Myanmar’s military has deployed hundreds of troops to areas earmarked for the Russia-backed Dawei Special Economic Zone in the south, according to resistance fighters and a local activist.
The operation has reportedly involved the burning of homes and villages as the military attempts to regain control of territory needed for the long-delayed project.
The Dawei Special Economic Zone includes plans for a deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea.
Myanmar’s military-backed government sees the development as a potential trade route between Southeast Asia and South and West Asia, offering an alternative to the Strait of Malacca.
Since July, hundreds of troops have been deployed across the Tanintharyi Region near the Thai border, triggering clashes with local resistance groups.
Saw Dah Ko of the Tanintharyi Region People’s Defence Force said military forces had advanced into the area and carried out clearance operations.
“The military is advancing its columns and conducting area-clearance operations. Some villages and homes have been burned down,” Ko said.
Another resistance fighter alleged that troops had burned homes in at least three villages and killed three aid workers supporting displaced communities.
The claims could not be independently verified. Myanmar’s government and Russia’s embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Conflict monitor ACLED said in an August report that about 700 soldiers had advanced into surrounding areas, while resistance sources reported air and naval support for the military offensive.
The campaign followed a visit to southern Myanmar by armed forces deputy chief Kyaw Swar Lin, who urged troops to protect strategic projects, including Dawei.
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Russia Supports Dawei Revival
The Dawei project was launched in 2008 as a joint venture with Thailand but stalled because of local opposition and funding problems.
Myanmar is now seeking to revive the development with Russian backing. The project has gained renewed attention following recent meetings between military leader-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing and Russian officials.
At a business forum in Moscow, Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister Zaw Naing Oo said the proposed port could reduce cargo transit times compared with routes through the Strait of Malacca.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russian companies were interested in working with the project to expand trade and create jobs.
Reuters
