Myanmar military offensive targets land for Russia-backed port project

The Myanmar military has recently deployed hundreds of troops to forcibly clear areas designated for a Russia-backed special economic zone in the southern part of the country. This includes the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is planned to feature a deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea. This offensive represents the military's willingness to use force to revive a project seen as a strategic alternative to the Strait of Malacca.

The push coincides with a diplomatic effort by Myanmar's military leader-turned-president, Min Aung Hlaing, who has been promoting Dawei as a gateway to South and West Asia. This diplomatic stance was evident during a visit to Thailand and subsequent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since July, the military has been pumping soldiers into the southern Tanintharyi Region, where Dawei is located, leading to skirmishes with local resistance groups.

Several villages and homes have been destroyed, according to resistance fighters. On July 9, three aid workers supporting displaced communities were detained and killed by the military column advancing towards Yebyu Township. The military has conducted area-clearance operations and burned down houses, as reported by a local activist.

The military's offensive around the Dawei SEZ has been reinforced with air and naval attacks, overwhelming local resistance groups. This is part of a broader strategy by the military to reclaim strategic territories and border zones lost since a 2021 coup, which led to a civil war. The military staged a controversial election in December and January, solidifying Min Aung Hlaing's presidency.

Originally launched in 2008 with Thailand, the Dawei SEZ aimed to facilitate trade between Southeast Asian countries and West and East Asia. However, progress on the project stalled in 2013 due to local opposition and funding shortages. The Myanmar government, now under Min Aung Hlaing's leadership, is attempting to revive the project with Russian support. Russian companies plan to expand trade and create jobs in the port area, which is closer to Myanmar's offshore gas fields than the Strait of Malacca.