11th-12th August, 2021

 

The battle for the seat in the United Nations has intensified as the 75th UN General Assembly approaches. A group of young people launched an online campaign called #AcceptNUG_RejectMilitary, urging netizens to change their Facebook profile picture to show support for the NUG. The campaign has grown to more than two million participants in three days. According to a leaked letter on social media, police in Yangon have been instructed to compile a list of those who changed their Facebook profiles. There is a speculation that those involved in the campaign will be charged under the anti-terrorism act as the NUG has been designated as terrorist organization by the junta.

According to the junta’s directive issued on 11 August, all pending cases filed before 2 February will be closed due to the Covid outbreak. The letter added that victims or survivors' families could file a lawsuit by September 30 if they do not wish to close the case. Mizzima reported that 38 political prisoners who took part in the 8 August protest inside Mandalay's Obo Prison have been put into isolation.

A one-month-old baby was shot dead by the junta troops and Pyusawhti on 12 August in Myingyan, Mandalay Region, Khit Thit reported. The Myingyan-based guerrilla group MG6 announced that it would retaliate for the incident. On the same day, two military vehicles were attacked by local PDF in Yinmarpin Township, Sagaing Region, killing more than 20 troops, a local told Khit Thit. 

The local currency depreciated to its worst value in 10 years, reaching 1,720 kyat to one US dollar on 12 August, according to Myanmar Now. It has depreciated by about 29 percent since the military coup. Mizzima reported that the junta had apologized to the Chinese military for artillery shells landing into the Chinese territory during the clashes with the MNDAA near Kuy-kok (Pansai).

The United States envoy to the UN Linda Thomas held meeting with Dr. Cynthia Maung, leader of the Covid-19 Task Force (CTF) formed by the NUG, on August 12. The United States has announced that it will provide $50 million to Myanmar for Covid prevention and humanitarian assistance.