For a week, 21-year-old student Phoe Thar has been out by dawn to gather oxygen cylinders from the homes of coronavirus sufferers in&nbsp;Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.

He and fellow volunteers line the tanks up outside charities for filling and returning, trying to save lives in a country whose health system has largely collapsed since a Feb. 1 coup and which now faces its worst surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-covid-rages-in-myanmar-army-hoards-oxygen-doctors-say-398574">As COVID rages in Myanmar, army hoards oxygen, doctors say</a>

Funded by donors on social media, Phoe Thar and his team are part of a growing grassroots effort that bypasses the authorities and echoes the way&nbsp;Myanmar's people responded to crises during previous decades of army rule.

"Since the number of people who need oxygen tanks is massive, it's a huge challenge for us," Phoe Thar told Reuters by phone from Mandalay.

Health ministry figures showed deaths from COVID-19 stood at 231 on Sunday from a record 233 on Saturday, but medics and funeral services say the real toll is much higher, and crematoriums are overloaded.

The total official death toll has risen 50 per cent already this month to 5,000 with the spread of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> that has also surged elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/health-volunteers-provide-hope-to-covid-infected-myanmar-amid-another-outbreak-397441">Health volunteers provide hope to Covid-infected Myanmar amid another outbreak</a>

Reuters was unable to reach the health ministry or a junta spokesman for comment on the outbreak and public response.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appealed for volunteers and for national cooperation at a meeting on the coronavirus emergency in comments broadcast on state television on Sunday.

"Some people do not dare to volunteer because of intimidation. Some people want to join but they have different reasons and difficulties," he said. "As I said before, I welcome them. Cooperation is required."

The state-run Global New Light of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;newspaper said producing more oxygen was a priority. The junta's critics say lives have been lost because of restrictions it has imposed on some private oxygen suppliers in the name of stopping hoarding.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-covid-19-outbreak-hits-health-system-shattered-after-coup-388299">Myanmar COVID-19 outbreak hits health system shattered after coup</a>

A health system that was already among the region's weakest foundered after the coup as many health workers joined a Civil Disobdedience Movement to oppose the junta. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a>, testing and prevention measures all stalled.

'The hospitals can't do anything'

One underground doctor who recently volunteered help on social media said he was inundated with hundreds of requests. When he made house calls he found almost all the sick had coronavirus symptoms and most had low oxygen levels.

"The situation is severe," said the doctor, who works under the name Pa Gyi. "The hospitals can't do anything for them... I can't just sit and watch as the patients are getting helpless."

He contrasted the situation with that during two previous waves of the coronavirus that were largely brought under control by the government of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now deposed and on trial on an array of charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/desperate-search-for-oxygen-in-myanmar-as-latest-covid-19-wave-hits-398122">Desperate search for oxygen in Myanmar as latest COVID-19 wave hits</a>

uu Kyi's government had the advantage of volunteers who manned quarantine and testing centres and helped to take some of the weight at public hospitals.

But far fewer are coming forward to help a military government that still faces daily protests against its seizure of power after alleging fraud in an election landslide by Suu Kyi's party last year.

Most of the volunteers in Mandalay from the first and second waves of coronavirus infections had disappeared, said Phoe Thar.

Instead, groups like his are organising by themselves, resembling the way&nbsp;Myanmar's people often helped each other during disasters in the past - notably after a limited response by a previous junta to the devastating Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

Groups of friends in the main city, Yangon, told Reuters they were clubbing together to try to import oxygen cylinders from neighbouring Thailand.

Residents of the town of Kawlin in the western Sagaing Region are trying to raise at least $30,000 to import their own oxygen generator from China.

"Now we are suffering the third wave of COVID. We don't know how many more waves there we will be," one of the organisers told Reuters by phone, declining to be named for fear of reprisals. "We now have to act as though we don't have any government."

For a week, 21-year-old student Phoe Thar has been out by dawn to gather oxygen cylinders from the homes of coronavirus sufferers in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay.

For a week, 21-year-old student Phoe Thar has been out by dawn to gather oxygen cylinders from the homes of coronavirus sufferers in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay. He and fellow volunteers line the tanks up outside charities for filling and returning, trying to save lives in a country whose health system has largely collapsed since a Feb. 1 coup and which now faces its worst surge of COVID-19 infections. Also read | As COVID rages in Myanmar, army hoards oxygen, doctors say Funded by donors on social media, Phoe Thar and his team are part of a growing grassroots effort that bypasses the authorities and echoes the way Myanmar's people responded to crises during previous decades of army rule. "Since the number of people who need oxygen tanks is massive, it's a huge challenge for us," Phoe Thar told Reuters by phone from Mandalay. Health ministry figures showed deaths from COVID-19 stood at 231 on Sunday from a record 233 on Saturday, but medics and funeral services say the real toll is much higher, and crematoriums are overloaded. The total official death toll has risen 50 per cent already this month to 5,000 with the spread of the Delta variant that has also surged elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Also read | Health volunteers provide hope to Covid-infected Myanmar amid another outbreak Reuters was unable to reach the health ministry or a junta spokesman for comment on the outbreak and public response. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing appealed for volunteers and for national cooperation at a meeting on the coronavirus emergency in comments broadcast on state television on Sunday. "Some people do not dare to volunteer because of intimidation. Some people want to join but they have different reasons and difficulties," he said. "As I said before, I welcome them. Cooperation is required." The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said producing more oxygen was a priority. The junta's critics say lives have been lost because of restrictions it has imposed on some private oxygen suppliers in the name of stopping hoarding. Also read | Myanmar COVID-19 outbreak hits health system shattered after coup A health system that was already among the region's weakest foundered after the coup as many health workers joined a Civil Disobdedience Movement to oppose the junta. COVID-19 vaccination, testing and prevention measures all stalled. 'The hospitals can't do anything' One underground doctor who recently volunteered help on social media said he was inundated with hundreds of requests. When he made house calls he found almost all the sick had coronavirus symptoms and most had low oxygen levels. "The situation is severe," said the doctor, who works under the name Pa Gyi. "The hospitals can't do anything for them... I can't just sit and watch as the patients are getting helpless." He contrasted the situation with that during two previous waves of the coronavirus that were largely brought under control by the government of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now deposed and on trial on an array of charges. Also read | Desperate search for oxygen in Myanmar as latest COVID-19 wave hits uu Kyi's government had the advantage of volunteers who manned quarantine and testing centres and helped to take some of the weight at public hospitals. But far fewer are coming forward to help a military government that still faces daily protests against its seizure of power after alleging fraud in an election landslide by Suu Kyi's party last year. Most of the volunteers in Mandalay from the first and second waves of coronavirus infections had disappeared, said Phoe Thar. Instead, groups like his are organising by themselves, resembling the way Myanmar's people often helped each other during disasters in the past - notably after a limited response by a previous junta to the devastating Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Groups of friends in the main city, Yangon, told Reuters they were clubbing together to try to import oxygen cylinders from neighbouring Thailand. Residents of the town of Kawlin in the western Sagaing Region are trying to raise at least $30,000 to import their own oxygen generator from China. "Now we are suffering the third wave of COVID. We don't know how many more waves there we will be," one of the organisers told Reuters by phone, declining to be named for fear of reprisals. "We now have to act as though we don't have any government."

COVID-19 response runs underground in junta-ruled Myanmar

The military junta in Myanmar has slapped the deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi with four more corruption charges. The new cases could see Suu Kyi tied up in legal proceedings in three different cities and jailed for more than a decade.

Myanmar: Detained leader Suu Kyi hit by 4 new charges in Mandalay court

Ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi lawyers said that she asked the people of Myanmar to stay 'united' in the face of military rule. Watch this report to know more.

Lawyer: Ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi asks Myanmar people to stay 'United'

Myanmar's multi-billion-dollar jade mines risk becoming a "slush fund" for military repression, Global Witness said Tuesday, urging consumers to boycott purchasing any jade and gemstones from the coup-wracked nation.

The country has been in turmoil since the military toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 880 killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar is one of the world's biggest sources of jadeite and the industry is largely driven by insatiable demand for the translucent green gem from neighbouring China.

The mines in northern Kachin state are mired in secrecy, but help finance both sides of a decades-long civil war between armed ethnic groups and the military.

With the military taking control of licensing, the industry now risks "becoming a slush fund and source of patronage" for the junta as it looks to secure its grip on power, international watchdog Global Witness said in a report released Tuesday.

"The grip of the military on the jade sector is so strong that it would be nearly impossible to purchase jade without providing money to the generals and their allies," said Keel Dietz, the NGO's Myanmar Policy Advisor.

The group called for sanctions to ban the import of all jade and gemstones mined in the country and for companies and consumers to "avoid purchasing any jade and gems sourced from Myanmar".

Very little of the profits end up in state coffers, with most high-quality jade smuggled over the border into China.

Before the coup, 70 to 90 per cent of all jade mined in Hpakant in Kachin state was smuggled over the border "without ever entering the formal system in Myanmar", Global Witness said.

"China, as the main driver of demand for jade, also has a key role to play in addressing its role in corruption and conflict linked to the trade."

The coup has also triggered an "explosion" in fighting in Kachin state between the Kachin Independence Army, which has waged a decades-long insurgency, and the Myanmar military, Global Witness added.

In May, the military launched airstrikes against the group, which later told AFP it had downed a helicopter gunship during fierce clashes in the country's far north.

The coup has also effectively extinguished any chance of reform to the dangerous and unregulated industry started by Suu Kyi's government, Global Witness said.

Thousands of illegal workers travel to Kachin state each year to buy their way into the vast open-cast mines after diggers from state-sanctioned companies leave.

They end up exploited by mafia operations that benefit kingpins and various armed groups, analysts say.

Landslides and accidents in the over-excavated hills are common, especially during Myanmar's severe monsoon season.

Last year, one landslide claimed the lives of nearly 300 miners.

"As the people of Myanmar risk their lives to stand up to the military regime, the priority for the international community right now should be bringing an end to the coup and helping ensure a democratic and legitimate government is returned to power," Dietz said.

"A crucial part of this is cutting off the financial flows to the military through targeted sanctions on their economic interests, including the jade sector." 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's multi-billion-dollar jade mines risk becoming a "slush fund" for military repression, Global Witness said Tuesday, urging consumers to boycott purchasing any jade and gemstones from the coup-wracked nation.

Myanmar's multi-billion-dollar jade mines risk becoming a "slush fund" for military repression, Global Witness said Tuesday, urging consumers to boycott purchasing any jade and gemstones from the coup-wracked nation. The country has been in turmoil since the military toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 880 killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a local monitoring group. Myanmar is one of the world's biggest sources of jadeite and the industry is largely driven by insatiable demand for the translucent green gem from neighbouring China. The mines in northern Kachin state are mired in secrecy, but help finance both sides of a decades-long civil war between armed ethnic groups and the military. With the military taking control of licensing, the industry now risks "becoming a slush fund and source of patronage" for the junta as it looks to secure its grip on power, international watchdog Global Witness said in a report released Tuesday. "The grip of the military on the jade sector is so strong that it would be nearly impossible to purchase jade without providing money to the generals and their allies," said Keel Dietz, the NGO's Myanmar Policy Advisor. The group called for sanctions to ban the import of all jade and gemstones mined in the country and for companies and consumers to "avoid purchasing any jade and gems sourced from Myanmar". Very little of the profits end up in state coffers, with most high-quality jade smuggled over the border into China. Before the coup, 70 to 90 per cent of all jade mined in Hpakant in Kachin state was smuggled over the border "without ever entering the formal system in Myanmar", Global Witness said. "China, as the main driver of demand for jade, also has a key role to play in addressing its role in corruption and conflict linked to the trade." The coup has also triggered an "explosion" in fighting in Kachin state between the Kachin Independence Army, which has waged a decades-long insurgency, and the Myanmar military, Global Witness added. In May, the military launched airstrikes against the group, which later told AFP it had downed a helicopter gunship during fierce clashes in the country's far north. The coup has also effectively extinguished any chance of reform to the dangerous and unregulated industry started by Suu Kyi's government, Global Witness said. Thousands of illegal workers travel to Kachin state each year to buy their way into the vast open-cast mines after diggers from state-sanctioned companies leave. They end up exploited by mafia operations that benefit kingpins and various armed groups, analysts say. Landslides and accidents in the over-excavated hills are common, especially during Myanmar's severe monsoon season. Last year, one landslide claimed the lives of nearly 300 miners. "As the people of Myanmar risk their lives to stand up to the military regime, the priority for the international community right now should be bringing an end to the coup and helping ensure a democratic and legitimate government is returned to power," Dietz said. "A crucial part of this is cutting off the financial flows to the military through targeted sanctions on their economic interests, including the jade sector."

Myanmar jade industry becoming 'slush fund' for military: Report

Four protesters and at least two officers were killed as Myanmar soldiers battled an anti-junta civilian militia with small arms and grenades in the country's second city Tuesday, authorities and military sources said.

Fighting has flared across Myanmar since the February coup as people form "defence forces" to battle a brutal military crackdown on dissent, but clashes have largely been restricted to rural areas.

Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided a house in Mandalay's Chan Mya Tharsi township on Tuesday morning, the junta's information team said in a statement, and were met with small arms fire and grenades.

Two officers were killed during the raid, military sources told AFP, and at least ten were wounded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-back-in-junta-court-on-sedition-charges-393182" hreflang="en">Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges</a>

Four "terrorists" were killed and eight arrested in possession of homemade mines, hand grenades and small arms, a junta spokesman said in a statement.

"We could hear artillery shooting even though our house is far from that place," a Mandalay resident told AFP.

Another four members of the self-defence group were killed when the car they were attempting to flee in crashed, the spokesman said, without providing details.

The United States' embassy in Yangon said on Twitter it was "tracking reports of ongoing fighting in Mandalay... We are disturbed by the military escalation and urgently call for a cessation of violence."

The mass uprising against the military putsch that toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi has been met with a brutal crackdown that has killed more than 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

As well as the rise of local self-defence forces, analysts believe hundreds of anti-coup protesters from Myanmar's towns and cities have trekked into insurgent-held areas to receive military training.

But part-time fighters know the odds are stacked against them in any confrontation with Myanmar's military -- one of Southeast Asia's most battle-hardened and brutal.

Four protesters and at least two officers were killed as Myanmar soldiers battled an anti-junta civilian militia with small arms and grenades in the country's second city Tuesday, authorities and military sources said.

Four protesters and at least two officers were killed as Myanmar soldiers battled an anti-junta civilian militia with small arms and grenades in the country's second city Tuesday, authorities and military sources said. Fighting has flared across Myanmar since the February coup as people form "defence forces" to battle a brutal military crackdown on dissent, but clashes have largely been restricted to rural areas. Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided a house in Mandalay's Chan Mya Tharsi township on Tuesday morning, the junta's information team said in a statement, and were met with small arms fire and grenades. Two officers were killed during the raid, military sources told AFP, and at least ten were wounded. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges Four "terrorists" were killed and eight arrested in possession of homemade mines, hand grenades and small arms, a junta spokesman said in a statement. "We could hear artillery shooting even though our house is far from that place," a Mandalay resident told AFP. Another four members of the self-defence group were killed when the car they were attempting to flee in crashed, the spokesman said, without providing details. The United States' embassy in Yangon said on Twitter it was "tracking reports of ongoing fighting in Mandalay... We are disturbed by the military escalation and urgently call for a cessation of violence." The mass uprising against the military putsch that toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi has been met with a brutal crackdown that has killed more than 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group. As well as the rise of local self-defence forces, analysts believe hundreds of anti-coup protesters from Myanmar's towns and cities have trekked into insurgent-held areas to receive military training. But part-time fighters know the odds are stacked against them in any confrontation with Myanmar's military -- one of Southeast Asia's most battle-hardened and brutal.

Six killed in clashes between Myanmar Army and anti-junta militia

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in a junta court again Tuesday on trial for sedition and for flouting Covid restrictions during an election her ousted party won in a landslide.

A mass uprising in Myanmar against a February military putsch has been met with a brutal crackdown that has killed more than 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/britain-tightens-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-junta-393022" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/britain-tightens-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-junta-393022&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSpvLFv6vxAhWv8HMBHZFOBu4QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1x90Y4NPWo_cQgHLsfrGmz" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/britain-tightens-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-junta-393022" target="_blank">Britain tightens sanctions on Myanmar military junta</a>

Under house arrest and invisible bar a handful of court appearances, Suu Kyi has been hit with an eclectic raft of charges, including accepting illegal payments of gold and violating a colonial-era secrecy law.

On Tuesday, the court heard testimony she violated COVID-19 restrictions during elections last year that her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won in a landslide, her lawyer The Maung Maung told reporters.

The special court in Naypyidaw also heard testimony on separate sedition charges.

Journalists were barred from the proceedings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-wear-flowers-to-mark-suu-kyis-birthday-392735" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-wear-flowers-to-mark-suu-kyis-birthday-392735&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiSpvLFv6vxAhWv8HMBHZFOBu4QFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3S3ljmhuMW9aHxPr3YeHAs" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-wear-flowers-to-mark-suu-kyis-birthday-392735" target="_blank">Myanmar protesters wear flowers to mark&nbsp;Suu Kyi's&nbsp;birthday</a>

Su Kyi appeared in good health, The Maung Maung said.

Brief meetings with her legal team have been the only channel to the outside world for Suu Kyi -- who remains widely popular in Myanmar -- since she was detained in February.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll and has threatened to dissolve the NLD.

Suu Kyi's lawyers have said they expect the trial to wrap up by July 26.

The other charges against her include claims that she accepted illegal payments of gold and violated a colonial-era secrecy law.

The hearing came as soldiers battled an anti-junta civilian militia with small arms and grenades in the city of Mandalay on Tuesday, with at least four protesters and two security personnel killed, authorities said.

Fighting has flared across Myanmar since the February coup as people form "defence forces" to battle a brutal military crackdown on dissent, but previous clashes have largely been restricted to rural areas.

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in a junta court again Tuesday on trial for sedition and for flouting Covid restrictions during an election her ousted party won in a landslide.

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in a junta court again Tuesday on trial for sedition and for flouting Covid restrictions during an election her ousted party won in a landslide. A mass uprising in Myanmar against a February military putsch has been met with a brutal crackdown that has killed more than 870 civilians, according to a local monitoring group. Also read | Britain tightens sanctions on Myanmar military junta Under house arrest and invisible bar a handful of court appearances, Suu Kyi has been hit with an eclectic raft of charges, including accepting illegal payments of gold and violating a colonial-era secrecy law. On Tuesday, the court heard testimony she violated COVID-19 restrictions during elections last year that her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won in a landslide, her lawyer The Maung Maung told reporters. The special court in Naypyidaw also heard testimony on separate sedition charges. Journalists were barred from the proceedings. Also read | Myanmar protesters wear flowers to mark Suu Kyi's birthday Su Kyi appeared in good health, The Maung Maung said. Brief meetings with her legal team have been the only channel to the outside world for Suu Kyi -- who remains widely popular in Myanmar -- since she was detained in February. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll and has threatened to dissolve the NLD. Suu Kyi's lawyers have said they expect the trial to wrap up by July 26. The other charges against her include claims that she accepted illegal payments of gold and violated a colonial-era secrecy law. The hearing came as soldiers battled an anti-junta civilian militia with small arms and grenades in the city of Mandalay on Tuesday, with at least four protesters and two security personnel killed, authorities said. Fighting has flared across Myanmar since the February coup as people form "defence forces" to battle a brutal military crackdown on dissent, but previous clashes have largely been restricted to rural areas.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi back in junta court on sedition charges

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions."&nbsp;The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-calls-for-halt-of-weapons-to-myanmar-392513">United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar</a>

The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence"&nbsp;since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar."

The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested."

The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,'&nbsp;Belarus,&nbsp;a major arms supplier to Myanmar,&nbsp;voting 'no'&nbsp;and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-un-arms-ban-resolution-on-myanmar-as-haste-course-of-action-392551">India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action'</a>

Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes'&nbsp;and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.'

The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar.

"Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements,"&nbsp;it said.

"?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted,"&nbsp;said the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyis-trial-set-to-start-in-myanmar-junta-rejects-un-rights-chiefs-statement-391331">Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement</a>

The more powerful UN&nbsp;Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint&nbsp;and "on all sides to refrain from violence."

But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power. Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions." The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president. Also read | United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence" since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar." The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested." The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,' Belarus, a major arms supplier to Myanmar, voting 'no' and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia. Also read | India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action' Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes' and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.' The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar. "Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements," it said. "?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted," said the statement. Also read | Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement The more powerful UN Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint and "on all sides to refrain from violence." But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar rejects UN resolution urging arms embargo

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country.

Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible.

Mass protests against the February 1 coup have been met with a brutal military crackdown and violence has flared in several communities across Myanmar as civilians form "self-defence" forces to oppose the junta.

Junta troops came to the village&nbsp;on Tuesday hunting for members of a local self-defence force, one resident, a 48-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP.

"As people ran, they (the military) shot the village with a rocket launcher. And then we saw the fire coming out from the village," he said.

"We thought they wouldn't destroy anything so we ran without taking any properties and left everything at home."

"There were 250 houses in the village, now there are only about 20 left," another villager told AFP, adding an elderly couple who were unable to flee had been killed in the fire.

"My house was also burned down to ashes... only the tin pole is left," he said.

Images published by local media showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky and the charred remains of buildings.&nbsp;

Local media also said an elderly couple had died in the fire.&nbsp;

According to junta authorities, the blaze started after "40 armed terrorists" torched the house of a local member of a pro-military party. &nbsp;

"Because of wind, the fire spread to nearby houses and about 70 percent of the village was burnt," the junta's media team said in a statement.

The military has sought to quell mass anti-coup protests with bloody crackdowns that have killed more than 850 civilians, according to a local monitoring group.

This has prompted civilians in some townships to form "defence forces", while some of Myanmar's ethnic rebel armies have stepped up offensives against the military.&nbsp;

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country. Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible.

Myanmar's junta and villagers traded accusations Wednesday after a settlement was razed almost entirely to the ground in the centre of the coup-wracked country. Villagers of Kin Ma in central Magway region told AFP junta forces were to blame for its near-destruction, while the military said "terrorists" and windy weather were responsible. Mass protests against the February 1 coup have been met with a brutal military crackdown and violence has flared in several communities across Myanmar as civilians form "self-defence" forces to oppose the junta. Junta troops came to the village on Tuesday hunting for members of a local self-defence force, one resident, a 48-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP. "As people ran, they (the military) shot the village with a rocket launcher. And then we saw the fire coming out from the village," he said. "We thought they wouldn't destroy anything so we ran without taking any properties and left everything at home." "There were 250 houses in the village, now there are only about 20 left," another villager told AFP, adding an elderly couple who were unable to flee had been killed in the fire. "My house was also burned down to ashes... only the tin pole is left," he said. Images published by local media showed plumes of smoke rising into the sky and the charred remains of buildings. Local media also said an elderly couple had died in the fire. According to junta authorities, the blaze started after "40 armed terrorists" torched the house of a local member of a pro-military party. "Because of wind, the fire spread to nearby houses and about 70 percent of the village was burnt," the junta's media team said in a statement. The military has sought to quell mass anti-coup protests with bloody crackdowns that have killed more than 850 civilians, according to a local monitoring group. This has prompted civilians in some townships to form "defence forces", while some of Myanmar's ethnic rebel armies have stepped up offensives against the military. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Myanmar junta and villagers trade accusations after houses razed

More than four months after the military coup in Myanmar, the first testimony in the trial of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be heard in junta court on Monday. Even in detention, Suu Kyi is facing multiple graft charges against her.

Myanmar Junta to hear first testimony of deposed leader Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi has been accused of accepting illegal payments in gold and more than half a million dollars in cash.

Myanmar coup: Junta hits Suu Kyi with new corruption charges

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-rapporteur-warns-of-mass-deaths-from-starvation-in-myanmar-390360">UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar</a>

Bachelet, whose requests to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked.

"There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-hit-with-fresh-corruption-charges-390507">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges</a>

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since a February&nbsp;1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias.

A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented.

The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asean-envoys-meet-myanmar-junta-leader-to-press-for-dialogue-389555">ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue</a>

Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule.

Two ASEAN envoys visited&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out.

"The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-defends-response-to-crisis-amid-southeast-asian-criticism-390094">Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism</a>

"The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account."

She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm.

Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture.

According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/regional-envoys-urged-myanmar-junta-to-free-prisoners-follow-agreement-389887">Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement</a>

At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP.

The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on Friday of intensifying violence in Myanmar and condemned the army's "outrageous" use of heavy weapons while urging a wider diplomatic effort to pressure the ruling generals. Michelle Bachelet said the junta had shown no willingness to implement a five-point consensus it agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in April to halt violence and start a dialogue with its opponents. Also read | UN rapporteur warns of 'mass deaths' from starvation in Myanmar Bachelet, whose requests to visit Myanmar in April were denied, said there were credible reports that in Kayah State, civilians were being used as human shields and the army was shelling homes and churches, which had forced more than 108,000 people to flee, with little food, water or sanitation, and humanitarian access was blocked. "There appear to be no efforts towards de-escalation but rather a build-up of troops in key areas, contrary to the commitments the military made to ASEAN to cease the violence," Bachelet said in a statement. Also read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi hit with fresh corruption charges Myanmar has been in turmoil since a February 1 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, unleashing daily protests and strikes that have paralysed the economy, and fighting in borderlands between the armed forces and ethnic minority guerrilla forces and militias. A junta spokesman did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. The Southeast Asian mediation effort has made little progress, with ASEAN's foreign ministers, China and Japan among several countries this week stressing the importance of the peace plan being implemented. The United Nations, Western countries and China all back the ASEAN effort, but the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, has paid little heed to that and instead touted the progress of its own five-step plan towards a new election. Also read | ASEAN envoys meet Myanmar junta leader to press for dialogue Bachelet encouraged the intensification of diplomacy, including from influential states, and said dialogue was urgently needed with all political stakeholders, including a shadow government made up of opponents of military rule. Two ASEAN envoys visited Myanmar last week and met top junta officials, including military chief Min Aung Hlaing, a trip that was criticised by pro-democracy groups, who say they are being shut out. "The international community needs to unify in its demand that the Tatmadaw cease the outrageous use of heavy artillery against civilians and civilian objects," Bachelet said. Also read | Myanmar junta defends response to crisis amid Southeast Asian criticism "The military leadership is singularly responsible for this crisis, and must be held to account." She also said newly formed civilian forces, known as People's Defence Forces, and other armed groups, must take all measures to keep civilians away from harm. Bachelet also said she was deeply troubled by detentions and reports or torture. According to the Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group, 5,965 people been arrested since the coup. Of those, 4,804 remain in prison, interrogation centres, and under house arrest. Also read | Regional envoys urged Myanmar junta to free prisoners, follow agreement At least 860 people have been killed, 22 of those from torture during detention, the AAPP. The junta has branded its opponents' terrorists and outlawed many organisations, including the AAPP.

UN rights commissioner warns of escalating Myanmar violence

The top lawyer for Myanmar`s deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, voiced concern on Friday that she had no legal representative listed in the case against her brought by the military junta for breaking the Official Secrets Act. 
 
Khing Maung Zaw said the Supreme Court had announced cases to be heard on June 23 against Suu Kyi and four others, including her Australian economic adviser, Sean Turnell, but had listed all of them as representing themselves. 
 
"We have concerns that they won`t have any legal representatives and there won`t be any transparency with hearing," Khin Maung Zaw told Reuters. 
 
"Normally, they should contact the defendants and need to give the opportunity to the defendants to contact their lawyers before they announce the case." 
 
Reuters was unable to reach the Supreme Court or a junta spokesman for comment. 
 
The secrets charges are the most serious ones facing Suu Kyi, 75, and could mean a 14-year jail sentence. She appeared in court for the first time since the coup this month on lesser charges, which include breaking COVID-19 protocols. 
 
No explanation has been given for taking the secrets case directly to the Supreme Court, whose verdict cannot be appealed. 
 
The army overthrew Suu Kyi on February&nbsp;1, cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that resulted from a long campaign for democracy that made her a national heroine and won her the Nobel peace prize. 
 
The army accused Suu Kyi`s party of fraud in its massive victory in a November 2020 election, accusations dismissed by monitors and the then electoral commission. 
 
Suu Kyi is among more than 4,500 people who have been detained since the coup, which has plunged Myanmar into chaos - with daily protests, paralysing strikes and a resurgence of ethnic conflicts.

The top lawyer for Myanmar`s deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, voiced concern on Friday that she had no legal representative listed in the case against her brought by the military junta for breaking the Official Secrets Act.

The top lawyer for Myanmar`s deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, voiced concern on Friday that she had no legal representative listed in the case against her brought by the military junta for breaking the Official Secrets Act. Khing Maung Zaw said the Supreme Court had announced cases to be heard on June 23 against Suu Kyi and four others, including her Australian economic adviser, Sean Turnell, but had listed all of them as representing themselves. "We have concerns that they won`t have any legal representatives and there won`t be any transparency with hearing," Khin Maung Zaw told Reuters. "Normally, they should contact the defendants and need to give the opportunity to the defendants to contact their lawyers before they announce the case." Reuters was unable to reach the Supreme Court or a junta spokesman for comment. The secrets charges are the most serious ones facing Suu Kyi, 75, and could mean a 14-year jail sentence. She appeared in court for the first time since the coup this month on lesser charges, which include breaking COVID-19 protocols. No explanation has been given for taking the secrets case directly to the Supreme Court, whose verdict cannot be appealed. The army overthrew Suu Kyi on February 1, cutting short a decade of democratic reforms that resulted from a long campaign for democracy that made her a national heroine and won her the Nobel peace prize. The army accused Suu Kyi`s party of fraud in its massive victory in a November 2020 election, accusations dismissed by monitors and the then electoral commission. Suu Kyi is among more than 4,500 people who have been detained since the coup, which has plunged Myanmar into chaos - with daily protests, paralysing strikes and a resurgence of ethnic conflicts.

Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said.

Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has used strong-handed tactic while trying to control the situation.

The civilian death toll has climbed to at least 815 people, according to a local monitoring group.

The violence has pushed some in the anti-junta movement to form a so-called "People's Defence Force" (PDF) in their own townships -- made up of civilians who fight back against security forces with homemade weapons.

There were clashes in eastern Myanmar over the weekend, particularly in Kayah state's Demoso town, and in neighbouring Shan state.

People's Defence Force member Thet Wai -- not his real name -- said at least 20 police officers died Sunday and his side seized a police station in Moebyel town, Shan state, east of the capital Naypyidaw.

The police station was burnt down and rebel fighters also took four security force members into custody, local media reported.

"I thought today is a day of conquest," Thet Wai, 29, told AFP.

"But I am also worried because we have seen air strikes and tanks today. They have much better weapons than us."

He said the Myanmar military had launched helicopter air strikes in the evening at Demoso, a town in Kayah state about 40 kilometres south.

Another civilian fighter at Demoso said at least 13 Myanmar soldiers had been killed Sunday, while four of his men were wounded.

"We intended to seize their police station, but they used airstrikes and we could not stop their reinforcement trucks getting into the town," he said.

"We had to withdraw our troops from fighting."

The fighting continued through Sunday night, according to a senior leader of the Karenni National Progressive Party -- an ethnic armed group with a stronghold in Kayah state.

He confirmed that the military was using tanks, helicopters and mortar attacks in Demoso and Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state.

Meanwhile, military chief Min Aun Hlaing, who removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in the coup, gave a two-hour interview to Hong Kong's Phoenix Television, with the full programme yet to air.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said. Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Dozen of Myanmar security force members were killed on Sunday in a heavy fighting in the country's eastern region, rebel fighters said. Myanmar is hit by violence and protests ever since the military junta toppled civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has used strong-handed tactic while trying to control the situation. The civilian death toll has climbed to at least 815 people, according to a local monitoring group. The violence has pushed some in the anti-junta movement to form a so-called "People's Defence Force" (PDF) in their own townships -- made up of civilians who fight back against security forces with homemade weapons. There were clashes in eastern Myanmar over the weekend, particularly in Kayah state's Demoso town, and in neighbouring Shan state. People's Defence Force member Thet Wai -- not his real name -- said at least 20 police officers died Sunday and his side seized a police station in Moebyel town, Shan state, east of the capital Naypyidaw. The police station was burnt down and rebel fighters also took four security force members into custody, local media reported. "I thought today is a day of conquest," Thet Wai, 29, told AFP. "But I am also worried because we have seen air strikes and tanks today. They have much better weapons than us." He said the Myanmar military had launched helicopter air strikes in the evening at Demoso, a town in Kayah state about 40 kilometres south. Another civilian fighter at Demoso said at least 13 Myanmar soldiers had been killed Sunday, while four of his men were wounded. "We intended to seize their police station, but they used airstrikes and we could not stop their reinforcement trucks getting into the town," he said. "We had to withdraw our troops from fighting." The fighting continued through Sunday night, according to a senior leader of the Karenni National Progressive Party -- an ethnic armed group with a stronghold in Kayah state. He confirmed that the military was using tanks, helicopters and mortar attacks in Demoso and Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state. Meanwhile, military chief Min Aun Hlaing, who removed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power in the coup, gave a two-hour interview to Hong Kong's Phoenix Television, with the full programme yet to air. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: Police and soldiers killed in eastern region amid heavy fighting

Myanmar's deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi attended a court hearing on Monday, her first appearance in person since the military seized power on February 1. Prior to the hearing, Suu Kyi had only been permitted to speak with lawyers via a video link in the presence of security personnel.

Aung San Suu Kyi appears in court for first time since Myanmar coup

Myanmar's junta has threatened to dissolve the political party of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi over alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election, an official said.

Union Election Commission chair Thein Soe said Friday the investigation into November's election result was almost complete.

"What shall we do with the (National League for Democracy) party that (acted) illegally. Should we dissolve the party or charge those who committed this (illegal activity) as traitors of the nation? We will analyse and consider taking this action," he said, in a video posted on a local media outlet's Facebook account.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-myanmars-military-moved-in-on-the-telecoms-sector-to-spy-on-citizens-386071" hreflang="en">How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens</a>

The election commission met with political parties on Friday to discuss potential changes to the electoral system but NLD representatives did not attend.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his February 1 power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Suu Kyi's NLD party in a landslide.

On Thursday, local media reported the junta had removed a mandatory retirement age for generals, which would allow Min Aung Hlaing to continue serving once he turns 65 this July.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/do-not-give-in-to-evil-and-division-pope-tells-myanmar-community-385407" hreflang="en">Do not give in to evil and division, Pope tells Myanmar community</a>

Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the putsch and more than 800 people have died as the military moved to crack down on protesters and dissent.

The coup and its aftermath have also seen a spike in clashes between the military and Myanmar's numerous ethnic rebel armies, sending tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken under house arrest.

She was subsequently hit with a series of criminal charges, and her legal team has faced an uphill battle to get a private audience with their client.

The charges include flouting coronavirus restrictions during last year's election campaign and possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies.

The most serious charge alleges that she violated the country's colonial-era Official Secrets Act.

Suu Kyi is expected to appear in person in court Monday for the first time, after weeks of delays with her legal case.

NLD secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election in November, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.

The Asian Network for Free Elections monitoring group has said "the results of the 2020 general elections were, by and large, representative of the will of the people of Myanmar."

A group of ousted lawmakers -- many of them previously part of the NLD -- have formed a shadow "National Unity Government" to undermine the junta.&nbsp;

Myanmar's junta later declared the group would now be classified as "terrorists", as the military moves to tighten its grip over a country in turmoil.&nbsp;

Myanmar's junta has threatened to dissolve the political party of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi over alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election, an official said.

Myanmar's junta has threatened to dissolve the political party of ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi over alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election, an official said. Union Election Commission chair Thein Soe said Friday the investigation into November's election result was almost complete. "What shall we do with the (National League for Democracy) party that (acted) illegally. Should we dissolve the party or charge those who committed this (illegal activity) as traitors of the nation? We will analyse and consider taking this action," he said, in a video posted on a local media outlet's Facebook account. Also read | How Myanmar's military moved in on the telecoms sector to spy on citizens The election commission met with political parties on Friday to discuss potential changes to the electoral system but NLD representatives did not attend. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has justified his February 1 power grab by citing alleged electoral fraud in the November poll won by Suu Kyi's NLD party in a landslide. On Thursday, local media reported the junta had removed a mandatory retirement age for generals, which would allow Min Aung Hlaing to continue serving once he turns 65 this July. Also read | Do not give in to evil and division, Pope tells Myanmar community Myanmar has been in chaos and its economy paralysed since the putsch and more than 800 people have died as the military moved to crack down on protesters and dissent. The coup and its aftermath have also seen a spike in clashes between the military and Myanmar's numerous ethnic rebel armies, sending tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes. Suu Kyi has not been seen in public since she was taken under house arrest. She was subsequently hit with a series of criminal charges, and her legal team has faced an uphill battle to get a private audience with their client. The charges include flouting coronavirus restrictions during last year's election campaign and possessing unlicensed walkie-talkies. The most serious charge alleges that she violated the country's colonial-era Official Secrets Act. Suu Kyi is expected to appear in person in court Monday for the first time, after weeks of delays with her legal case. NLD secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election in November, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups. The Asian Network for Free Elections monitoring group has said "the results of the 2020 general elections were, by and large, representative of the will of the people of Myanmar." A group of ousted lawmakers -- many of them previously part of the NLD -- have formed a shadow "National Unity Government" to undermine the junta. Myanmar's junta later declared the group would now be classified as "terrorists", as the military moves to tighten its grip over a country in turmoil.

Myanmar junta threatens to dissolve Suu Kyi's party over election fraud

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court.

The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup. On Saturday, several ethnic armed groups attacked a military post in a northwestern jade mining town.

Suu Kyi had received the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to previous military rulers in the country. Since the coup began over 4,000 people including her have been detained. Suu Kyi faces multiple charges including illegal possession of walkie-talkies to violating a law pertaining to state secrets.

"Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days," Min Aung Hlaing told a Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television, of which bits were released on Saturday.

The 75-year-old Suu Kyi is highly revered across the country which is home 53 million people. Suu Kyi had brought democratic reforms to the country.

"She tried all she could," Min Aung Hlaing said. On Monday, Suu Kyi is set to appear in court in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Until now, she has appeared only once on a video link since the coup and has been disallowed from speaking directly to her lawyers.

The military junta claimed that she was not allowed to speak to her lawyers due to security reasons while the military faces daily protests, insurgencies and strikes across the country against military rule.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in his first interview since the February 1 coup said that the country’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi would soon appear in court. The Southeast Asian country was pushed into a violent crisis in the aftermath of the coup. On Saturday, several ethnic armed groups attacked a military post in a northwestern jade mining town. Suu Kyi had received the Nobel Peace Prize for standing up to previous military rulers in the country. Since the coup began over 4,000 people including her have been detained. Suu Kyi faces multiple charges including illegal possession of walkie-talkies to violating a law pertaining to state secrets. "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health. She is at her home and healthy. She is going to face trial at the court in a few days," Min Aung Hlaing told a Hong Kong-based Chinese language broadcaster Phoenix Television, of which bits were released on Saturday. The 75-year-old Suu Kyi is highly revered across the country which is home 53 million people. Suu Kyi had brought democratic reforms to the country. "She tried all she could," Min Aung Hlaing said. On Monday, Suu Kyi is set to appear in court in the capital city of Naypyidaw. Until now, she has appeared only once on a video link since the coup and has been disallowed from speaking directly to her lawyers. The military junta claimed that she was not allowed to speak to her lawyers due to security reasons while the military faces daily protests, insurgencies and strikes across the country against military rule.

Aung San Suu Kyi will appear soon, says Myanmar's military junta leader

Amid the ongoing international condemnation of the Myanmar coup, several tenants of a high-end office block built on military-owned land have moved out or are reviewing their leases.

The military takeover which took place on February 1 has now started to affect the economy of the country with firms like Mckinsey, Coca-Cola and Reuters looking to pull out of the country.

Activists had earlier urged commercial tenants in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon to stop indirectly supporting the Army.

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;judge ordered Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi to appear in person in court on May 24. The Myanmar leader was arrested by authorities as it took control of the country leading to large scale protests. &nbsp;

Suu Kyi had earlier attended via video conferencing from under house arrest

As firms have begun pulling out due to the volatile political atmosphere in the country post the military coup, Coca-cola cited "changing business requirements" for not renewing its lease, a Singapore-based private equity firm including Norwegian fertiliser firm Yara have begun looking for options.

Telenor said it was aware of the military-owned land under Sule Square before it moved in, however, it had picked the location due to factors such as safety.

Japan's Sony said it had a representative in Myanmar but its office closed "due to the local situation".&nbsp;

Mckinsey had already terminated its lease in Sule Square early this year.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing international condemnation of the Myanmar coup, several tenants of a high-end office block built on military-owned land have moved out or are reviewing their leases.

Amid the ongoing international condemnation of the Myanmar coup, several tenants of a high-end office block built on military-owned land have moved out or are reviewing their leases. The military takeover which took place on February 1 has now started to affect the economy of the country with firms like Mckinsey, Coca-Cola and Reuters looking to pull out of the country. Activists had earlier urged commercial tenants in Myanmar's commercial hub Yangon to stop indirectly supporting the Army. Meanwhile, a judge ordered Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi to appear in person in court on May 24. The Myanmar leader was arrested by authorities as it took control of the country leading to large scale protests. Suu Kyi had earlier attended via video conferencing from under house arrest As firms have begun pulling out due to the volatile political atmosphere in the country post the military coup, Coca-cola cited "changing business requirements" for not renewing its lease, a Singapore-based private equity firm including Norwegian fertiliser firm Yara have begun looking for options. Telenor said it was aware of the military-owned land under Sule Square before it moved in, however, it had picked the location due to factors such as safety. Japan's Sony said it had a representative in Myanmar but its office closed "due to the local situation". Mckinsey had already terminated its lease in Sule Square early this year.

Foreign companies begin pulling out of Myanmar over military's stranglehold

It has been 100 days since Myanmar's military seized power by ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, but the junta has been able to just maintain the pretence of control. The illusion is sustained mainly by its partially successful efforts to shut down independent media and to keep the streets clear of large demonstrations by employing lethal force.

Myanmar marks 100 days of military coup, Junta struggles to maintain power

Myanmar poet Khet Thi, whose works declare resistance to the ruling junta, has died in detention and his body was returned with the organs removed, his family said.

A spokesperson for the junta did not answer calls to request comment on the death of Khet Thi, who had penned the line “They shoot in the head, but they don’t know the revolution is in the heart.” His Facebook page said he was 45.

Khet Thi’s wife said both of them were taken for interrogation on Saturday by armed soldiers and police in the central town of Shwebo, in the Sagaing region – a centre of resistance to the coup in which elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted.

“I was interrogated. So was he. They said he was at the interrogation centre. But he didn’t come back, only his body,” his wife, Chaw Su, told BBC Burmese language news.

“They called me in the morning and told me to meet him at the hospital in Monywa. I thought it was just for a broken arm or something … But when I arrived here, he was at the morgue and his internal organs were taken out,” she said.

She had been told at the hospital he had a heart problem, but had not bothered to read the death certificate because she was sure it would not be true, Chaw Su said. Reuters was unable to reach the hospital for comment.

Chaw Su said the army had planned to bury him but that she pleaded with them for the body. She did not say how she knew her husband’s organs had been removed.

“He died at the hospital after being tortured in the interrogation centre,” the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group said in a bulletin that put the toll of civilians killed since the coup at 780.

The group, which monitors details of killings, did not identify the source of its information.

Khet Thi was at least the third poet to die during protests since the 1 February coup. Poet K Za Win, 39, was shot dead during a protest in Monywa in early March.

Cultural figures and celebrities have been prominent supporters of the opposition to coup with protests daily in different parts of the southeast Asian country in spite of the killings and thousands of arrests.

Khet Thi had been an engineer before quitting his job in 2012 to focus on his poetry and to support himself by making and selling ice cream and cakes.

“I don’t want to be a hero, I don’t want to be a martyr, I don’t want to be a weakling, I don’t want to be a fool,” he wrote two weeks after the coup. “I don’t want to support injustice. If I have only a minute to live, I want my conscience to be clean for that minute.”

More recently, he wrote that he was a guitar player, a cake baker and a poet – not someone who could fire a gun. But he implied his attitude was changing.

“My people are being shot and I can only throwback poems,” he wrote. “But when you are sure your voice is not enough, then you need to choose a gun carefully. I will shoot.”

Myanmar poet Khet Thi, whose works declare resistance to the ruling junta, has died in detention and his body was returned with the organs removed, his family said.

Myanmar poet Khet Thi, whose works declare resistance to the ruling junta, has died in detention and his body was returned with the organs removed, his family said. A spokesperson for the junta did not answer calls to request comment on the death of Khet Thi, who had penned the line “They shoot in the head, but they don’t know the revolution is in the heart.” His Facebook page said he was 45. Khet Thi’s wife said both of them were taken for interrogation on Saturday by armed soldiers and police in the central town of Shwebo, in the Sagaing region – a centre of resistance to the coup in which elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted. “I was interrogated. So was he. They said he was at the interrogation centre. But he didn’t come back, only his body,” his wife, Chaw Su, told BBC Burmese language news. “They called me in the morning and told me to meet him at the hospital in Monywa. I thought it was just for a broken arm or something … But when I arrived here, he was at the morgue and his internal organs were taken out,” she said. She had been told at the hospital he had a heart problem, but had not bothered to read the death certificate because she was sure it would not be true, Chaw Su said. Reuters was unable to reach the hospital for comment. Chaw Su said the army had planned to bury him but that she pleaded with them for the body. She did not say how she knew her husband’s organs had been removed. “He died at the hospital after being tortured in the interrogation centre,” the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group said in a bulletin that put the toll of civilians killed since the coup at 780. The group, which monitors details of killings, did not identify the source of its information. Khet Thi was at least the third poet to die during protests since the 1 February coup. Poet K Za Win, 39, was shot dead during a protest in Monywa in early March. Cultural figures and celebrities have been prominent supporters of the opposition to coup with protests daily in different parts of the southeast Asian country in spite of the killings and thousands of arrests. Khet Thi had been an engineer before quitting his job in 2012 to focus on his poetry and to support himself by making and selling ice cream and cakes. “I don’t want to be a hero, I don’t want to be a martyr, I don’t want to be a weakling, I don’t want to be a fool,” he wrote two weeks after the coup. “I don’t want to support injustice. If I have only a minute to live, I want my conscience to be clean for that minute.” More recently, he wrote that he was a guitar player, a cake baker and a poet – not someone who could fire a gun. But he implied his attitude was changing. “My people are being shot and I can only throwback poems,” he wrote. “But when you are sure your voice is not enough, then you need to choose a gun carefully. I will shoot.”

Body of arrested Myanmar poet Khet Thi returned to family with organs missing

Myanmar's detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi is all set to appear in person at her next court hearing on May 24. This will be Suu Kyi's first public appearance since she was detained by the Military Junta on 1 February.

Myanmar: Detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi to appear in court in person on May 24

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said.&nbsp;

Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-suspended-at-myanmar-universities-as-junta-targets-education-384083">Thousands suspended at Myanmar universities as junta targets education&nbsp;</a>

She has expressed her frustration with the pace of the trial during a number of hearings via video conferencing.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/body-of-arrested-myanmar-poet-khet-thi-returned-to-family-with-organs-missing-383972">Body of arrested Myanmar poet Khet Thi returned to family with organs missing</a>

A judge on Monday ordered her to appear in a special courtroom based near her residence.&nbsp;

"She will appear in person in court on May 24," lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told news agency AFP.

However, he said that the court has still not given nod to a private meeting of Suu Kyi with her lawyers.&nbsp;

"The problem is not solved yet because the police did not answer on whether they can arrange our meeting," the lawyer said, adding that private counsel is "the right of the defendant".

The 75-year-old leader has been charged six times since her arrest including charges of violating coronavirus restrictions during an election rally last year.&nbsp;

She has also been charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and for receiving bribes of gold and cash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said. Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup.

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday was asked to appear in court in person on May 24, her lawyer said. Suu Kyi has not been seen publicly since the military overthrew her government and detained her on February 1 in a coup. Also read | Thousands suspended at Myanmar universities as junta targets education She has expressed her frustration with the pace of the trial during a number of hearings via video conferencing. Also read | Body of arrested Myanmar poet Khet Thi returned to family with organs missing A judge on Monday ordered her to appear in a special courtroom based near her residence. "She will appear in person in court on May 24," lawyer Khin Maung Zaw told news agency AFP. However, he said that the court has still not given nod to a private meeting of Suu Kyi with her lawyers. "The problem is not solved yet because the police did not answer on whether they can arrange our meeting," the lawyer said, adding that private counsel is "the right of the defendant". The 75-year-old leader has been charged six times since her arrest including charges of violating coronavirus restrictions during an election rally last year. She has also been charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and for receiving bribes of gold and cash. (With inputs from agencies)

Aung San Suu Kyi asked to appear in person in court: Lawyer

Myanmar's military rulers have approved new investment in projects worth nearly $2.8 billion, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant that will cost $2.5 billion, the country's investment body said.

Approvals for 15 projects were given on Friday by the Myanmar Investment Commission, according to a statement on the website of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

The announcement comes with much of Myanmar's economy paralysed by protests and strikes since the army seized power on February 1. International credit rating agency Fitch Solutions has forecast the economy will contract by 20 per cent this year.

In addition to the plant to generate power for local needs, other projects approved included for livestock, manufacturing and services sectors, the statement said.

It did not give details of the companies behind the projects or which countries they are from. The biggest investors in Myanmar in recent years have been China, Singapore and Thailand although much of the investment from Singapore has been channelled from elsewhere.

Most of Myanmar's electric power is currently generated from hydroelectric projects, but LNG has been seen as increasingly important for a country whose economy had boomed during a decade of democratic reforms, leading to erratic electricity supplies.

Myanmar's military rulers have approved new investment in projects worth nearly $2.8 billion, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant that will cost $2.

Myanmar's military rulers have approved new investment in projects worth nearly $2.8 billion, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant that will cost $2.5 billion, the country's investment body said. Approvals for 15 projects were given on Friday by the Myanmar Investment Commission, according to a statement on the website of the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. The announcement comes with much of Myanmar's economy paralysed by protests and strikes since the army seized power on February 1. International credit rating agency Fitch Solutions has forecast the economy will contract by 20 per cent this year. In addition to the plant to generate power for local needs, other projects approved included for livestock, manufacturing and services sectors, the statement said. It did not give details of the companies behind the projects or which countries they are from. The biggest investors in Myanmar in recent years have been China, Singapore and Thailand although much of the investment from Singapore has been channelled from elsewhere. Most of Myanmar's electric power is currently generated from hydroelectric projects, but LNG has been seen as increasingly important for a country whose economy had boomed during a decade of democratic reforms, leading to erratic electricity supplies.

Myanmar's junta approves $2.8 billion investment, including gas power plant

Myanmar's military rulers have branded a rival National Unity Government a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings, state-controlled media said on Saturday.

Myanmar's army has struggled to impose order since seizing power on February&nbsp;1 and detaining elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Bombings are reported daily and local militias have been formed to confront the army while anti-junta protests have not stopped across the Southeast Asian country and strikes by opponents of the coup have paralysed the economy.

The National Unity Government (NUG), which operates undercover and itself describes the army as a terrorist force, announced this week that it would set up a People's Defence Force.

"Their acts caused so much terrorism in many places," state television MRTV said, announcing that the NUG, a committee of ousted lawmakers known as the CRPH and the new force would all now be covered by the anti-terrorism law.

"There were bombs, fires, murder and threats to destroy the administrative mechanism of the government," the announcement said.

The anti-terrorism law bans not only membership of the groups, but also any contact with them. The junta had previously accused its opponents of treason.

Protesters marched against the junta in dozens of places on Saturday. At least 774 civilians have been killed by security forces and 3,778 are detained, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-anti-junta-unity-government-says-it-has-formed-defence-force-383019">Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force</a>

The junta disputes those figures and says at least two dozen members of the security forces have been killed in protests.

Fighting has also flared on Myanmar's periphery with ethnic armies that have been fighting for decades and some of which have rallied behind the protesters. State television said the army had advanced against the Kachin Independence Army in northern Myanmar, but there was no independent confirmation.

In western Myanmar, the newly formed Chinland Defence Force said it had overrun an army camp. The army made no comment on the report.

Myanmar's army took power alleging fraud in a November election that was swept by the party of Suu Kyi, who fought for democracy for decades before tentative reforms began a decade ago. The electoral commission had rejected the army's complaints.

Myanmar's military rulers have branded a rival National Unity Government a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings, state-controlled media said on Saturday.

Myanmar's military rulers have branded a rival National Unity Government a terrorist group and blamed it for bombings, arson and killings, state-controlled media said on Saturday. Myanmar's army has struggled to impose order since seizing power on February 1 and detaining elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Bombings are reported daily and local militias have been formed to confront the army while anti-junta protests have not stopped across the Southeast Asian country and strikes by opponents of the coup have paralysed the economy. The National Unity Government (NUG), which operates undercover and itself describes the army as a terrorist force, announced this week that it would set up a People's Defence Force. "Their acts caused so much terrorism in many places," state television MRTV said, announcing that the NUG, a committee of ousted lawmakers known as the CRPH and the new force would all now be covered by the anti-terrorism law. "There were bombs, fires, murder and threats to destroy the administrative mechanism of the government," the announcement said. The anti-terrorism law bans not only membership of the groups, but also any contact with them. The junta had previously accused its opponents of treason. Protesters marched against the junta in dozens of places on Saturday. At least 774 civilians have been killed by security forces and 3,778 are detained, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group. Also read | Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force The junta disputes those figures and says at least two dozen members of the security forces have been killed in protests. Fighting has also flared on Myanmar's periphery with ethnic armies that have been fighting for decades and some of which have rallied behind the protesters. State television said the army had advanced against the Kachin Independence Army in northern Myanmar, but there was no independent confirmation. In western Myanmar, the newly formed Chinland Defence Force said it had overrun an army camp. The army made no comment on the report. Myanmar's army took power alleging fraud in a November election that was swept by the party of Suu Kyi, who fought for democracy for decades before tentative reforms began a decade ago. The electoral commission had rejected the army's complaints.

Myanmar's junta brands rival government a terrorist group

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said.

The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes as a result of the fighting between the military and ethnic minority insurgents in remote northern and eastern frontier regions. The conflict intensified after Myanmar's generals seized power on February 1, ousting the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The KIA's information department head, Naw Bu, said the helicopter was shot down around 10:20 a.m. at a village near the town of Moemauk in Kachin province.

"The military council launched air strikes in that area since around 8 or 9 this morning ... using jet fighters and also fired shots using a helicopter so we shot back at them," he said by telephone. He declined to say what weapons were used.

​News portals MizzimaDaily and Kachinwaves also reported the downing of the helicopter next to photographs showing a plume of smoke coming from the ground.

A resident in the area, who declined to be named, said by telephone that four people had died in hospital after artillery shells hit a monastery in the village.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports and a military spokesman did not answer a phone call seeking comment.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, with protests almost daily against military rule across the country.

On Sunday, Myanmar security forces opened fire on some of the biggest protests in days, killing eight people, media reported.

The protests, after a spell of dwindling crowds and what appeared to be more restraint by the security forces, were coordinated with demonstrations in Myanmar communities around the world to mark what organisers called "the global Myanmar spring revolution".

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says security forces have killed at least 765 protesters since the coup. Reuters is unable to confirm the toll.

The military said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi's party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair.

Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many other members of her party.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful rebel groups, said on Monday it had shot down a helicopter after returning fire following air strikes by the military, an official at the group said. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands of civilians have fled their homes as a result of the fighting between the military and ethnic minority insurgents in remote northern and eastern frontier regions. The conflict intensified after Myanmar's generals seized power on February 1, ousting the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The KIA's information department head, Naw Bu, said the helicopter was shot down around 10:20 a.m. at a village near the town of Moemauk in Kachin province. "The military council launched air strikes in that area since around 8 or 9 this morning ... using jet fighters and also fired shots using a helicopter so we shot back at them," he said by telephone. He declined to say what weapons were used. News portals MizzimaDaily and Kachinwaves also reported the downing of the helicopter next to photographs showing a plume of smoke coming from the ground. A resident in the area, who declined to be named, said by telephone that four people had died in hospital after artillery shells hit a monastery in the village. Reuters could not independently verify the reports and a military spokesman did not answer a phone call seeking comment. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup, with protests almost daily against military rule across the country. On Sunday, Myanmar security forces opened fire on some of the biggest protests in days, killing eight people, media reported. The protests, after a spell of dwindling crowds and what appeared to be more restraint by the security forces, were coordinated with demonstrations in Myanmar communities around the world to mark what organisers called "the global Myanmar spring revolution". The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners advocacy group says security forces have killed at least 765 protesters since the coup. Reuters is unable to confirm the toll. The military said it had to seize power because its complaints of fraud in a November election won by Suu Kyi's party were not addressed by an election commission that deemed the vote fair. Suu Kyi, 75, has been detained since the coup along with many other members of her party.

Myanmar rebel group says it shot down military helicopter

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