Myanmar security forces arrest 39 suspected rebel allies News
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Myanmar security forces arrest 39 suspected rebel allies

The Myanmar military junta arrested 39 individuals on Wednesday. All 39 are suspected allies of an ethnic minority rebel group in Kayah State, from whom they are suspected of seeking military training. The individuals are also suspected to be responsible for several explosions and arson attacks in the Yankin village.

The junta first raided the house of Khin Nyein Thu and several other individuals. Along with the arrest, 48 handmade mines, 20 bars of mild gunpowder, 20 detonators and 10 feet of soft TNT ignite rope were confiscated, suspected to be explosives used in the recent clashes in Yangon. According to the testimony provided by the group, there is still one individual at large who is sought by the country’s authorities.

Through testimony from the individuals, the junta are able to follow through another lead and raided the house of Paing Thant along with other individuals. Gunpowder and other explosives are located at his house too. Among the suspects is Khan Si Thu, who is suspected of a handmade mine explosion at Wa Ha Ha phone and accessories shop in South Okkalapa Township.

The individuals are charged under Burmese law for committing destructive acts to deteriorate the state tranquility. The spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rupert Colville, stated that the Myanmar junta has shown no signs to consolidate power and tamper its human rights violations and killings. He said that “[i]t is clear that there needs to be greater international involvement to prevent the human rights situation in Myanmar from deteriorating further.”

According to statistics of the Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group, as of May 13, Myanmar security forces have killed 783 people since the coup and more than 3,800 people are in detention.