Title: Unrest in Myanmar’s Famed Ruby-Mining Town: What Investors Should Know

The military junta in Myanmar has reportedly launched an assault on a renowned ruby-mining town, currently under the control of insurgent forces. This attack has left nine individuals dead and 13 others injured. The assault, as per reports from an official of the rebel group, was specifically targeted at the civilian population. This information was relayed to Radio Free Asia on a Tuesday.

The assault on Mogok, a town located in the heart of Myanmar, was carried out on a Monday, around 11 p.m. The military junta employed aircraft to bomb three neighborhoods within the town and also had a Russian helicopter firing into the town for approximately half an hour, as per the reports.

“The death toll stands at nine. This assault has had a profound effect on the populace. The military junta was not engaged in combat but was specifically targeting the residents,” stated Lway Yay Oo, the representative for the anti-junta Ta’ang National Liberation Army, also known as TNLA.

The rebel group, TNLA, is a part of a tripartite alliance that has made significant strides against the junta forces in the northeastern region of Myanmar over the past year since the junta took power in 2021. TNLA has been in control of Mogok, located in the Mandalay region, since July.

The air raid victims include six males and three females, with a child among the 13 individuals receiving treatment for injuries, according to Lway Yay Oo. Radio Free Asia, however, has not been able to independently verify these details. Furthermore, attempts to reach the junta spokesperson for Mandalay, Thein Htay, remained unsuccessful.

TNLA fighters have been sifting through the debris of the 10 houses that were demolished in the attack. Mogok, a town known for its ruby and gemstone mining for centuries, has been left in a state of fear and uncertainty.

Over the past year, the Myanmar military has been experiencing setbacks in various regions of the country. They have reportedly resorted to airstrikes, targeting both rebel positions and civilian areas, as per claims from human rights organizations.

Between the months of January and October, junta airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 540 civilians, as reported by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group.

The current situation in Myanmar, particularly in the ruby-mining town of Mogok, is worth noting for potential investors and those interested in the region. However, it’s essential to remember that the current turmoil is about much more than investment opportunities – it’s about the lives and livelihoods of the people in the region.

NOTE: The original report was translated by Kiana Duncan and edited by RFA staff.