The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed "deep" concern over the intensifying civil conflict in Burma. Burma, an ASEAN member country, has been mired in violent civil conflict since the 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi, with no peaceful outcome in sight.
Fighting has intensified in recent months after a series of attacks by ethnic minority groups and anti-junta fighters in several regions. Last week, the junta withdrew from the strategic town of Myawaddy, after days of fighting in which the sounds of explosions and artillery could be heard on the Thai side. The kingdom has warned that it will not accept any "violation" of its territory, while preparing for a possible influx of refugees. The military power has suffered several major setbacks, notably in border areas of China and Thailand, which places it in a position of weakness unprecedented since the putsch, according to analysts. The bloc of ten countries has called on all parties to immediately cease violence and exercise maximum restraint, respect international humanitarian law.