Spring Revolution – Mizzima Daily Notes

23 August 2026

Domestic Conflict, Airstrikes and Displacement

In Myaung Township, Sagaing Region, the Myanmar military carried out an airstrike on a meditation centre and the village of Swe Le O on the morning of 21 August, an Uposatha day. The attack killed 14 people — 11 men and three women — and injured 26 others. Residents from around seven villages, including Swe Le O, Hlay Tin Oo, Kutoe Kone, Phwar Saw and Let Yet Ma, have been displaced. On 19 August, an airstrike on Hlay Tin Oo village also killed two people, including the owner of a Starlink internet shop.

In Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region, a Y-12 aircraft providing security for a Myanmar military flotilla travelling upstream along the Ayeyarwady River carried out two bombing and strafing attacks on Kan Phyu village on the morning of 22 August. One civilian was killed and three others were seriously injured, while residents of villages along the river have fled their homes.

Flood Crisis and Urgent Humanitarian Needs

In Ngathaingchaung, Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region, flooding caused by a breach in the embankment along the Ngawun River has persisted for at least two weeks. Water levels began rising again on the evening of 21 August, forcing displaced residents to relocate once again from monasteries and higher ground where they had temporarily taken shelter. Tarpaulins, bamboo, drinking water, food and medicines are urgently needed.

Flooding resulting from the Ngawun River embankment breach has affected a wide area, including Lemyethna, Yegyi, Kyonpyaw and Hinthada, for around three weeks. Hundreds of thousands of people have reportedly been affected, at least five people have died, and tens of thousands of acres of monsoon paddy fields have been inundated and damaged.

NUG and Domestic Political Developments

The National Unity Government (NUG) announced on the night of 21 August that it had dissolved the Ministry of Human Rights. The decision was submitted to and approved by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH). The NUG described the move as an initial step toward establishing independent human rights mechanisms that would make its work more effective and robust.

The Milk Tea Yangon group carried out a “Don’t Forget Yangon” campaign by distributing 100 small envelopes containing 1,000-kyat and 5,000-kyat banknotes bearing anti-military dictatorship messages at various locations across Yangon to raise public awareness.

Min Aung Hlaing’s Overseas Trip and Diplomatic Developments

Following his visit to Belarus, Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing travelled from Minsk to Kyzyl International Airport in Russia’s Tuva Republic, arriving on the evening of 22 August local time.

Justice For Myanmar (JFM) called on 21 August for sanctions against cronies linked to Myanmar and Russia who, according to the group, are profiting through arms and business relationships connected to the Myanmar military’s alleged war crimes.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Washington’s allegation that US citizen Min Zin had been arbitrarily detained, saying the case was being handled in accordance with the law.

Border, Migration and Myanmar Nationals Abroad

Twenty-six ethnic Karen people detained in Thailand for illegal stay were transferred to KNU Brigade 4 through the Phu Nam Ron border crossing on 19 August, after Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other organizations called on Thailand not to return them to the Myanmar military authorities.

Experts say Thailand–Myanmar bilateral trade could potentially reach US$12 billion, but issues including the Myanmar military authorities’ import licensing system, foreign-exchange shortages and migrant labour challenges would need to be addressed.

Myanmar citizens under the age of 35 who hold a master’s degree can apply for Swiss government PhD and Research Fellowship scholarships, with applications due by 24 November according to the Swiss Embassy in Yangon.

Regional and International Developments

More than 1.13 million people registered within three days for Thailand’s “TH-AI Passport” initiative, which allows Thai citizens aged 15 and above to use more than 30 AI models free of charge for one year. Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society said personal data would be stored domestically in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

On Kinmen Island, located only around two miles from the Chinese city of Xiamen, tensions remain evident between China’s promotion of its “One Country, Two Systems” formula and Taiwan’s military preparations.

Taipei tied for third place in Time Out magazine’s 2026 ranking of the world’s best cities for street food, while Ho Chi Minh City ranked first.

France, Germany and the European Union strongly criticized the sentencing of Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung, an organizer of commemorations marking the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.

Modern outfits incorporating traditional Thai handwoven textiles under the SIRIVANNAVARI brand have been unveiled for the Nagoya Asian Games. Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, new seasons of major European football leagues, including the Premier League, are underway.

Fraud, Crime and Humanitarian Concerns

Three suspects have reportedly been arrested over an online fraud case involving Star Event Production’s John Lwin, in which 115 million kyat was allegedly stolen.

The Department of Urban and Housing Development has warned of scams claiming to offer apartments at the Kyansit Min and Yuzana housing projects, advising the public to communicate only through its designated official telephone number.

An air-conditioning service worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing 17 air-conditioning units from Mandalay General Hospital over an extended period.

According to an OCHA report, 27 humanitarian aid workers were detained in Myanmar during July. Of four humanitarian workers detained in Tanintharyi, three reportedly died.