International conflict monitoring organization the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) pointed out that despite increased diplomatic engagement between regional countries and the Myanmar government in recent times, military actions against civilians by the Myanmar military have clearly escalated since the new administration took office. In the first half of this year, more than 450 civilians have lost their lives in large-scale massacre incidents.
According to a Reuters report, ACLED released its latest report on Monday, stating that since the Myanmar military government reorganized its command structure in March this year, the military has continued to intensify its crackdown on civilians and has frequently launched airstrikes.
The report said that the new Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, Ye Win Oo, has adjusted operational strategies, often dispatching formations of two to five fighter jets to bombard single targets continuously, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in conflict areas.
Data shows that in the first half of this year, more than ten large-scale massacres occurred in Myanmar, resulting in over 450 civilian deaths, with around 40% occurring in the Anya region of central Myanmar.
Three local residents told Reuters that in May of this year, hundreds of military government soldiers entered parts of Myit Chay township, which lies across the river from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bagan. Sweeping operations led to at least 40 civilian deaths.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, Min Aung Hlaing, stepped down in March this year after 15 years in charge, with trusted confidant and former intelligence chief Ye Win Oo taking over. Min Aung Hlaing was then elected President by a wide margin in the Federal Parliament on April 3 and was sworn in for a five-year presidential term on April 10.
ACLED noted that after Min Aung Hlaing transitioned from military leader to civilian president, the military is further consolidating its control nationwide, with civilian security risks showing no sign of reduction.
As of now, the Myanmar government has not yet responded to the contents of the report.
As Myanmar’s political transition unfolds, Min Aung Hlaing has recently visited India and China in succession and is actively restoring ties with ASEAN countries. Having been barred from attending ASEAN leaders' summits since the 2021 coup, Min Aung Hlaing is expected to officially visit Thailand from August 6 to 7 to further seek regional support and enhance the legitimacy of his regime.
ACLED is an internationally renowned nonprofit conflict monitoring organization that has long tracked developments in Myanmar through media reports, local partners, as well as data from the United Nations and human rights organizations.