Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, seized power in a 1 February coup headed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Since then, the regime has killed 738 people, according to figures kept by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Unrest in Shan state is on the rise, with at least 10 police officers reportedly killed last week in an attack by ethnic armies opposed to the military regime. Human rights activists say they are gravely concerned for the safety of about 6,000 people camped near the Thai border after fleeing violence, if an assault by the military on its opponents goes ahead.
“There’s no fighting yet but the tension is growing high,” Shan Human Rights Foundation spokesperson Sai Hor Hseng told Guardian Australia.