An epicentre of violence: A Sagaing region anthology

Executive Summary

This report examines the situation in Myanmar’s Sagaing region since the 2021 coup and this is based on data collected and analysed by Myanmar Witness. Through this vast reporting of Sagaing, Myanmar Witness has aimed to emphasise themes and tactics that show extreme violence and repetition. Moreover, through each thematic focus, the Sagaing region represented the highest reported affected region and state across Myanmar.

The purpose of this report is not only to summarise findings and data on the Sagaing region but also to emphasise its critical importance in the ongoing internal conflict. Despite the Sagaing region showing the highest levels of violence in the country, it isn’t widely reported by the international community. By highlighting these issues, Myanmar Witness aims to raise awareness about the urgent humanitarian crisis facing civilians in the Sagaing region.

This report analysis focuses on the following key themes:

1. Fire Incidents: Documented incidents of arson and their impact on
   communities
2. Airstrikes: The frequency and effects of airstrikes in the region
3. Attacks on medical facilities: The impact on healthcare sites and implications for civilian health
4. Schools damaged: Incidents involving educational institutions and their consequences for access to education
5. Fear campaigns: Reports of tactics used against civilians, including harassment and extreme violence such as beheadings and burnt bodies

The report also includes four case studies highlighting specific incidents in Sagaing that highlight the severe impact of military actions on local communities. These examples focus on civilian deaths, violent killings, internal displacement, restrictions on movement and infrastructure damage.

Through this detailed overview, Myanmar Witness seeks to raise awareness and understanding of the complex dynamics in this area of Myanmar and advocate for increased international focus and support.

Introduction to Sagaing

Through rigorous monitoring, Myanmar Witness has observed that the Sagaing Region, located in central Myanmar, is often the epicentre of violent reporting within Myanmar.

The Sagaing Region is believed to hold high strategic importance due to its geographical and economic attributes. It is located between two rivers – the Irrawaddy to the east and the Chindwin to the west – both of which are critical to the regional economy and military logistics. These waterways serve as vital routes for transporting goods, people, and military supplies for the State Administration Council (SAC) in the dry zone. Moreover, control of these waterways may have positioned Sagaing as a central point of contention for both military and resistance forces.

Situated within Myanmar’s arid central region (shown in figure 1), Sagaing is said to be predominantly inhabited by Bamar Buddhists. Before 2021, it was generally considered peaceful, known for its agricultural productivity and apparent lack of large-scale armed resistance. However, following the military coup in February 2021, reports suggest it has become a centre of resistance against military rule, with local youth forming People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) to oppose the Myanmar Military.

Furthermore, the geography of the region reportedly poses challenges for local groups, particularly in its southern areas. Unlike the dense rainforests in northern Sagaing or neighbouring states like Kachin and Shan, much of southern Sagaing features more open landscapes. This characteristic is thought to potentially impact the movement and concealment of various groups. Additionally, unlike ethnic resistance groups along Myanmar’s borders, or those in northern Sagaing near India, the resistance forces in southern Sagaing do not have foreign borders across which they can attempt to retreat.

The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian situation in Sagaing. By late 2022, over 28,000 houses were reportedly destroyed, resulting in massive displacement and limiting access to basic necessities.