US, UK, Canada sanctions target Myanmar air force, ‘arms dealers’

New sanctions were imposed as generals who seized power in February 2021 coup continued assault on civilians.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have imposed coordinated new sanctions on Myanmar, focusing on senior military officials, including the newly-appointed chief of the air force and those linked to the arms trade in response to the military’s brutal crackdown on opponents to its rule.

The US sanctions target three alleged Myanmar arms dealers as well as the companies linked to them, and two businesses controlled by sanctioned arms dealer Tay Zaw.

The US also imposed measures against the 66th Light Infantry Division, an army unit blamed for burning some 30 civilians alive in their cars in southeastern Kayah state on Christmas Eve last year.

“We have taken these actions today in response to the regime’s escalating violence, to show our strong support for the people of Burma, and to promote accountability in connection with the coup and the violence perpetrated by the regime,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “We will continue to impose costs on the military regime and those who support it until it ceases the violence and restores Burma’s path to democracy.”

The UK took action against arms dealers and companies with a focus on those sourcing and supplying weapons to the air force, which has engaged in the bombing of civilian villages, forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

Those pinpointed include air force chief General Htun Aung who is also a director of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (MEHL), a significant military conglomerate.

“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,” UK Minister for Asia Amanda Milling said in a statement. “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.”

Canada, meanwhile, added four individuals – including Htun Aung – and two companies to its blacklist.

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