Myanmar Roundup: Conflict, summer olympics, craven killing

Exodus to Thailand continues after fall of key Myanmar border town

People cross the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge as a stream of people, some of them fearing air strikes, queued at a border crossing to flee Myanmar early on Friday, a day after the strategically vital town of Myawaddy adjoining Thailand fell to anti-junta resistance that has been growing in strength, in Mae Sot, Tak province, Thailand, April 12, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Source: REUTERS

Fighting escalates in Myanmar

Escalating fighting in Rakhine has put Myanmar's Rohingya community at risk, forcing tens of thousands to flee towards Bangladesh. The Arakan Army (AA) is targeting Rohingya, causing civilians to be caught in the middle. According to The Straits Times, the conflict has left over 350,000 people displaced, with limited access to basic services and closed hospitals. The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous, with the AA warning of more battles.

Craven killing

A new art exhibition in Bangkok explores the civilian experience of air strikes in Myanmar. The Asia Times indicated that the State Administration Council regime's use of air power has intensified, resulting in a rise in civilian casualties and the destruction of buildings. The resistance is using civilian drone units to combat the regime's increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibition aims to raise awareness and commemorate those affected by the air strikes.

Fighting leaves dozens hurt

Fighting in northern Myanmar has trapped 40 people and wounded dozens, with the Kachin Independence Army capturing junta camps and towns. According to Radio Free Asia, Twenty-six civilians were injured and about 40 were trapped in the latest fighting. Limited telecommunications are hampering relief efforts. Seven residents were killed and 22 wounded in fighting last week.

Summer Olympics

Twenty-five swimmers from Myanmar competed for spots in the 2024 Summer Olympics at the National Swimming Pool in Yangon. The contest, organized by the Myanmar Swimming Federation, included 12 male and 13 female athletes in eight swimming events. One male and one female athlete were chosen to represent Myanmar at the Paris 2024 Olympics, pending approval from the Olympic scrutinising committee, reports media agency The Star.

Chinese-backed dam in Myanmar

Myanmar's junta has revived plans for a $3.6 billion Chinese-backed dam in the north of the country, suspended over a decade ago due to public opposition. The project to build a 6,000-megawatt dam in northern Kachin state ended in 2011, but the junta has now announced a new "leading group" for the hydropower project. News of Bahrain added that critics fear the dam would cause environmental damage and primarily benefit China.

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