23rd-24th August, 2021

There were a number of arrests in Yangon and massive troops movement and reinforcement near KNU-controlled areas in Karen and Mon states on 23 and 24 August. About 30 arrests were made in many townships including Sanchaung, Ahlone and Thaketa, in the last two days, locals told RFA. These arrests and reinforcements happened shortly after the NUG’s Defense Minister U Ye Mon said that the PDFs with the leadership of ethnic armed groups (EAOs) will launch attack on two fronts. 

According to KIC Media, clashes between the KNLA's 6th Brigade and the joint force of the junta troops and the Border Guard Force (BGF) began on 23 August near Kawkareik town. A KNU Brigade 1 colonel told Salween Press that the junta’s deputy commander-in-chief had arrived in Thaton, Mon State, to direct the operation. Before arriving in Thaton, he went to Hpa-an, Karen State, on August 19 and met with the troop’s family members. There are also rumours that major offensive operations will be carried out against KNU brigade 5, 6 and 7 to prevent the KNU and the PDF seizing Myawaddy, a trading town on the Myanmar-Thailand border. 

On 24 August, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Central Committee issued a five-point statement in Kachin language amid military tensions in Kachin and Karen States. The statement said that the KIO was "deeply saddened" by the plight of the Covid-19 pandemic and hoped that it would avoid war through dialogue. Colonel Naw Bu, the KIO/KIA spokesperson, told RFA that they want to avoid war and find a genuine solution by consulting with all relevant organizations.

AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha told DMG on 24 August that the junta was expanding its presence in some parts of Rakhine State and that the Arakan Army (AA) was closely monitoring the situation. There are fears that fighting could resume as troops are reportedly expanding to counter the AA's growing influence in Rakhine State.

Netizens reported that the junta troops are using loudspeaker trucks for their propaganda in big cities, warning the public not to associate with the NUG or PDF, the NUG and PDF are terrorist groups, and Covid-19 is being used as a biological weapon by the NUG. Civilian members of the SAC at a military council meeting in Naypyidaw demanded the coup leader that informants be rewarded for reporting on NUG and CRPH, According to the Burma Associated Press.

Since 23 August, the PDF-Tamu has carried out multiple ambushes on military and police outposts in Tamu, Sagaing Region, killing about 17 members of the junta, a PDF-Tamu official told Mizzima. Khit Thit also reported that a landmine attack by local PDF forces in Gangaw Township, Magway Region, damaged some military vehicles and killed at least 20 troops.

RFA reported that economic hardships and joblessness led to people trying to sell their kidneys. According to the report, about 20 people from various areas, including Yangon, Magway, Ayeyarwaddy, and Nay Pyi Taw, posted their information on social media.