Myanmar military offensive targets land for Russia-backed port project

Myanmar's military has moved hundreds of troops to forcibly clear land designated for a Russia-backed special economic zone near the southern coastal town of Dawei, according to resistance fighters and a local activist. The offensive targets a planned deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea, signaling the military's determination to revive the project despite opposition.

This comes as President Min Aung Hlaing has been actively promoting Dawei as a strategic gateway to South and West Asia, including during a recent visit to Thailand and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since July, the military has deployed large numbers of soldiers to the Tanintharyi Region, burning villages and seizing land.

Aid workers supporting displaced communities have been killed in the fighting. The military's efforts to clear the area align with its broader strategy to regain control over strategic territories lost since a 2021 coup, which led to a civil war. The project, initially a joint venture with Thailand, has faced setbacks due to local opposition and funding issues.

Now supported by Russia, the Dawei Special Economic Zone aims to enhance trade between Southeast Asian countries and West and East Asia, potentially cutting shipping time between these regions and the Indian Ocean. However, the risk of high conflict remains, with Russian investments potentially benefiting from connectivity with Thailand.