Monthly Conflict Update — September 2023

Key Events

• On September 22, SAC forces massacred 27 individuals, including local defense members and villagers, in Sagaing's Myoung and Myeng Mu Townships, with reports of extreme mutilation.
• The Military Council underwent a major internal purge, dismissing Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun and Lieutenant General Soe Thut from key leadership positions following corruption allegations.
• The United Wa State Army (UWSA) deported 1,207 Chinese nationals involved in online fraud from the 'Wa' region back to China in early September.
• Fighting escalated significantly in Northern Shan State between the military and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and in Kachin State around the KIA headquarters in Laiza.
• Russia and the Myanmar Military Council co-chaired a five-day counter-terrorism exercise in late September, involving several ASEAN member states despite international sanctions.