Myanmar military offensive targets land for Russia-backed port project

Myanmar's military has forcefully cleared territories earmarked for a Russia-backed special economic zone (SEZ) in the country's south, according to resistance fighters and a local activist. The offensive targets the Dawei Special Economic Zone, which includes a planned deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea. This aggressive move signifies the military-backed government's intent to revive the project as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Malacca.

The junta chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly emphasized Dawei's potential as a gateway to South and West Asia. This stance aligns with recent diplomatic efforts, including a visit to Thailand and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Since July, the military has deployed thousands of troops into the Tanintharyi Region, Dawei's location, leading to confrontations with resistance groups.

Some villages have been burned down, and three aid workers supporting displaced communities were killed by military forces on July 9. The military's advance is backed by air and naval attacks, overwhelming local resistance. The offensive is part of a broader strategy to reclaim strategic territory and border zones lost since a 2021 coup, which triggered a civil war. The military engineered a criticized election in December and January, solidifying Min Aung Hlaing's presidency.

Originally launched in 2008 as a joint venture with Thailand, the Dawei SEZ project has faced obstacles due to local opposition and funding shortages. The military now seeks to revive the project with Russian support, aiming to expedite cargo movement and expand trade between Southeast Asian countries and West and East Asia. Russian companies plan to invest in the project, potentially gaining market access in Southeast Asia and a port footprint in the Indian Ocean region.