyidaw's divide and conquer strategy. It would have been much better if they would back the KIA and SSA. Still, what do you expect from one of the world's leading gang of drug dealers, the Wa leadership, and who are buddies with the Chinese communists. When Burma is free, the Wa situation will be one of its greatest challenges.

September 9
KIA and Burmese troops clash at Hkringmu Dan

With the Wa issue settled, at least for the time being, the regime is now free to focus on the KIA.

September 9
200 Burmese troops secretly approach the KIA Laiza headquarters

The military regime is adopting a very aggressive posture. Major conflict is possible in the next few days.

September 9
BGF lose 30 more fighters to DKBA

Good news at the Karen front. More Karen BGF soldiers defect to the resistance.

September 9
Burmese Army goes offensive against Indian Militants

New conflict in Northwest Burma, as the military regime repays India for its support.

September 8
Nearly 30 Burmese soldiers killed in six days in Kachin State

September starts with a major upsurge in conflict at the Kachin front.

September 8
Toys for the boys in Myanmar

Excellent article about how the military regime has built many new factories to make its own weapons, including a ballistic missile factory that reportedly has on-site experts from North Korea, China and Russia.

September 8
DKBA to Accelerate Military Tactics

DKBA element of the Karen resistance reorganizes to prepare for increased conflict with the military regime.

September 7
Burma army still using child soldiers

BA continues to press-gang children.

September 7
KNLA Situation Report

Clashes involving the KNLA and the Burma Army, and BA abuses against Karen villagers, for the period July 24 - September 1

September 7
Burma Army shell village, kill cattle

Burma Army attacks Karen village in retaliation for renewed fighting in recent days with the Karen resistance. At least one BA soldier killed in these clashes.

September 7
Eight Burmese soldiers killed, three injured in fighting with the KIA

New fighting at three different areas at the Kachin front. Eight BA killed in action casualties.

September 6
Burmese government launches psychological warfare against KIA

Also see next item: Military regime launches psyops campaign against the ethnic resistance.

September 6
Contrary to report, DKBA remains active and strong

DKBA counters regime propaganda that it is no longer exists. The DKBA is actively cooperating with the KNLA, including in the new clashes described under the August 7 "Burma Army shell village, kill cattle" item.

September 4
Report on Burma Army use of chemical weapons

Report about suspected chemical weapons attack against SSA on June 3rd.

September 4
Govt Army Accused of Planting Landmines around Kachin Church

First chemical weapons, then mining churches, not to mention raping women and forcing children to act as shields: Is there no atrocity that the Burma Army will not commit!?

September 4
WikiLeaks Cables Show China's Support for UWSA

Important: The United Wa State Army has surface to air missiles, and the direct backing of China. This means, among other things, that the Tatmadaw will be unlikely to attack, but also that the Wa will not support the other ethnic resistance groups (because of China's opposition).

September 3
Burma government puts up posters to disparage KIA leader

Regime propaganda says - falsely - that a leading KIA general has died.

September 2
Burmese Army controls KIA's Lungja hillside

KIA loses an important position.

September 2
SHAN news release:
New report of prisoners being forced to porter for the Burma Army.

A Shan convict who recently escaped from the Shan State war zone said he and other fellow convicts were forced to wear military uniforms, carry weapons and serve as advance guard for the main troops. The soldiers in his unit were also issued meager rations made up of 1 condensed milk can and 3 canful of rice. Some days all of them except the officers went without food.

September 2
Burma's Armed Resistance Needs International Support

Good overview of the justification for armed resistance in Burma and the need for international assistance.

September 2
Kachin IDPs reach over 40,000 due to civil war in Northern Burma

Increase in the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Northern Burma.

September 2
Civilian cars moved away from the war zone in Northern Burma

Kachin people hiding their cars to avoid confiscation and use by the Burma Army.

September 2
Crimes against the Karen must end

Strong condemnation of the United Nations and the International Community for ignoring the regime's crimes against humanity against the Karen people.

September 2
BGF forced 9 villages to relocate to Myaing Gyi Ngu

Regime's BGF allies attacking Karen villages.

September 1
Husbands at the front, women guard rear bases

Burma Army officers and soldiers committing suicide rather than fight; Shan front bases unguarded at night. (If the resistance groups could take these bases, they could seize huge quantities of arms and supplies!)

September 1
Russian MIG 29 Jet used as a threat against SSA-N to protect Russia Investments

War against the SSA launched by the military regime in part to protect Russian investments!

September 1
Civil War in Northern Burma

Description of more clashes in the last few days at the Kachin front.

AUGUST

August 31
SHAN news release:
Four Burma Army KIA in SSA clash

Shan State Army (SSA) spokesman Maj Sai La says during the fight near Hinlai dam, Wanphwi tract, Kehsi township, 14-16 August, the Burma Army's Hopang-based Infantry Battalion 143 had suffered 4 killed: Captain Thet Naing Win, Sgt Win Nyunt, Cpl Maung Myint and Pvt Kyaw Thu Oo. SHAN had earlier reported that the commissioned officer killed was Maj Tin Myo Htoo. Actually he was among the wounded. He and 11 others were hauled by an army helicopter from Kehsi earlier this week.

August 31
China Hands KNU Leader over to Burma

China sent more military supplies and trucks to Burma's regime last week. Now it is deporting resistance leaders, to certain imprisonment and torture.

August 31
Villagers killed in Burma Army attack

BA conducts search and kill missions at the Karen front. Two villagers murdered.

August 31
Three Burmese Army soldiers killed in Dawhpum Yang

Upsurge in fighting at the Kachin front. See the next two items.

August 31
Seven Burma Army soldiers killed in fighting with KIA at Lungja hillside

Heavy fighting in Bhamo township.

August 31
Burma Army friendly fire kills 3, injures 4 on Mandalay-Muse trade route

The easiest way to defeat the military regime: Tatmadaw troops fight themselves!

August 30
Truce Talks with Local Govts Unacceptable: UNFC

The ethnic armed alliance, the UNFC, calls the regime's proposal for local level ceasefire talks a dishonest ploy. The UNFC understands that the regime is not sincere, and that it is on the defensive and trying to buy time.

August 30
Burmese expanding in Kachin state

The Burma Army is reinforcing its troops at the Kachin front. Another clash, from August 28, is reported.

August 29
SHAN news release:
Ambush by SSA against Burma Army. BA casualties unknown.

A joint patrol made up of soldiers from Light Infantry Battalions (LIBs) 17 and 505 ambushed by a 19-men Shan State Army patrol at Napieng village, Namawng tract, Hsipaw township, 09:40-09:55. The Burmese patrol suffered casualties, details unknown. The SSA got away unscathed.

August 29
Gunmen Fire on Police Station in Mon State

An attack on regime police. Also describes a new ambush by the KIA at the Kachin front, against a convoy of military trucks for the regime supplied by China

August 29
SSA-DKBA met in strategic summit

Breakaway DKBA, which is already cooperating with the KNU, agrees to work with the SSA.

August 26
Burmese military agents plant a powerful bomb in Kachin quarter

Regime agents caught planting terrorist bomb in Myitkyina.

August 25
Two Burmese soldiers killed, four injured in KIA ambush

Continued fighting, now that the regime's ridiculous ceasefire offer has been denounced.

August 25
Deadly Clashes Continue in Northern Burma

Current status of Kachin conflict and description of recent clashes.

August 24
SHAN news release.

Shan village burned by Burma Army as retaliation for clashes with the SSA that leave 4-7 BA soldiers killed.

Napeun, a village of 6 households, in Wan Phwi tract, some 7 miles northeast of Kehsi, the seat of Kehsi township, was burned down by the Burma Army yesterday morning, according to different sources. It was in retaliation against the heavy casualties suffered by the Burma Army during a three day fight at the nearby Hin Lai dam, 14-16 August, 4-7 killed and more than 20 wounded. The Shan State Army (SSA) also had 3 killed and 5 wounded.

August 24
Palaung civilian shot dead on the spot by government troops

Villager in Northern Shan State killed by Burma Army.

August 24
Burma Army IB. No. 105 killed innocent boy

Burma Army murders Kachin boy.

August 24
Firewood thief Burmese soldier shot dead by KIA

New Kachin front clash, one BA soldier killed.

August 23
Karen state minister ambushed

DKBA attack regime convoy. Three Burma Army soldiers killed.

August 23
BGF in chaos – another 80 join Karen army

Large number of new desertions from the Burma Army's Karen Border Guard Force.

August 23
Together at last - KNLA and DKBA celebrate Martyrs' Day

Important confirmation of the re-alliance between the DKBA and the KNLA.

August 23
TPP Town People's Militia beats residents

Abuses in Three Pagodas Pass by the military regime's local militia.

August 23
SHAN news releases.
New Burma Army troops arrive at Shan front; desperate conditions for Shan IDPS.

More than 300 fresh troops from Kalaw, where Light Infantry Division (LID) 55 is headquartered, arrived at Mongnawng, 27 miles (43 km) south of Kehsi, where campaign against Shan State Army fighters continue.

557 villagers from Phazawm village, Wanzay tract; and Wanhsang, Hinlai and Napeun villages, Wanphwi tract are facing malaria and lack of food in the jungles where they had fled since 16 August to avoid forced portering and abuses. Some 200 of them are under 18 and some 50 of them are elderly.

August 22
THE NORTH WAR: A KACHIN CONFLICT COMPILATION REPORT

Detailed report on the development of the Kachin conflict.

August 22
Burmese Army soldiers sell ammunition to smugglers in Kalemyo

Tatmadaw soldiers secretly selling arms in Western Burma.

August 21
Karen National Liberation Army six month battle report

This is the 2011 six month battle report for the Karen National Liberation Army. It reveals that from January to June enemy losses (Burma Army and related Border Guard Forces) totaled 761 Killed In Action and 1,047 Wounded In Action casualties.

August 19
Seven Burmese soldiers killed in fighting with KIA

The KIA is on the offensive again.

August 19
Shan front report.

"On the war front, our SSA soldiers have turned the table against the Tatmadaw by driving them back right up to Nong Keo near Maymyao. Their attempt to run over SSA HQ is far from over. They are stuck about 10-20 km away from the Wanhai HQ and they don't dare to withdraw either as they will be ambushed along the retreating lines. They now realized military solution is not the best option. So they are resorting to the same old trick of former PM U Nu's time when KNU was about to run over Rangoon capital 1948, using truce to withdraw their forces from the Shan jungle terrain. As we know the Lady (ASSK) is now released from restriction of movements to allow her to negotiate for peaceful solution by political means. KIA says they must speak to all the five ALLIANCE instead of one at a time."

August 19
Shan children 'used as human shields'

Why is there no international outrage over the Burma Army's war crimes?

August 19
No More Land for the Civilians to Set Foot on

According to the Karenni Development and Research Group (KDRG), there are more than 100,000 landmines planted in Karenni State (by the Burma Army) which is half of the population of Karenni State, that is one landmine for every two persons.

August 19
Ethnic Armies Reject Piecemeal Peace Talks

Ethnic resistance groups firm in their demand that they will only negotiate together and for a nation-wide ceasefire.

August 19
Burmese gov't still exercising an ethnic 'divide and rule' strategy

Additional perspectives on the ceasefire issue.

August 19
SHAN news release
Burma Army officers court-martialed for refusing to follow orders.

Unconfirmed report says Lt-Col Zeya Aung, Commander of Infantry Battalion #22, was court-martialed and sentenced to imprisonment after failing to send reinforcement to troops fighting against the Shan State Army (SSA) in July. It also says Lt-Col Thein Zaw Moe, responsible for road security between Wanzing and Mongnawng, had been court-martialed following ambush of reinforcements led by Lt-Col Win Nyunt late July. According to business sources close to the Burma Army, the campaign against the SSA has not been well-coordinated among the three regional armies: Eastern, Northeastern and Middle East.

August 19
A Glance Inside the Burmese Army

Good analysis of the morale problems in the Burma Army.

August 19
I Am Both Angry And Grateful To The International Community

Analysis of how the United Nations and the European Union are failing the people of Burma.

August 18
Burmese army-KIA fight at Wawang Kumbang

Another clash at the Kachin front. Following BA ceasefire entreaties, the Kachin conflict slowed down. But now that the KIA realizes that the Tatmadaw is not sincere, daily clashes have resumed.

August 18
Villagers face fighting, malaria, hunger and displacement

One hundred and thirty new Karen refugees.

August 17
SHAN news releases:
Burma Army burns monastery; large clash with SSA leaves four BA soldiers killed.

Buddhist dominant Burma Army set on fire that Mong Khawn monastery in Manzi township, Kachin State, on 9 August after accusing the monks of supporting Christian-dominant Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local sources fleeing from the area. 

Shan State Army's 726th Battalion base, west of the Namhen, attacked by Hopang-based Infantry Battalion 143 at 20:00, 14 August. The fight continued the next day until late in the night. On 16 August morning the SSA discovered the attackers had withdrawn. It found 4 Burma Army soldiers dead, including Deputy Battalion Commander Maj Tin Myo Tun. It was later reported the Burma Army also suffered more than 20 wounded. On the SSA side, there were 3 killed in action and 5 wounded in action.

August 17
SSA-N refutes Burmese gov't accusation it fired on civilians

Update on recent Burma Army mortar attack on Shan village: Nine villagers were killed.

August 17
Kachin Women's Association Thailand
From August 16 statement: more rapes and murders by Burma Army.

On August 9, a 39-year-old woman and her 17-year-old daughter were gang-raped and killed by troops from Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion 37 near Waimaw. On July 31, a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed when he fled from a Burmese patrol near Kamaing, west of Myitkyina.

August 17
More Hostilities Expected in Southern Karen State

Overview of the current situation on the Karen front.

August 16
Innocent teenage boy shot dead by Burmese soldiers

Burma Army soldiers murder village boy in Kachin area.

August 16
SHAN news release:
New battle.

A Burma Army patrol fought against an unidentified armed group at Loi Piang Fa, Kard Tao tract, some 10 miles north of Kengtung, 03:00-05:00. No further details. The Shan State Army (SSA) says it is still waiting for field reports from its units in Shan State East.

August 15
Kachin News Group news releases:
Many new clashes break out between the KIA and the BA; at least five BA soldiers killed.

8/15 - Fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) troops and the Burmese Army took place on Monday, near Namtu, in Northern Shan State, local sources said.

8/14 - Two military clashes on Sunday, in the morning and evening, took place on the Myitkyina-Manmaw Road, at the village of Nam San Yang, local people said.

At least one government soldier was killed in the morning fighting with KIA troops from Battalion 23, said KIA officers.

New fighting started at Nam San Yang on Friday evening.

8/14 - A Burmese army column was ambushed yesterday evening by the KIA's Battalion 6 on the Hpakant-Namya Road, in Hpakant Jade Mining Township, in western Kachin State, local people said.

At least four government soldiers were killed in the attack, according to KIA officers.

August 15
Fighting breaks out between government and Shan troops

More detail about the clash described in the next item, as well as other news from the Shan and Kachin fronts.

August 15
SHAN news release:
New battle.

Clash between Shan State Army's 576th Battalion and Burma Army's Light Infantry Battalion #503 near Wan Phui, Kehsi township, 14:00-20:00, 13 August. 1 killed and 8 wounded on the Burma Army side and 6 wounded on SSA side.

August 15
Army vents fury on populace

Burma Army mortars Shan village. At least thirteen villagers wounded.

August 12
KIA attacks Burmese troops in Nam San Yang

After a week of no fighting, a new battle on the Kachin front.

August 12
SHAN news release:
More information on yesterday's Shan front battle.

The fight yesterday in Kehsi township was against Nawngkhio-based Light Infanty Battalion (LIB) 114 and not against IB 287 as reported earlier, says the Shan State Army. The battle which began when the Burma Army battalion "deliberately sought out" the SSA took place 7 miles northeast of Kehsi and lasted 5 ½ hours, 12:00-17:30. The attackers retired after sustaining heavy casualties. "We can't understand why they would want to start a fight like that," Maj Gen Pang Fa, SSA leader, was quoted as saying.

August 12
SSA says Chinese engineers released by unknown group

Chinese company reportedly agrees to suspend work on Tasang dam.

August 12
Burmese soldier commits suicide at Waingmaw military base

More evidence of the terrible morale in the Burma Army.

August 11
SHAN news release:
Large battle underway at Shan front.

Heavy clash between the Shan State Army and IB 287 at Pangzay-Loi Yoi, between Kehsi and Nampook at 12:00. "Our guys had them surrounded at the last report (16:00)," said Maj Sai La, SSA spokesman.

August 11
SSA-N and SSA-S launch joint attacks against government

More detail on clash reported by SHAN yesterday (next item). Four Burma Army KIA casualties.

August 10
SHAN news release:
At least ten BA casualties in joint SSA ambush.

Joint Shan State Army 'North' and 'South' column ambushes Burma Army convoy coming south from Kehsi to Mongnawng at 06:20 this morning. At least 10 believed to be dead and wounded.

August 10
Over 30,000 displaced by Burma Army attacks face humanitarian crisis in northern Shan State

Humanitarian impact of Burma Army offensive against the SSA.

August 10
Burma Army Offensive in Northern Shan State (2 July - 4 August, 2011)

Good map of the Shan front.

August 10
Displacement during Burma Army offensive in Northern Shan State (13 March - 10 August 2011)

Map of internally displaced persons in Northern Shan State.

August 10
Update of incidents of fighting between Burma Army and Shan State Army North

Tables of clashes between the Burma Army and the SSA, and associated human rights abuses by the BA against Shan villagers.

August 10
Straightening the Dog's Crooked Tail: One Man's Opinion

Good analysis of why the Burma Army is rushing to reestablish its ceasefire agreement with the KIO/KIA.

August 9
Burma Army fast closing the gap with Mongla

The BA is returning troops to positions near the NDAA.

August 9
A Soldier's Story: My escape from Hell

Good description of the dismal life of soldiers in the Burma Army.

August 8
SHAN news release:
Many new clashes on the Shan front. Thirty-one Burma Army casualties.

At least 8 clashes had taken place between 3-5 August between the Shan State Army (SSA) and the Burma Army: Kehsi township, 3; Mongyai township, 3; and Tangyan township, 2. The Burma Army suffered at least 31 casualties: 2 killed and 29 wounded. More fighting during the weekend, according to SSA sources.

August 8
Burma Army requests return of seized supplies

What audacity!!! The Burma Army is raping and killing Shan villagers. The SSA, defending the villagers, is ambushing BA units and taking their supplies. The BA is now asking for the supplies back!

August 8
Students spread anti-government posters in Myitkyina

What the Revolution in Burma needs is more Underground Group resistance in the cities in support of the armed groups' struggle in the hills.

August 8
Burma govt 'neglecting' Kachin refugees

The Burma Army is committing a war crime by not allowing aid agencies access to the refugees.

August 8
Seven Arrested after being Accused of Supporting Insurgent Group

Seven villagers arrested in Chin State, which area - Western Burma - has seen relatively little conflict. The Burma Army clearly does not want to be involved in a new front. Note: Villagers accused of being part of the resistance are often executed.

August 7
KNLA Situation Report

Clashes involving the KNLA for the period June 16 - July 30

August 7
News of BURMA ARMY (Tatmadaw) attack on SSA Wan-hai HQ.

Burmese Army casualties are put at 400 plus dead and 200 disabled and wounded casualties over a period of three months since early May 2011. The hospital beds in Laikha, Nam Sang (Burmese Mi29 air base) and Loilem are full so they have to take the injured and sick Tatmadaw foot soldiers to Pangtara Burmese military hospital where it is claimed to have over 1000 beds waiting for them.

August 5
Burmese lieutenant and soldier killed by KIA

A new KIA clash with the Burma Army.

August 5
Siege of Shan base relaxed but not lifted

Although the Burma Army has withdrawn troops from positions near the SSA's Wanhai HQ, those that remain are re-provisioning.

August 5
Scorched earth threat in Shan state

The Burma Army is threatening to destroy Shan villages in Southern Shan State if the fighting with the SSA spreads.

August 4
SHAN news release:
Description of July Shan front clashes.

Report from the Shan State Army (SSA) North says it had fought 33 clashes during July, killing at least 38 and wounding 39, while losing 2 killed and 3 wounded. It was unable to account for casualties for 15 clashes, 3 of them together with the SSA South.

Hsipaw township, 2 clashes; Mongyai township, 10 clashes; Monghsu township, 3 clashes; Tangyan township, 2 clashes; and Kehsi township, 16 clashes.

August 3
Police killed in Kachin rocket attack

Additional information about the Kachin ambush described in the next item.

August 3
KIA attacks a Burmese military truck

New Kachin ambush, near Chinese dam site.

August 3
SHAN news release:
Major clash at Shan front.

Burma Army's Yin-Kwe-taung post attacked yesterday by Shan State Army (SSA), between 18:00-19:00. Heavy casualties on the Burma Army side, according to sources, but no figures available.

August 3
Burma Army withdraws from Mongla

Update to yesterday's news releases about the Burma Army withdrawing troops from near NDAA base.

August 2
United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Excellent commentary on Burma's Civil War, which makes two basic points. The resistance forces should not sacrifice their political goals (i.e., freedom) in exchange for economic incentives. In other words, they should not be corrupt and sell out their people. And, they should maintain unity and press their political demands collectively. No resistance groups, most importantly the KIA, should strike separate ceasefire agreements.

August 2
Tavoy-Kanchanaburi will continue to see resistance says KNU

Increased fighting in KNU's 4th Brigade area, in response to major regime development projects. Note: This brigade has seen the least conflict in recent years of any of the KNU units.

August 2
Nationwide cease-fire demand prevents KIO-government agreement

The Kachin are sticking to their demand for a nation-wide ceasefire. Well-done, KIO/KIA!

August 2
SHAN news releases:
Burma Army soldiers withdrawing from positions near NDAA (Mongla).

Around 300 Burma Army troops that arrived on 24 July at the No Man's Land between the NDAA and Burmese frontline outposts near Mong Lwe, southwest of Mongyang left yesterday, thereby releasing the tensions that had flared up a week earlier. The Burma Army said there was no silver metal to be found there as suggested by earlier reports.

The Burma Army's forward base at Mongfan, near the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)'s Hsop Lwe base on the Mekong, has reduced its strength to some 50 troops from about 200 two months ago, according to NDAA sources in Mongla, opposite China's Daluo.

August 2
DKBA to escalate border conflict

The different elements of the Karen resistance are increasing their unity, and planning an offensive to drive the Burma Army from Karen State.

August 2
Govt Shelling Hits Karen Village

The Burma Army has been shelling the Karen resistance forces almost daily since May.

August 1
Burmese army brutally kills a Kachin farmer

Another report (see below) described how the Burma Army killed one Kachin villager and captured another. It has now been learned that the captured villager too was murdered, by being buried alive. The Burma Army are barbarians! Eight other villagers have also been arrested, reportedly to bury bodies. What are the chances that they too will be murdered?

August 1
Hundreds of Karen villagers forced to work at Burma Army camp

Large-scale forced labor in Karen State.

August 1
Civilian shot dead, one civilian arrested by government troops in Kamaing

Kachin villager murdered by Burma Army soldiers.

August 1
Half of government battalions besieging Shan headquarters pull out

In recent weeks many commentators have expected a full-scale offensive by the Burma Army against the SSA's Wanhai headquarters. We, though, were skeptical about this. In the conflict in the area that had been underway, the SSA clearly had prevailed. This article discloses that recent Burma Army casualties at the northern Shan front included 100 killed in action. Had the BA attacked Wanhai such casualties would have risen to the hundreds, which apparently was an unacceptable loss, and which offensive also would have had no guarantee of success.

The Tatmadaw is failing now on all three fronts, Kachin, Shan and Karen. Hence its push for a new Kachin ceasefire.

JULY

July 30
Burmese troops fire artillery at each other

Confused Burma Army units fight each other at the Kachin front.

July 29
Military uses 13-year-old boy to spy on KIA

Burma Army forces Kachin boy to spy on the KIA. The military regime has absolutely no shame. What a collection of cowards!

July 29
Italian-Thai company workers evacuated from Burma

Thai construction workers flee the Karen front. New KNLA clashes leave a reported six Burma Army KIA casualties.

July 29
SHAN news release:
More news of Kyaukme attacks.

Civilian sources from Kyaukme say Artillery Battalion 36 post, south of the town, was attacked by unknown armed band before dawn. About 15 soldiers wounded, some seriously.

Nawng Ang, between Kyaukme and Bawgyo (Maw Kerh) on the way to Hsipaw, was attacked at the same time. 3 either wounded or killed. Shan State Army "South" confirm its fighters were responsible for the attacks. 

July 29
Gunmen Kill Three in Kyaukme Attack

An attack at a regime checkpoint. Also, news of another clash on the Shan front.

July 29
Facebook: Hundreds join movement against Burma Army

The Civil War leads over two hundred Shan youths to join the revolution.

July 28
Suu Kyi's 'Open Letter' calls for immediate cease-fire in ethnic areas

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi offers to mediate the war.

July 28
SSA-S troops ambush government convoys

Three resistance ambushes at the Shan front.

July 28
SSA North not left out in the cold: Spokesman

Two more clashes at the Shan front.

July 28
Families in Kachin war zone ordered out

Burma Army forcibly relocates thousands of Kachin villagers.

July 27
4 Burmese soldiers killed, 12 injured by KIA ambush

Four Burma Army soldiers killed by the KIA.

July 27
Rank-and-file hardships taking toll on Tatmadaw unity

Important: Secret intelligence reveals that ordinary Burma Army soldiers are facing many difficulties, and that this in turn is causing divisions among their commanding officers.

July 27
Mon armed group asks extortion money from government rubber plantation

Regime department receives demand for cash.

July 26
Burma army targets ethnic women

Since June 9, Burma Army soldiers have raped at least thirty-two ethnic minority women, of whom thirteen were then murdered.

July 25
More Refugees Flee to Border Fearing War

Two thousand new refugees at the Kachin front.

July 25
Activists protest Indian arms sales to Burma during ethnic wars

Activist reaction to the appalling news that India is arming Burma's military dictatorship, and is therefore culpable in its war crimes against Burma's ethnic minorities.

July 25
Burmese-Kachin fighting takes place at three locations

New battles between the Burma Army and the KIA at three different locations. Casualties are unknown.

July 25
SHAN news release:
Burma Army gets large shipment of weapons from China.

500 13 ton Sino trucks from Sichuan province and 30 BE trucks loaded with ammo escorted to Lashio today since 06:00. Security provided by IB 241 between Muse and Hsenwi and by LIB 527 between Hsenwi and Lashio.

July 25
Final assault on SSA yet to materialize

SSA in south supporting northern Wanhai HQ with diversionary ambushes.

July 22
Friendly fire kills 3 Burmese soldiers, injures 7

What a joke! Burma Army soldiers masquerading as KIA were attacked and killed by their own troops. This is what happens to you when you are lying, deceiving, murderous, rapist bastards! Welcome to instant karma!

July 22
Burmese Military Reinforces Troops near KIO Bases

KIA destroys another bridge. Laiza is now cut off from Myitkyina and Bhamo. If - as many people are saying - the Burma Army is about to attack Laiza, then bring it on! Its supply and communication lines will be stretched, and easily cut. Laiza is well defended, and the weather now is terrible. The Tatmadaw will suffer unprecedented casualties.

The ethnic resistance groups should fight hard and on many fronts for the next six months to a year. Then maybe the junta will be willing to negotiate in good faith.

July 21
Government troops open artillery barrage near Myawaddy

The Burma Army is using heavy weapons against the DKBA.

July 21
Burma Army's War against Shan: Licence to Rape plus Licence to Commit Genocide?

Burma Army commander orders troops in Shan State to kill local men and rape local women. This is the barbarity of the rulers of Burma. Constructive engagement, anyone?

July 21
Burmese troops close in on Laiza

The Burma Army is creeping up on the KIA headquarters, and many people expect a major attack. The question is: is such an attack likely, or is this posturing to pressure KIA commanders to accept a new ceasefire? One thing that is certain is that the area is extremely well defended. Any attack will be met by fierce resistance, and Burma Army casualties will be high.

July 20
Burmese Army to start full-scale offensive against Kachin minority

Expectation of major Burma Army offensive against the KIA.

July 20
'We will not fight a defensive war for a long time'

Interview with Shan leader and discussion of recent fighting on the Shan front.

July 20
Three regional armies against Shan HQ

Expectation of Burma Army attack against SSA Wanhai HQ.

July 19
Burmese battalion commander and three troops killed by KIA

Four more BA casualties in the latest Kachin front clash.

July 19
Quiet along the front, noisy in the rear

Nampook battle at the Shan front dies down. SSA shifts to guerrilla tactics.

July 19
As fighting continues, Shan refugees seek safety in jungle

Hundreds of new Shan refugees. Also, report of new fighting in two townships at the Kachin front.

July 18
KIA captures 7 Burmese soldiers in Hka Ya war

Increase in reported number of BA soldiers captured bythe KIA from five to seven. Word that BA LIB 21 was effectively routed.

July 18
28 Govt. Troops Killed in Ambush: KIA

High number of casualties from KIA ambush of Burma Army supply column.

July 18
Burmese officials captured by Kachin army

Kachin capture five Burma Army personnel, including two officers.

July 18
Fighting intensifies around rebel HQ

Update on Shan front fighting around Nampook. Burma Army using heavy weapons.

July 18
Burmese shelling forces SSA from bases

Additional information from Shan front. SSA soldiers withdrawing from some positions to protect villagers at risk from BA shelling.

July 15
'Negotiating' recording to be played for President Thein Sein

Important: This article includes information that close to three hundred military trucks, loaded with arms, arrived in Burma from China between July 12 and 14.

July 15
Kachin News Group news release.
New clash at the Kachin front, five Burma Army soldiers killed.

July 13, 2011 at 6 a.m.—KIA's battalion 15 attacked Burmese troops at Sinlum in N'mawk (Momauk) Township in Manmaw (Bhamo) district in Kachin State, said local residents. The Burmese soldiers are from Light Infantry Battalion No. 321, based in Shwenyaungbyin, Waingmaw Township. Five bodies of Burmese soldiers were brought out from the event, said witnesses.

July 15
Junta reinforcements waylaid

More detail on the fighting at Nampook on the Shan front. Four more ambushes by the SSA. Heavy Burma Army casualties, who are being retrieved by helicopter.

July 14
Kachins reject ceasefire with untrusted Burmese government

Kachin delegates reject KIO's plan to renew its ceasefire with the Burma Army. Earlier this year the delegates rejected transforming the KIA into a BGF. This new rejection portends renewed conflict.

July 14
Former BGF fighters ready for war

DKBA soldiers well equipped and ready fight.

July 14
DANGER WITH EVERY STEP: LANDMINES KILLING AND WOUNDING IN KARENNI AREA

First report from Karenni State. The Burma Army has planted tens of thousands of land mines to target the Karenni people.

July 14
Burma Army gives rapists free rein in northern Shan State offensive

The Burma Army has authorized the use of rape as a terror tactic on the Shan front. Four women were raped on July 5th, including one 12 year old school girl.

July 14
SSA troops 'bombed' by government aircraft: SSA

Two Burma Army jets bomb the SSA, likely as a reaction to recent resistance advances (see next item).

July 13
Junta army's road link outpost overrun by Shan rebels

The SSA destroy's an important Burma Army outpost, after luring away most of the outpost's armed contingent.

July 13
KNLA Situation Report

Clashes involving the KNLA for the period June 1-18.

July 13
From Prison to Front Line: Analysis of convict porter testimony 2009 – 2011

Report that in the last two years the Burma Army has used at least 1,700 convict porters in Karen State and eastern Bago Division.

July 13
Children become latest victims of conflict in Kachin State

Another Burma Army war crime. Kachin child refugees are ill and dying because the BA will not allow aid groups to help the refugees from the its war of aggression.

July 13
Clash in Shan State leaves at least six dead

SSA clash with the Burma Army, resistance forces say nine BA soldiers killed.

July 13
Bomb Blast in Shan State Injures Four

Bomb at a military checkpoint. In a separate report on the incident, SHAN reports that the SSA said it was not responsible.

July 12
SHAN news release:
Two new clashes

Two clashes last night:
The SSA North vs Burma Army's IB 286 at Nampook, Kehsi township, north of SSA HQ Wanhai; 1 junta soldier captured alive

At Pakha Hsai, between Mong Awd and Khum Pang, Monghsu township, a surprise encounter at 23:00, casualties unknown; Burma Army chased out by the SSA

July 12
Govt Compromise Needed to Avert All-out Civil War: KIA

Burma Army shelling KIA stronghold at Pajau. Description of KIA ceasefire demands.

July 12
Ethnic Armies Must Defend Each Other: OMCC

Overseas Mon Coordinating Committee calls on UNFC members to support each other and fight, and questions the NMSP's resistance to launching military operations.

July 11
India sends arms and ammunition in 52 trucks to Burma

Important: India, a democracy, is supplying arms to Burma's military regime, a dictatorship. This is atrocious. It should be widely publicized in India's media, and New Delhi should be forced to stop.

July 11
Bomb Exploded in Thantlang, Chin State

More news from Western Burma: A government building is attacked.

July 11
Fresh Govt. Attack on KIA at Hydropower Dam

Some ceasefire! The Burma Army renews its attacks on the KIA.

July 11
ABSDF will reorganize troops in Kachin State

The student army, the ABSDF, is reorganizing its soldiers in Northern Burma to fight alongside the Kachin. According to other reports, ABSDF troops in the south are already fighting with the Karen.

July 11
Burmese government blocks aid to Kachin war refugees

The Burma Army is blocking the delivery of relief supplies to the refugees of its offensive against the Kachin.

July 11
SHAN news releases:
The Wa are expecting to be attacked after the Kachin.

The Wa leadership believes the United Wa State Army (UWSA) is the next on Naypyitaw's hit list, following the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to a highly informed source who just returned from the Sino-Burma border.

On July 9th, the SSA attacked a police vehicle carrying two of its fighters.

A police vehicle carrying two Shan State Army suspects attacked near Khong Noi, between Loilem and Taunggyi attacked by SSA troops. The two escaped with their rescuers. Other versions say they were killed together with the security guards.

July 11
Pro-government Force Retakes Karen BGF Headquarters

The title is misleading. DKBA troops have withdrawn from Myaing Gyi Nyu, to spare local villagers and temples, which would have been caught in fighting crossfire. The DKBA is now launching guerrilla operations against the Burma Army and Chit Thu's Karen BGF.

July 9
Deadly ambush kills Burma army officers

More details about a July 2nd ambush by the KNLA, in which two Burma Army officers were killed and another one was seriously injured.

July 9
Burma army threats force villagers to abandon farms

Villagers at the Karen front abandoning their farms to escape being forced to porter for the Burma Army.

July 9
Burmese Army applies intra-tribal clash tactics in war on Kachin

The Burma Army is using divide and conquer tactics against the Kachin, by forcing remaining BGF troops to fight the KIA.

July 9
Burman Troop's Offensive against Kachin: A Post-colonial Nationalistic Interpretation (research)

Analysis of the regime's Burman nationalism as the driving factor behind the expanded conflict with the ethnic minorities.

July 8
Kachin army ambush leaves 30 dead

Kachin ambush on July 7 results in some thirty Burma Army killed in action casualties. Due to the date, this attack appears distinct from the clashes reported on July 4 (see below), which also totaled at least thirty such casualties.

July 8
Campaign stalemate, war goes on

Daily clashes in at least four locations on the Shan front. Very limited information is available on these clashes, but in one, two Burma Army soldiers were reported killed.

July 7
Village chairman arrested by CNA in Chin state

The Chin National Army asserts itself.

July 7
SHAN news releases:
Correction to report on SSA.

Re: Report about the Shan State Army (SSA) South urging the embattled SSA North to abandon its besieged HQ base in Wanhai, Kehsi township, 5 July 2011, was turned down by SSA officials as "inaccurate". SHAN says it is happy that field reports from the SSA North are still forthcoming despite the misunderstanding.

Burma Army search and destroy mission in Shan State.

From 2-5 July, a 200 men patrol made up of 3 infantry battalions: IB 64, LIB 513 and LIB 577 launched a search-and-destroy operation in Monghsu township. Abuses and loots reported by the local people:

- K 2 million plus (not including donation box at Ta Hsarmpu temple) 
- 32 bottles of cooking oil
- 2,240 liters of rice 
- 22 bags of ajinomoto
- 75 chickens 
- 3 pigs 
- More than 90 people detained
- Rapes in Mongkhang

July 7
Karen BGF Talks Break Down; Tensions Remain High

Attempt by the Burma Army to reconcile with defector Karen BGF fails. Only Chit Thu's unit remains loyal to the regime.

July 6
The Burma Army's Offensive Against the Shan State Army - North

Timeline and analysis of Burma Army operations against the SSA.

July 6
SHAN news release:
In Shan front, Burma Army forces local villagers to wear uniforms and lead columns; five new clashes.

12 villagers were forced to wear Burma Army uniforms and lead the advance guard after a joint patrol of IB 64 and LIB 515 were ambushed by the Shan State Army (SSA) North on 2 July at Kiu Ma Yui, Mongnawng Sub-township, Kehsi township. Three more clashes between SSA and LIB 513 on the same day and 1 on 4 July.

July 5
Travelers released by armed group

Culmination of a recent transport attack in Mon State.

July 5
KIA limits military resistance to Burmese government

Is the KIA falling into a Tatmadaw trap? There is no sincerity in the regime's ceasefire offer. It is only a ploy to buy time to reposition its troops for new attacks. In a war, restricting yourself to defensive operations is suicidal.

July 5
SSA South wants SSA North to evacuate from its main base

Update on the situation at SSA HQ Wanhai.

July 4
War continues between KIA and Burmese army

Three new battles on the Kachin front. A total of at least thirty Burma Army soldiers died in the first two; casualties from the third are still unknown.

July 4
Burma Officers Killed in KNLA Ambush

Two senior BA officers killed in a KNLA attack over the weekend. Two other BA KIA casualties.

July 4
Children forced to carry frontline supplies

Rampant use of forced labor, even of village children, by the Burma Army at the Karen front.

July 1
Burma Army commander ambushed

Ambush of Burma Army officer at the Shan front.

July 1
Shan upheaval as gas attack fears spread

Shan fear chemical warfare from the Burma Army.

July 1
Plain clothes Burmese soldiers rob and assault Kachin people

More human rights abuses by Burma Army soldiers at the Kachin front.

July 1
No one obeys gov't order to hand over weapons in Mon State

Conflict in Mon State becoming more likely.

July 1
BGF Commander Killed in All-Karen Clash

Update to the next news item: The commander of BGF Battalion 1011 (which still supports the Burma Army) is among the KIA casualties in the new Karen offensive.

JUNE

June 30
BGF attacks Burma Army camp

Important: Major attack by the Karen resistance on a Burma Army camp. For years the Karen revolutionary forces have been weak, engaging mainly in defensive operations to protect villagers. With the collapse of the Karen BGF and the subsequent re-alliance of the DKBA with the KNLA, they are now strong enough to conduct large offensive operations. If these operations continue and expand, the freedom fighters have the potential to drive the Burma Army from much of Karen State, finally giving the local citizens (like the people of Benghazi in Libya) freedom from fear.

June 30
Kachin Army attacks Burmese military convoy

Burma Army movements to prepare for war continue even while a ceasefire negotiation is supposedly underway. KIA, do not be fooled by the SPDC's lies!

June 30
Chinese made military trucks arriving at border raises question

China supplying more than one hundred new military trucks to the Burma Army.

June 29
Burmese troops cross Chinese border for offensive against KIA

Two hundred Burma Army troops enter China in civilian clothes. Kachin Independence Army expects attack on its Laiza HQ from Chinese territory.

June 29
LID 22 Troops Prepare for War In Karen State

Burma Army moves three hundred more soldiers to the Three Pagodas Pass area.

June 29
Bombs Hit Taungoo and Thanbyuzayat

Two more explosions, and two buses set on fire.

June 29
SHAN news release:
SSA soldier stopped by Burma Army, kills one BA soldier.

Private Ai La from the Shan State Army's Battalion 807, 72nd Brigade, who was on errand to Mong Nawng, a sub-township seat of Kehsi township, stopped by 3 Burma Army men (1 officer and 2 enlisted men) before entering the town. During the ensuing shootout, the officer was killed and his pistol taken by Ai La, who escaped unscathed.

June 28
Two short, powerful videos from Burma Issues of one family of Karen villagers trying to survive under the Burma Army's reign of terror.

Finding food in fear

Living in fear

June 28
Trains carry weaponry into Kachin capital

Burma Army preparing for large-scale warfare against the Kachin

June 27
SHAN news release:
Three Burma Army soldiers killed in SSA attack on road construction project.

Burmese troops guarding the Kengtung-Mong Ngen (Mong Khark township) road construction project attacked by Shan State Army "South" on 11 June. 3 dead and 5 wounded. The Burma Army had been subjecting villagers (Shan, Palaung and Lahu) to forced labor and other abuses, according to a report coming to the border. The SSA has neither confirmed nor denied it.

June 27
Kawkeriek civilian shot dead by Burma army

Burma Army soldier shoots a taxi driver at a checkpoint. New attack by the Karen resistance on a BA camp.

June 25
Chinese-Burmese military officers meet in Mangshi on KIA

Important: This article confirms the June 17 post (see below) of the contents of a top secret Burma Army letter that China will fund and arm the BA in its attacks on the Kachin. In a June 23 meeting between BA commanders and Chinese military officials, the Chinese granted permission for BA troops to cross into China to attack the KIA HQ at Laiza from the East. China is now a full ally of the Tatmadaw in the Kachin conflict. The only thing it has yet to do is commit its own PLA soldiers to the fight.

June 25
Civilians supporting KIA threatened with death

Burma Army announces its intention to commit war crimes against Kachin villagers.

June 24
Moscow's Nuclear Envoy Visits Burma

While not directly connected to the current armed conflict in Burma, this article is relevant because of the gravity of the military regime's clandestine WMD proliferation program, which Russia is assisting at a minimum with training, and also Putin's conventional arms sales to the junta starting with MIG-29s.

Burma's dictatorship recently announced that it is too poor for Nukes. This is hogwash, as the arrival of the Russian envoy demonstrates, as well as the U.S. interdiction on May 26th of a North Korean vessel heading to Burma with a cargo identified as missile components (see June 13 post below).

Also, few people have commented on the evolution of the regime's propaganda. First it said that it had no nuclear program or aspirations whatsoever. Then, after Dictator Watch and Democratic Voice of Burma provided hard evidence to the contrary, the regime changed its position, saying that while it did have a nuclear program, it was for peaceful, research purposes only. To our knowledge, no Burma analysts recognized this subtle shift. Now the story has changed again to the plea of poverty, all the while energy prices and also direct investment in Burma are soaring.

While new intelligence on the WMD program has been sparse, it is clear that the regime is moving full steam ahead with its ambition to in one way or another possess an atomic bomb.

June 24
Three Burmese soldiers killed fighting KIA in Manje

Three BA soldiers killed in clash with KIA Battalion 12 in northern Kachin State.

June 24
Burmese government, KIO continue fighting in Kachin State

Fighting still underway in a number of locations on the Kachin front.

June 24
Shan army's key bridge burnt down

Burma Army burns down Shan bridge. Two BA soldiers killed in nearby clash.

June 24
A second bomb goes off in Mandalay–fourth bomb on Friday

Bomb blasts in Burma cities. Unknown culprits. These are probably regime actions, to use for propaganda attacks on the resistance. Such unidentified blasts have been taking place for years.

June 23
War snowballs; Kachin refugees influx to China border

There are now more than 20,000 refugees from the Burma Army attacks in Kachin State. Refugee conditions are poor since the rainy season is underway. Malaria and cholera are spreading.

June 23
SHAN news release:

The Shan State Army (SSA) "North" withdrew from the Ta Pha Hsawng crossing battle in Kehsi township, some 20 miles west of its former head quarters Wanhai, yesterday after being heavily shelled, according to SSA sources. Wanhai, abandoned by its leader Maj Gen Pang Fa since the start of the campaign in March, has been strictly left alone by the Burma Army so far.

June 22
New war front opened between KIA and Burmese troops in Puta-O

Fighting begins in the far north of Burma.

June 22
Namkoi railway bridge blown up by KIA

Burma Army's main rail transport line from Myitkyina to the conflict zone is cut.

June 22
Serial mine explosions in northern Myitkyina

Details of three explosions against regime facilities in Myitkyina.

June 22
FBR REPORT: People in Karen State Face Attacks, Forced Labor, Land Confiscation and Disastrous Weather; FBR Teams Bring Relief

Overview of Burma Army humanitarian abuses, and FBR relief operations, in the different districts of Karen State.

June 22
Burma pledges to rout Indian separatists

Even with battles underway on three fronts (Kachin, Shan, Karen), the Burmese dictatorship pledges to India to open a fourth in northwest Burma.

June 22
KIA Launches Targeted Urban Attacks

Bomb attacks in Myitkyina, and on railway bridge.

June 22
18 women gang-raped in Kachin state

Eighteen confirmed rapes by Burma Army soldiers in the Kachin area; thirty suspected.

June 22
SHAN news release:

A battle has been going on since 07:00 until 20:00 yesterday at Ta Pha Hsawng crossing of Lawng river, a tributary of the Pang, between 3 townships: Kehsi, Mongyai and Hsipaw. One of the Shan State Army 27th Brigade's units was attacked by Mongao-based Infantry Battalion 33. Both sides have been taking a break since until 09:00 this morning, with reinforcements coming to each side. "It's a sort of encirclement game," said one officer, "First, they encircled us and then, we encircled them. Then they encircled us again and so on."

June 22
Burmese government preparing offensive against Karen armed groups

Likelihood of large-scale warfare on the Karen front.

June 21
Clashes increase after more Burma Army troops deployed to Shan territory

Continuing clashes near SSA Wanhai HQ.

June 21
Two die after gunman opens fire in Karen state

Attack at Burma Army checkpoint.

June 20
Kachin raped, killed by Burmese troops

Report that seven Kachin women have been raped by Burma Army troops in recent days, with four then murdered. The regime is increasing its frequency of the crime of using rape as a weapon of wear. The question is: Is this being ordered purposefully by regime commanders, as a way to terrorize the local population?

June 20
Sinbo witnesses heavy fighting between Burmese troops and KIA

Contrary to some reports, there is no lull. Heavy fighting continues on the Kachin front.

June 20
A Hydropower Dam Site in Pegu Attacked

Karen attack a dam site.

June 20
Burma deploys extra troops to Karen state

Burma Army preparing to fight Karen BGF defectors.

June 20
SHAN news releases:

Clash on June 18, three BA soldiers killed

Shan State Army (SSA)'s Brigade No.1 from Township No.9 in Mongyai ambushed a patrol of Burma Army Infantry Battalion (IB) 67, between Tangyan and Lashio motor way, Shan State North, from 13:30 to 14:00. Three Burma Army soldiers were reported dead, the SSA sources said.

Clash on June 17, one BA soldier killed

A squad of Shan State Army (SSA) from Brigade 72 led by Corporal Sai Taw was engaged in a clash with Burma Army Infantry Battalion (IB) 286, at Kungmai Nyawng, Mongnawng Township, leaving one Burma Army soldier dead and several others injured, according to SSA sources.

Three more Shan villagers killed by Burma Army soldiers

Yet more local villagers in Shan State, especially from areas where clashes between the Shan State Army and Burma Army were reported shot dead by Burma Army troops patrolling in the area. On 16 June, three villagers from Hsipaw township, one of the war zone between the SSA and Burma Army, were killed. One of them Sai Jing, 35, from Wan kung Yome, Hseng Kaew village tract, Hsipaw  was shot in the village by Burma Army from LIB#501 based in Kyaukme, according to local sources. The other villagers were Nang Htay, 13, and Nai Lu, 70, granddaughter and grandmother, from Wankang, Wanmaw village tract of Hsipaw, were similarly fired upon by Burma Army soldiers from Mongyai based Infantry Battalion (IB) 67.

June 18
KNLA attack kill 8 and wound 7 Burmese soldiers

Report of a new large clash.

June 18
Burmese Army's Southeast Command Prepares Its Troops

Burma Army preparing for war against the Mon.

June 18
Burma army shelling displaces 200 villagers

Burma Army use of heavy weapons in Three Pagodas Pass area triggers Karen IDP crisis.

June 18
Motorbike gunmen target Burma army soldiers

Unusual ambush in Karen conflict.

June 17
Seventeen Burmese soldiers killed in Sinbo

Results of clashes in Mohnyin Township.

June 17
KIA attacks Burmese troops in Dum Bung Krung

Description of KIA offensive against the Burma Army.

June 17
Burmese Army Warns Families to Relocate to the Center of Town

Update on the situation at Three Pagodas Pass.

June 17
TOP SECRET LETTER OF SPDC
(Scroll down to find it in the blog.)

Letters from SPDC generals disclose:

48 Burma Army KIA casualties.
Expecting heavy weapons and ammunition from China by the end of June.
The fighting near the Kachin State dams is for Chinese business interests.
China will also fund the conflict.
Political prisoners are to be used as porters.

June 17
Burmese government offers KIA a cease-fire; fighting continues

Fighting in Mohnyin District today results in seven Burma Army KIA casualties.

June 17
Prisoners from Insein Prison are taken to unknown location

Burma Army using prisoners to porter in conflict zones.

June 17
KIA announcement to Burmese Armed Forces personnel:

KIA announcement calling for defections from Burma Army translated into English.

June 17
Irrawaddy news release:

Burmese Troops Using Villagers as Human Shields

Burmese government troops have banned residents of two Kachin villages—Hna Lin Hpa and Ton Hon in Na Kham Township—from fleeing so that they can use the villagers as human shields, said local residents. Seng Aung, who lives in Laiza on the China-Burma border, said that some villagers want to escape the hostilities, but the government won't let them go. Some lie to the authorities, saying they are going to work on their farm, but then flee to Laiza for safety. Meanwhile, four Kachin villagers in Ma Kan Village, Na Kham Township, were arrested and tortured by government troops.

June 16
Tatmadaw shelling kills one child, injures another in Mae T'Ler village

Burma Army mortar attack kills a Karen child.

June 16
SHAN news releases:

Martial law in Bhamo

Bhamo township, Kachin State, is said to be under Martial Law after fighting between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) took place in the area on 14 June, according to local sources. A curfew is enforced after 21:00 (local time) and every shop and restaurant also has to close by 20:00. Authorities will not take responsibility for anyone outside after the curfew. Security in the town has tightened as well. Everyone crossing and passing the town is strictly checked and asked to show ID cards by Burma Army authorities. No one is allowed to pass by after 18:00 O'clock, said a source.

Four Shan villagers killed by Burma Army

On 14 June, 5 villagers from Nazawng and Hsai Leng villages, Wanpang village tract, Hsipaw Township, Shan State North, were shot while were working on a farm by an unidentified Burma army unit active in the area, leaving four dead and one injured. The victims were:
1.      Sai Lu, 34, Hsai Leng village
2.      Sai Jing, 25, Hsai Leng village
3.      Hsang Hla, 30, Hsai Leng village
4.      Hsang Mya, 30, Hsai Leng village and
5.      Sai Htun, 20, Nazawg, Mongkhurh, Hsipaw Township, wounded on his left shoulder

SSA-BA clashes result in eight Burma Army KIA casualties

On 13 June, around 21:45 local time, a squad of Shan State Army fighters from Brigade NO.74 led by Corporal Sai Kham made an attack Burma Army soldiers from Infantry Battalion (IB) 518 and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 247) based in Ho Nga, Namzeng village tract of Shan State South's Monghsu township, leaving three dead on the Burma army side and 12 wounded. Another 2 injured soldiers died on the way to receive medical treatment at Monghsu hospital. One more died as soon as he arrived at the hospital, according to local sources and SSA. The rest were said to have been brought to Loilem hospital. On the same day, a patrol of Burma Army from Shan State South's Mongnawng based Military Operations Command (MOC) #2, one of the bases that oversee the operation against the SSA, was ambushed again at Loi Zuen Mountain, south of Monghsu. One of the high ranking officers Colonel Myint Zaw, along with one private died on the spot. Three other soldiers were seriously wounded.

Clashes near SSA Wanhai HQ result in four Burma Army KIA casualties

The Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) says it is well-prepared to protect its headquarters Wanhai following the immediate reinforcement of the Burma Army troops near its HQ. Yesterday, around five battalions of Burma Army troops were deployed to areas two miles away from SSA HQ. On 13 June, four Burma Army soldiers from a Monghsu based battalion were killed and 5 wounded in a fighting took place at Loi Khio Mountain on the way to Tawoonkeng, one of the crossings of the Salween River, Shan State South. The fighting took place around 9:30 local time and lasted about half an hour between Shan State Army (SSA) Brigade No. 74, Battalion 196 and an unidentified Burma Army unit, according to SSA officers.

June 16
KIA encourages defection in Burmese Army

KIA implements long-advocated Dictator Watch recommendation, already in place by the KNU, to call upon Burma Army soldiers to defect.

June 16
Over 10,000 Kachin refugees flee to China border

Conflict's associated humanitarian impact.

June 16
KIO destroys 10 bridges and capture and arrest six

KIA systematically destroying bridges to restrict Burma Army movements.

June 16
Two Burmese Army soldiers die in bus accident

Troops from Chin State being moved to Kachin battle areas. Private buses commandeered, accident leaves two BA troops dead.

June 16
Schools in Three Pagodas Pass Closed in Fear of Attacks

In Karen area, Burma Army soldiers wearing civilian clothes to use local population as a shield.

June 15
Two former NDA-K leaders put under house-arrest in Myitkyina

Burma Army trying to prevent Kachin BGF defections.

June 15
KIA destroys two bridges in Northern Shan State

KIA destroying bridges to limit Burma Army movements, including on key trade route into China.

June 15
Chinese dam workers evacuated by Kachin Army

Map of clash locations in relation to Chinese-built dam sites.

June 15
Thousands Flee to China to Escape Kachin Conflict

Thousands of Burmese, mostly Kachin villagers, fled their homes on Tuesday to seek sanctuary in China or took shelter at the China-Burma border as the conflict in Kachin State intensified. Most were from Momauk, Bhamo, Mansi, Waingmaw and areas near Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. Many villages are now said to be "ghost towns" as troops from the Kachin Independence Army exchange hostilities with the Burmese army nearby. Some estimates put the number of Kachin refugees at up to 10,000 with an unknown number thought to be hiding out in the jungle. (Irrawaddy)

June 15
Kachin Fighting Spreads to Northern Shan State

Clashes broke out last night between Burmese troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) at two different locations in northern Shan State, where the KIA's Battalions 8 and 9 are based, according to a report by the Kachin News Group, quoting KIA officers and local sources. The two KIA battalions are under the command of the Loikang-based KIA's Brigade 4 in northern Shan State. Battalion 8 is based between Nam Hkam and Nam Hpak Ka towns while Battalion 9 is located in Dak Nai near Kutkai. (Irrawaddy)

June 15
'Government troops are carrying out a test of their strength'

Interview by Pa-O leader discussing the possibility that resistance groups who currently are not fighting the Burma Army will come to the aid of those who are.

June 14
BGF recruiting new soldier by picking votes

Karen BGF soldiers forcibly enlisting new troops.

June 14
Civil war starts after KIA's dead line on Monday

The Kachin ceasefire, dating to 1994, is over.

June 14
Nam Hpak Hka suspension bridge immobilized by Kachin armed group

The KIA destroys a bridge to prevent Burma Army troop movements and resupply.

June 14
More Burma Army troops deployed to SSA HQ

Burma Army reinforcing troops near SSA'a Wanhai HQ. New clashes result in five BA KIA casualties.

June 14
Three Pagodas Pass Under Attack

Burma Army refuses Karen demand to withdraw from its TPP base.

June 14
Karen Armed Group Burns House in Three Pagodas Pass

Karen resistance attack business of Burma Army collaborator.

June 13
'They are not working for the people'

Overview of the conflict in Burma and other issues by Karen leader.

June 13
Karen Villagers Flee Three Pagodas Pass in Anticipation of Fighting Between Karen Forces and Burmese Troops

Karen troops demand regime forces withdraw from Mae Khasa village.

June 13
US intercepted N. Korea ship over arms fears

SEOUL (AFP) – The US Navy intercepted a North Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles or other weapons to Myanmar and made it turn back, a senior US official said Monday. The comments by Gary Samore, special assistant to President Barack Obama on weapons of mass destruction, confirmed reports of the incident, which happened last month, in The New York Times and South Korean media. The New York Times said the ship was intercepted south of the Chinese city of Shanghai by a US destroyer on May 26.

June 13
Burma's obfuscation hides a nuclear secret

Overview of concerns about Burma's WMD proliferation.

June 13
Shan army loses another base

New attack against SSA by Burma Army, using heavy weapons.

June 13
Kachin armed group gives ultimatum to government to stop offensives

KIO ultimatum following two days of clashes. All out war increasingly likely.

June 13
KIA 'Loses Patience' with Burmese Govt

More information on recent clashes and likelihood of expanded conflict.

June 13
Corpse of tortured Kachin soldier returned

Burma Army torturing and killing captured resistance soldiers.

June 11
Battle between Burma Army and KIA resumes at Sang Gang

The second major battle between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army is underway.

June 11
1,000 BGF troops join forces with Karen army

Massive defections from the Karen BGF. The resistance forces are now much stronger.

June 11
Retired DKBA officers face threats, ongoing surveillance

The Burma Army is afraid of a complete collapse in the Karen BGF.

June 11
KNLA attack killed and wounded 13 Burmese soldiers

Description of a recent large clash.

June 10
Burmese Soldier Shot by Border Guard Force in Three Pagodas Pass

More tension between the Burma Army and remaining BGF troops.

June 10
KIA on High Alert after Overnight Fighting

Report on the aftermath of the KIA clash.

June 10
Fighting stops with exchange of captives

More detail on yesterday's BA-KIA clash.

June 10
Statement on the June 3 attack with chemical weapons.

The Shan State Army (SSA) North fighter who was paralyzed after a severe dose of the black smoke created by the chemical shells on 3 June recovered in about 6 hours, confirmed one of his officers from the 36th Brigade. The Burma Army employed chemical shells on the rebels at the 7th Mile Base, between Tangyan and Monghsu, after a 7 hour attack failed to dislodge them. (SHAN)

June 9
Tightened Security in Sino-Burma border

Discovery of pistols being smuggled from China.

June 9
Overnight Clash in Kachin State

First significant clash between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army.

June 9
Fighting between Kachin and Burmese troops for three hours

Detailed account of the BA-KIA clash. The Burma Army suffered at least nine casualties, including three deaths.

June 8
Dozens of Villagers Forced to Porter in Three Pagodas Pass

Villagers forced to porter by the Burma Army, with some used as human mine sweepers.

June 8
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for the period May 3-29.

June 8
Fears mount over chemical weapons use

Description of the June 3rd clash where the Burma Army reportedly used chemical weapons against the Shan State Army. Ten BA soldiers died in the battle.

June 8
3 villagers shot by Burma Army soldiers

Soldiers from a Burma Army camp in southern Shan State where a new regional command is being installed opened fire on three local villagers, a father and two sons, after they identified themselves. The father, Sai Ti, was killed, and his sons are now in a local hospital.

June 7
Tight security checks underway at Naypyitaw and Rangoon railway stations

Bomb explosion on May 18th on a train between Mandalay and Naypyitaw, and increase in regime security.

June 7
Being honest about using CW

History of Burma Army use of chemical weapons.

June 7
The BGF Jigsaw Puzzle

Overview of ethnic ceasefire groups, from the Kachin in the north to the Karen and Mon in the south, that have refused to transform to BGF.

June 6
Situation Unstable After Bomb Blast in Three Pagodas Pass

Bomb attack against BA military intelligence office.

June 5
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Uses Forced Portering and Relocates Villagers in Western Karen State

Photo essay of Burma Army soldiers forcing Karen villagers to porter.

June 4
Forcible porterage in some parts of Chin state

Villagers being forced by the Burma Army to carry ammunition in rural Chin State. A precursor of expanded conflict?

June 3
Karen BGF Troops Begin Returning to the DKBA

Update on situation with the Karen BGF.

June 3
SSA clash statement - Burma Army using chemical weapons.

The Shan State Army's strategic base in Tangyan township, 7 miles south of Mong Gao, attacked from 05:30 up to the time of this reporting. The Burma Army attackers are using chemical weapons, which on explosion, cause dizziness and nausea, claim the defenders. (SHAN) The SSA withdrew at noon, according to Col Perng Fa, Head of SSA liaison team - Editor

June 2
Cash starved DKBA extorts money from drivers

DKBA Brigade 5 short of funds.

MAY

May 31
SSA clash statement.

Col Sai Htoo, Assistant Secretary General #2, Shan State Progress Party, the political arm of the embattled Shan State Army "North" says the group has fought more than 60 clashes since 13 March against the attacking Burma Army, inflicting some 300 casualties while suffering about 10 on its side. "Burmese soldiers at the front send both verbal and written messages to us not to kill them, as they have wives and children and want to return to them" he adds. (SHAN)

May 31
FBR REPORT: Burma Army Attacks and Forced Labor in Western Burma

Descriptions of clashes in Western Burma between the Burma Army and the Arakan Liberation Army and the Chin National Army.

May 31
Mass revolt blurs Karen loyalty

Report that entire BGF Unit 1012 (500 soldiers) is refusing Burma Army demands.

May 31
The Shan Sniper

The Shan State Army-South's sniper team, an example of a special operations unit, which have been formed by other resistance groups in Burma as well.

May 31
Ten Villagers Forced to Porter for LIB No. 563

Forced portering for the Burma Army in the Three Pagoda Pass area.

May 30
Villagers Flee Fighting in Mae Thasa Village

Impact of a clash by DKBA Brigade 5 troops against Burma Army soldiers, and an overview of the situation in Three Pagodas Pass.

May 30
Two battalions of Burmese reinforcements deployed near KIA position

Burma Army reinforcing positions near KIA Battalion 9 in northern Shan State.

May 30
Gunfire puts Kachin truce on tenterhooks

Clash between KIA and Burma Army near the town of Mansi.

May 30
Burmese government troops use civilians as human shields: KNU

The Burma Army's continuing war crime of using local villagers, including women, as mine sweepers, human shields, and forced laborers.

May 27
First gunfire in N. Burma after KIA deadline

First shots fired between the Burma Army and the KIA, following the BA's refusal to withdraw from its outposts near KIA positions.

May 26
Statement on the Use of Karen Civilians for Forced Labor and as Human Shield by Burma Army

Documentation of war crimes: 2,051 villagers forced to labor for the Burma Army and 1,220 villagers forces to act as human shields and human minesweepers. Also reports the murders of seven villagers by Burma Army troops.

May 25
Aung San Suu Kyi condemns sexual violence by Burmese army

Burma's pro-democracy leader condemns the Burma Army's continuing war crime of committing sexual violence against ethnic minority women.

May 24
All KIA troops in Northern Burma on alert

Kachin Independence Army troops are placed on alert due to the possibility of clashes with the Burma Army.

May 23
SSA 'South', SSA 'North' declare 'We are one'

Shan State Army-North combines with Shan State Army-South to create a unified Shan State Army.

May 19
Militia men from battlefields deserting

Seventy-eight soldiers in militias loyal to the Burma Army have defected since March to the Shan resistance forces. Dozens of Burma Army soldiers have defected as well.

May 19
Bomb Blast in Myawaddy

A bomb blast at the Myawaddy post office, across the river from the Thai town of Mae Sot.

May 18
Karen State Conflict Intensifies

Overview of the conflict in Karen State.

May 16
Junta army employs more militias against Shan rebels

Due to high casualties, the Burma Army is forcing local militias to join its fight against the Shan State Army-North.

May 14
Armed Group Seizes the Telecommunications Office in Mudon, Killing a police officer and injuring another

Attack on the Mudon telecommunications office.

May 13
Conflict worsening Karen food crisis

Nearly 9,000 villagers face food shortages due to Burma Army operations.

May 12
Civilian shot, killed by Burmese troops

Burma Army soldiers murder Karenni man.

May 12
Wa fighters shot by Burma Army, killing one

Five UWSA soldiers attacked by the Burma Army.

May 12
Karen hospital hit by artillery fire

Joint operation of the DKBA and KNLA against the Burma Army, in which stray shells hit a nearby hospital. Other recent clashes are mentioned as well.

May 11
Burma Army officers killed in Shan ambush

Thirteen BA soldiers, including seven officers, killed in an ambush by the SSA-South.

May 4
Karen State Refugees Flee Latest Clash

500 villagers flee Burma Army-KNLA clashes.

APRIL

April 25-30
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 30
Burmese mortar shell falls in KIA area

The Burma Army shells the territory of KIA Battalion 14; claims it was a mistake.

April 17-27
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 27
7 villages in Shan East burnt down by Burma Army soldiers

Continuing human rights violations in Shan State.

April 26
Border force defects, attacks Burma unit

Twenty-nine troops of BGF 1012 defect and join the resistance.

April 25
Fighting erupts between government's troops and breakaway DKBA

Fighting between the Burma Army and DKBA soldiers who refused to join the BGF.

April 25
Three Reportedly Killed in Internal BGF Clash

Conflict between former DKBA soldiers in Border Guard Force unit 1012, who did not want to join the BGF, and other BGF soldiers who did. Also describes desertions to KNLA from BGF 1016, and attack on Burma Army LIB 212 by DKBA Brigade 5 (which refused to join the BGF).

April 25
Seven Civilians Kidnapped by Mon Armed Group

Timber workers kidnapping by Rehmonnya Hong Sar, released after paying ransom.

April 22
Burma Army pursuing 4 cut aims in former ceasefire territories

Renewal of the Burma Army's scorched earth 4-cut campaign in northern Shan State. First used against the Kachin in the 1960s, and then the Karen in the 1980s, an earlier 4-cut campaign in Shan State in 1996-1998 displaced over 300,000 people in 1,500 villages.

April 22
Junta army has women porters lead the way in war zone

Burma Army forces women in Shan State to porter, threatens them with rape. Also mentions an ambush by the SSA-S on April 12th that killed five BA soldiers and another clash the same day that killed three BA soldiers.

April 21
Villager beaten nearly to death by soldiers in Buthidaung

A villager was beaten by Burma Army soldiers in Arakan State after seeking repayment of a loan from another villager who collaborates with local regime officials.

April 11-20
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 20
Burmese government decides to go to war against KIO

Sources in Naypyitaw say that the new Burmese government has decided to go to war with the Kachin Independence Organization.

April 20
Burma Army soldiers fleeing from battlefields in Shan state

Ten BA soldiers defect in southern Shan State. At least ten more were reported killed in a clash with the SSA-S on April 16-17.

April 4-13
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 13
Burma military developing a secret weapon in north

Report that the Burma Army is developing chemical weapons at a secret site at Mabein in southern Shan State.

April 12
Human Rights Abuses Reported in Shan State Clashes

Description and map of Burma Army clashes with Shan State Army-North from March 13 through April 6, and associated human rights abuses by the BA.

April 4-9
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 9
Wa broke through cordon "with Shan help"

UWSA soldiers escape from Burma Army encirclement.

April 2-7
KNLA Situation Report

Significant clashes involving the KNLA for this period.

April 6
Chinese army waiting on other side

The Chinese Army is building a new camp across the border from northern Shan State.

April 6
Shan rebels on offensive defense

SSA-North attacks Burma Army.

April 1
Burma Army close all boat routes to Shan army areas

The Burma Army closes all river routes to the territory of the Shan State Army-North.