CRISIS24
18 Dec 2023
Armed clashes disrupting air and ground transport in northern and western Myanmar, as of Dec. 18. Border closures, curfews reported.
Significant ground, air transport, and land border transit disruptions continue as armed clashes in northern and western Myanmar persist, as of Dec. 18. The disruptions started after the military commenced ground and air operations in response to coordinated attacks by a coalition of anti-regime militant groups Oct. 27. The attacks primarily targeted military installations, military-controlled villages, security checkpoints, and major interstate highways. Lashio Airport (LSH), Loikaw Airport (LIW), and Kalaymyo Airport (KMV) remain closed indefinitely; it is unclear when normal operations will resume. Militants have reportedly occupied over 180 junta military bases and closed at least four official border crossings with China, with curfews active in Sittwe, Rakhine State, and multiple areas of northern Shan State. The conflict has displaced around 660,000 people. Further clashes are likely across northern Shan, Kayin, Kayah, Mon, Chin, and Rakhine states, and Mandalay, upper Sagaing, and Magway regions, including near border checkpoints with China, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh over the coming weeks.