Myanmar Conflict
- Bong Burgundy
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Hun Sen — Cambodia’s acting head of state — has offered to negotiate with General Min Aung Hlaing — the head of Myanmar’s junta, which has suffered a series of battlefield defeats at the hands of the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF).
The offer to meet via video conference was delivered after Hun Sen met with Kyaw Soe Min, Myanmar's ambassador to Cambodia in Phnom Penh on April 8, shortly after the Karen National Union (KNU) captured the key town of Myawaddy.
Myawaddy straddles the Thai border with Mae Sot and its fall to the EAOs-PDF was the latest in a series of unprecedented victories over the junta in a five-month dry season offensive.
Hlaing and Hun Sen would meet “to engage in discussions and idea exchange aimed at resolving the crisis in Myanmar,” government mouthpiece Fresh News said. The pair first met in early 2022 when Hun Sen was prime minister and chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The official Agence Khmer Presse (AKP) added that Hun Sen was prepared to hold talks “at any appropriate time before or after the Sankranta,” Khmer new year, which falls next weekend.
According to a Reuters dispatch, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that now is a good time to open talks with the military as the regime that seized power in a 2021 coup is weakening.
“Maybe it's time to reach out"
“The current regime is starting to lose some strength,” Srettha said in an interview on the Thai resort island of Samui, adding, "but even if they are losing, they have the power, they have the weapons.”
“Maybe it's time to reach out and make a deal,” he said.
No mention was made of the 20-odd EAOs, like the KNU, or the PDF, the armed wing of the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) which has isolated the Myanmar military around the Yangon to Naypyidaw corridor.
They also share a dislike of Hun Sen who emerged from his last meeting with Hlaing as a ‘god brother’ to the general but would be politically embarrassed by the junta when it executed four pro-democracy activists ahead of an ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh in mid-2022.
Hun Sen was also forced to apologize in November of that year after the junta failed to release the Australian economist Sean Turnell, who was charged with spying, as expected.
“Hlaing and Hun Sen are two of a kind, they’re both dictators and we don’t want to have anything to do with either of them,” a PDF soldier told UCA News. “ASEAN has not done anything to help us although Western nations keep saying they should.”
Of the 10 members of the ASEAN only Indonesia and Singapore were acceptable given their previous efforts to negotiate peace, he said.
Meanwhile, 438 civil society organizations have urged the New Zealand government to back down and not include the official representatives from Myanmar's junta at two ASEAN meetings being held on April 18-19 in Wellington.
https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodias- ... ing/104720
The offer to meet via video conference was delivered after Hun Sen met with Kyaw Soe Min, Myanmar's ambassador to Cambodia in Phnom Penh on April 8, shortly after the Karen National Union (KNU) captured the key town of Myawaddy.
Myawaddy straddles the Thai border with Mae Sot and its fall to the EAOs-PDF was the latest in a series of unprecedented victories over the junta in a five-month dry season offensive.
Hlaing and Hun Sen would meet “to engage in discussions and idea exchange aimed at resolving the crisis in Myanmar,” government mouthpiece Fresh News said. The pair first met in early 2022 when Hun Sen was prime minister and chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The official Agence Khmer Presse (AKP) added that Hun Sen was prepared to hold talks “at any appropriate time before or after the Sankranta,” Khmer new year, which falls next weekend.
According to a Reuters dispatch, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that now is a good time to open talks with the military as the regime that seized power in a 2021 coup is weakening.
“Maybe it's time to reach out"
“The current regime is starting to lose some strength,” Srettha said in an interview on the Thai resort island of Samui, adding, "but even if they are losing, they have the power, they have the weapons.”
“Maybe it's time to reach out and make a deal,” he said.
No mention was made of the 20-odd EAOs, like the KNU, or the PDF, the armed wing of the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) which has isolated the Myanmar military around the Yangon to Naypyidaw corridor.
They also share a dislike of Hun Sen who emerged from his last meeting with Hlaing as a ‘god brother’ to the general but would be politically embarrassed by the junta when it executed four pro-democracy activists ahead of an ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh in mid-2022.
Hun Sen was also forced to apologize in November of that year after the junta failed to release the Australian economist Sean Turnell, who was charged with spying, as expected.
“Hlaing and Hun Sen are two of a kind, they’re both dictators and we don’t want to have anything to do with either of them,” a PDF soldier told UCA News. “ASEAN has not done anything to help us although Western nations keep saying they should.”
Of the 10 members of the ASEAN only Indonesia and Singapore were acceptable given their previous efforts to negotiate peace, he said.
Meanwhile, 438 civil society organizations have urged the New Zealand government to back down and not include the official representatives from Myanmar's junta at two ASEAN meetings being held on April 18-19 in Wellington.
https://www.ucanews.com/news/cambodias- ... ing/104720
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Bringing the news. You stay classy, nas, Cambodia.
- Prahok
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The Tatmadaw are reportedly making a last stand in Myawadday, with the bridge to Mae Sot and most of the town already fallen to KNLA/PDF.
A large Tatmadaw convoy left Thaton and was seen passing Hpa-An, most likely on its way to relieve Tatmadaw forces in Myawaddy, though it is uncertain if there will be any forces to relieve even if they fight their way through the KNLA lines at Kawkareik.
There is footage of ex-soviet infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armoured personnel carriers passing Hpa-An. Though it is all rather light armour, it is unclear what the KNLA/PDF have to respond, though they do have a lot of RPGs. The KNLA captured artillery in one of the bases and if they have people who can use it then it could ge rather ugly for the convoy.
I've seen reports of two tanks, though this may be people getting confused with the IFVs.
A large Tatmadaw convoy left Thaton and was seen passing Hpa-An, most likely on its way to relieve Tatmadaw forces in Myawaddy, though it is uncertain if there will be any forces to relieve even if they fight their way through the KNLA lines at Kawkareik.
There is footage of ex-soviet infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armoured personnel carriers passing Hpa-An. Though it is all rather light armour, it is unclear what the KNLA/PDF have to respond, though they do have a lot of RPGs. The KNLA captured artillery in one of the bases and if they have people who can use it then it could ge rather ugly for the convoy.
I've seen reports of two tanks, though this may be people getting confused with the IFVs.
- spitthedog
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I spent alot of time in Mae Sot and a fair bit in Myanmar.
I'm hearing they are now bombing the temples and churches ffs.
That's going to go down well in the most Buddhist country in the world.
I'd say they are getting desperate.
Burmese soldiers are paid poorly.
I'm hearing they are now bombing the temples and churches ffs.
That's going to go down well in the most Buddhist country in the world.
I'd say they are getting desperate.
Burmese soldiers are paid poorly.
Only in thought is man a God; in action and desire we are the slaves of circumstance.
- Phuket2006
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Myanmar War Refugees Race Across ‘Friendship Bridge’ to Safety in Thailand
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/my ... iland.html
How long can the junta hold out?
More than 1,000 civilians from Karen State’s Myawaddy town walked across the 420-meter Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to Mae Sot – and safety in Thailand – on Tuesday and Wednesday.
They fled as the battle for control of Myawaddy town, on the Myanmar side of the Moi River, entered its second day and bombs continued to rain down from junta jets.
Staff at a Myanmar human rights organization that has been exiled to Mae Sot estimate that the town has absorbed about 30,000 refugees from Myanmar since the Feb. 1, 2021 coup.
The number of new refugees began rising after the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and allied troops from the People’s Defense Force (PDF) began driving junta troops out of Myawaddy Township last week.
On Tuesday afternoon, KNLA and PDF troops attacked the headquarters of the last remaining battalion in the township, Infantry Battalion 275.
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/my ... iland.html
How long can the junta hold out?
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
- Prahok
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In Myawaddy? It appears the remnants of Light Infantry Battalion 275 collapsed early this morning. Still awaiting a formal announcement from the KNLA. Apparently some members of LIB 275 are at Friendship Bridge #2 trying to cross to Thailand, which I assume means there are pockets of them about the place. Plenty of Thai soldiers in Mae Sot at the moment.
I've no idea where the Tatmadaw relief column is; not Myawaddy.
- Phuket2006
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i meant in Burma BUT
seems they have lost Myawaddy>
seems they have lost Myawaddy>
Myanmar revolutionary groups seized control of Myawaddy early this morning while junta troops were regrouping for a counterattack led by General Soe Win, the junta's second-in-command, according to Thai news reports.
The Karen National Union and their allies have not yet officially announced this development.
The Thai Army and Air Force have increased patrols along the border since yesterday, and the government is prepared to accommodate at least another 100,000 refugees if necessary.
The Mae Sot-Myawaddy border checkpoint remains open and operational despite the recent takeover of Myawaddy by revolutionary groups.
Approximately 200 Myanmar junta soldiers, who withdrew from the 275th barracks located 5 km outside of town, are currently concealed in a nearby forest. Hundreds of additional Myanmar junta troops and tanks are en route to Myawaddy to reinforce the retreating soldiers, who are anticipated to engage with the revolutionary groups.
These developments have resulted in increased numbers of children and elderly individuals crossing into Thailand.
The Rachamanu Special Task Force has confirmed that the revolutionary groups have seized control of Myanmar military's 275th barracks, prompting around 200 soldiers to retreat from the area.
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
- Prahok
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The loss of Myawaddy is biting hard. It appears the Junta has set their sights on recapturing Myawaddy (for various reasons, other major towns lost by the Junta are more difficult to recover and have less PR value).
Oddly, the Junta has reportedly named the campaign 'Operation Aung Zeya', a reference to a Burmese King who had success fighting Siam.
Not terribly diplomatic.
Oddly, the Junta has reportedly named the campaign 'Operation Aung Zeya', a reference to a Burmese King who had success fighting Siam.
Not terribly diplomatic.
- spitthedog
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The proud Thais might not get involved just across the border then...
Only in thought is man a God; in action and desire we are the slaves of circumstance.
It's probably a silly question but why are the Bengalis not launching a speciali military operation of their own? It seems like it'd be popular domestically and with the rest of the Islamic world. They'd have a massive reserve of angry Rohingyas and international jihadists to draw on for manpower.
- Prahok
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Bengalis or Bangladeshis?Harold wrote: ↑Thu Apr 18, 2024 7:39 amIt's probably a silly question but why are the Bengalis not launching a speciali military operation of their own? It seems like it'd be popular domestically and with the rest of the Islamic world. They'd have a massive reserve of angry Rohingyas and international jihadists to draw on for manpower.
If you are referring to Bangladesh, they expressed no interest I am aware of regarding territorial expansion. I do not believe getting involved militarily in Myanmar would be popular in the slightest. They've had problems with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army with killings inside Bangladesh and have arrested leaders; not mates by any stretch.
If you are referring to Bengalis, the Rohingya are more closely related (at least linguistically) to the Chittagonians. Hence Rohingya armed organisations such as the RSO & ARSA find more support in the far South of Bangladesh than in the general Bengali populace (a third of whom are Hindu).
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I'm referring to Bangladeshis but I would guess that the Rohingya issue would anger most Bengalis as their Rohingya brothers are being targeted because of their race. Although I haven't given the matter much thought I do think it would be difficult to pull off an invasion. They would need to move through Indian territory and the Indians wouldn't grant them access.
How do you think drones will change the conflict?
How do you think drones will change the conflict?
- Prahok
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Bangladesh have a border with Myanamar, though I believe the land border is entirely controlled by the Arakan Army (there may be one or two Tatmadaw border posts hanging on but they'd be isolated and largely inconsequential).Harold wrote: ↑Thu Apr 18, 2024 11:42 amI'm referring to Bangladeshis but I would guess that the Rohingya issue would anger most Bengalis as their Rohingya brothers are being targeted because of their race. Although I haven't given the matter much thought I do think it would be difficult to pull off an invasion. They would need to move through Indian territory and the Indians wouldn't grant them access.
How do you think drones will change the conflict?
Drones are having a big impact, primarily as they provide anti-Junta factions with air power and reconnaissance previously denied. This is particularly problematic for the Tatmadaw who have a heavier reliance upon static defended positions supported by road-bound logistics. The Tatmadaw have also been using drones to good effect, however as they already had air superiority this hasn't resulted in as big an upgrade in capability.
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- Phuket2006
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Bangladesh wont get involved as for now it is an Internal conflict>
If the UN had any teeth it would get involved But.....
Drones are huge in Burma now for fighting against the Junta
from recent BBC
funny but as i said before, the junta does not grant citizenship to Rohingyas YET they are conscripting them into their army
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68730994
If the UN had any teeth it would get involved But.....
Drones are huge in Burma now for fighting against the Junta
from recent BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68823500"....Other young men with technological experience are being used in the drone squads, helping to construct, adapt and pilot the drones which are playing an increasingly important role in the war, dropping small explosives with pinpoint accuracy to undermine the morale of the soldiers.
"I miss my leg," said the 27-year-old former PDF fighter, speaking in a Mae Sot back street.
He is a former IT technician who joined the resistance after the coup, but lost his right leg when he stepped on a landmine.
"It was the right thing to do."
His advice to those draft dodgers who want to contribute to the struggle is to think about their skills: "Joining a strike team and fighting is not the most important thing. We need technical people for our drone squads, and we need people to go overseas and do fund-raising."
funny but as i said before, the junta does not grant citizenship to Rohingyas YET they are conscripting them into their army
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68730994
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"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
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