Burma Campaign UK today welcomed a new round of sanctions against the Burmese military, this time targeting the air force and its suppliers.

The statement by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is available here.

Airstrikes by the Burmese military take place almost every day, and have caused a human rights and humanitarian crisis. The majority of around 550,000 people forced to flee their homes since the attempted coup last year are displaced because of airstrikes or the threat of airstrikes. Airstrikes deliberately target civilians and often take place at night when they know people are home and more people will be injured or killed.

Those sanctioned in the new round are:

General Htun Aung: Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Air Force

Dr Aung Moe Myint: Director of Dynasty International Company Ltd, and Dynasty International Company Ltd

Aung Hlaing Oo: Managing Director of Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Co Ltd (MCM), and MCM.

Miya Win International Ltd

These private Burmese companies are involved in the supply of arms and equipment to the Burmese military, and in particular to the air force.

The sanctions were imposed in coordination with Canada and the USA, which also imposed new sanctions today.

“Stopping Burmese military airstrikes is the most urgent priority, and it is very good to see the British government begin the process of targeting suppliers to the air force,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “We also need to see urgent action by the British government to help stop the flow of aviation fuel to the Burmese military. If the jets can’t fly, they can’t bomb.”

Details of the US sanctions are here.

Details of the Canadian sanctions are here.

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