UK sanctions announced ahead of Myanmar Armed Forces Day in coordination with allies.
- new designations target arms dealers and companies responsible for supplying weapons to the military
- Minister for Asia condemns the military’s use of violence and calls for return to democracy
Two individuals and 3 companies responsible for supplying the Myanmar military regime with weapons and equipment have been sanctioned, the UK government has announced today. The UK has also designated the new Head of Air Force who was recently appointed to the State Administration Council.
The move comes ahead of Myanmar Armed Forces Day this weekend. On Armed Forces Day last year, the Myanmar military killed over 100 civilians, in what is regarded as the bloodiest day since the coup in February 2021.
New sanctions, freezing assets and banning travel to the UK, will be brought against Dr Aung Moe Myint, Aung Hlaing Oo and General Htun Aung.
Dynasty International Company Ltd, Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company Ltd, and Miya Win International Ltd will also have their assets frozen. The UK has worked closely with partners in the US and Canada to coordinate this latest round of action.
Minister for Asia Amanda Milling said:
The Myanmar military has shown no signs of stopping its brutal campaign of violence against the people of Myanmar, who continue in their fight for democracy.
These sanctions target those who are instrumental in supplying the military with weapons that facilitate these abuses across the country.
Working with like-minded countries, the UK will always defend the right to freedom, democracy, rule of law and hold to account this suppressive, brutal regime.
The Myanmar military continue to use violence against civilians, including indiscriminate airstrikes, village burnings, and the suppression of the opposition movement.
The individuals and entities listed are responsible for facilitating this violence, including through supplying the military with weapons and services that have increased their ability to commit human rights violations.
These designations demonstrate the UK’s commitment to identifying and cutting off, the military’s supply of weapons and equipment from abroad.
The UK strongly condemns those countries who continue to facilitate the flow of arms to the military regime.
These countries share a responsibility for the brutal violence meted out by the Myanmar military.
The UK will continue to coordinate with allies, to push for an end to violence, the full implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus, and immediate humanitarian access to those in need of lifesaving aid.
Background
Those sanctioned today are:
Dr Aung Moe Myint: Director of Dynasty International Company Ltd, responsible for procurement of arms for the Myanmar military. He is also Honorary Consul of Belarus to Myanmar, and the representative of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Myanmar
Aung Hlaing Oo: Managing Director of Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Co Ltd (MCM). Through his control of MCM, he has acted as a key source of weapons and commercial support for the junta. He is also an associate of Commander-in-Chief and coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing
General Htun Aung: Newly-appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Air Force. He is also a Director of Myanmar Economic Holdings Public Company Ltd – a major conglomerate ran by the Myanmar military and sanctioned by the UK, United States and European Union for financing the military’s human rights violations
Dynasty International Company Ltd: an importer and broker of arms imports to Myanmar. It has been responsible for the supply and upkeep of military and training aircrafts for the Myanmar Air Force, including since the February 2021 coup
Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Company Ltd: acts as a key source of weapons and commercial support for the junta
Miya Win International Ltd: responsible for ongoing activity in brokering deals for the supply and upkeep of aircraft for the Myanmar Air Force. It has continued to support the Myanmar Security Forces since the coup in February 2021
