Asia and the Pacific

Situation Report
Myanmar — Feature
Screenshot 2023-12-12 224642

Myanmar: Intensification Of Clashes, Flash Update No. 4

Highlights

  • A new front of fighting between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) in northern Shan since late October, has now expanded to the Northwest, Southeast, and Rakhine with increasing urban areas now affected by intense fighting and aerial bombardment.

  • As of 14 November, more than 200,000 people across these states and regions have been forcibly displaced due to the fighting. Many have also moved towards the border with China in northern Shan.

  • The temporarily ceasefire between the MAF and the Arakan Army in Rakhine since November 2022 is no longer holding, with clashes resuming on 13 November in Rathedaung township.

  • Active conflict is also being seen in Loikaw town in Kayah including aerial bombardment in urban areas causing civilian casualties.

  • A halt in clashes and provision of unimpeded humanitarian access by all parties are critical to safeguarding the lives and well-being of civilians and aid workers who are delivering life-saving services to people in need.

  • Key transportation routes in townships with active fighting have been blocked both by the MAF and EAOs, further restricting people’s movements to safer locations as well as humanitarian access.

  • Martial Law has been imposed on additional townships in multiple states.

  • Disruption in telecommunication services outside Lashio township remains in place with reports of limited services in townships in the Northwest and Southeast where fighting is taking place. Lashio and Loikaw airports remain closed.

  • Despite insecurity, access and telecommunication challenges, provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues in northern Shan to the extent possible. Humanitarian partners in the Northwest, Southeast and Rakhine are assessing new needs to respond accordingly. Various preparedness measures, including the pre-positioning of stocks, are ongoing.

  • While the US$1 million from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund is being disbursed to local actors to support those responding to emerging needs in northern Shan, needs in the Northwest, Southeast and Rakhine are increasing by the day and require immediate response. Urgent additional donor support is critical given the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan is severely underfunded with only 28 per cent of requirements received this year.

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