Monthly ReportMay 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023
Monthly Conflict Update — May 2023
Civilian Impact
Non-Child Civilians Killed80
Children Killed21
Civilians Arrested672
Houses Burned3,068
Villages Burned38
Military
Military Clashes123
SAC Soldiers Killed825
PDF Fighters Killed43
Other
People affected by Cyclone Mocha3,400,000
IDPs in Rakhine State200,000
May 2023 was marked by the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha alongside intensified conflict in Sagaing and Mandalay, while China increased diplomatic engagement with both the SAC and former military leaders.
Key Events
- On May 14, Cyclone Mocha struck Rakhine State and Northwest Myanmar with 120 km/h winds, affecting 3.4 million people and damaging 85% of residential buildings in refugee camps.
- On May 7, an ASEAN humanitarian aid convoy carrying Singaporean and Indonesian diplomats was fired upon in Hsihseng Township, Southern Shan State.
- The Karen National Union (KNU) held its 17th Congress to elect new leadership, amid internal disputes and allegations regarding illegal business activities in the Shwe Kokko border area.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Nay Pyi Taw for high-level meetings with the Military Council and former generals Than Shwe and Thein Sein to discuss regional stability.
- In Nyaung Pin Tha village, Bago Region, military council soldiers reportedly tortured and killed 20 villagers during a period of escalating local conflict.
Regions Affected
SagaingMandalayMagwayKarenChin
Note on statistics: The figures and events presented are drawn from published accounts in local media, reports and research by our network. Figures are cross-checked from local sources wherever possible, however due to challenges of reporting in conflict zones, discrepancies may result. In general, our team of researchers believe actual numbers are likely higher than we report.
Full Report
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