Daily Briefing in Relation to the Military Coup

Date – 18 May 2026

Since the 1 February 2021 coup, a total of (8,045) people, including pro-democracy activists and civilians, have been killed by the junta and pro-military groups during the Spring Revolution.

A total of (30,996) people have been arrested by the junta for opposing their arbitrary seizure of power. Of those arrested, (14,229) are confirmed to still be in detention, while (7,874) remain to be verified.

These are the numbers verified by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The actual numbers are likely much higher. We will continue to update accordingly.

In May 2026, the junta’s airstrikes and armed violence continued to cause civilian deaths and injury in parts of Burma. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has confirmed that around (60) civilians have been killed in airstrikes, heavy weaponry attacks, and other attacks carried out by junta forces since early May and during recent weeks.

On May 11, two bombs were dropped on a monastery in Me Taw Village, Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region. A man was killed when one of the bombs exploded on a building where monks eat. In addition, on May 12, an airstrike killed an internally displaced woman in Me Baw Khee Village, Hpa-An Township, Kayin State. Similarly, on May 17, junta forces who were stationed on a strategic hill conducted a drone strike in Lone Hkin Village, Hpakant Township, Kachin State, killing three women, including a 72-year-old woman. The junta has continued to target civilian buildings and religious sites and carry out mass arrests. According to reports from the ground, a nunnery within the grounds of a historic Catholic church in Demoso Township, Kayah State, was burned down on May 13.