YANGON: A convoy of diplomats traveling in Myanmar was reportedly attacked by an unknown armed group, according to a military official and a diplomat on Monday.
The incident occurred in Taunggyi township in eastern Myanmar’s Shan State, adding to the ongoing turmoil since the military coup that deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration in February 2021.
An anonymous foreign diplomat based in Yangon confirmed to AFP that a convoy carrying diplomats from the embassies of Indonesia and Singapore, as well as officials coordinating humanitarian relief from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was targeted in the attack. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.
A senior military official, who preferred to remain anonymous, also confirmed the incident, acknowledging that a convoy had indeed come under fire. The officials and diplomats were reportedly traveling to deliver humanitarian aid when the attack took place.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo commented on the incident, expressing regret over the shootout. President Widodo stated that the officials and diplomats were on their way to carrying humanitarian aid but provided no further details about the attack.
AFP has reached out to the embassies of Indonesia and Singapore in Yangon for further comments or clarification on the incident.
Violence in Myanmar
Taunggyi township, located in southern Shan state, has witnessed relatively less violence compared to other parts of Myanmar since the military coup.
However, in March, a tragic incident occurred in the same state, where approximately 30 people seeking shelter at a monastery were killed. Both the junta and anti-coup fighters have traded accusations regarding the massacre.
The ASEAN leaders are scheduled to gather in Indonesia this week for a summit expected to focus heavily on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
ASEAN, often criticized for its perceived ineffectiveness, has taken the lead in diplomatic efforts to address the bloody crisis.
However, progress has been hampered as the junta continues to ignore international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents, which include ousted lawmakers, anti-coup “People’s Defense Forces,” and armed groups representing ethnic minorities.
The attack on the convoy carrying ASEAN diplomats adds further complexity to the already challenging situation in Myanmar and underscores the risks faced by those involved in humanitarian efforts and diplomatic initiatives amidst the ongoing crisis.
