Mizzima-Jan 27

UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to the townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi Thabaung and Pathein in the Ayeyarwady Region, areas lying along the border with Rakhine State.   FCDO issued this warning on 23 January. The warning also highlighted that Myanmar has suffered from prolonged internal conflicts, involving a number of ethnic armed organizations in the country’s border areas. “Violence is severe, and the situation is unpredictable in most ethnic states and border areas,” says the original statement. “The Myanmar authorities restrict travel to most border areas. There are active military operations involving the use of air strikes, artillery bombardments and ground troops,” the arming continues. This advisory categorizes destinations into two levels of caution: ‘against all travel to’ and ‘all but essential travel,’ reflecting concerns about political instability, conflict, natural disasters, and health risks. This advisory serves as a crucial reminder for travelers to thoroughly review the latest travel advice before embarking on any international journey. The FCDO advises against all travel to: Chin State, Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin Sate, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway regions, Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township, Shan State North, North Mandalay Region; the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin, East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: Shan State South and East, Mandalay Region, Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township, the rest of Bago region, the townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung and Pathein in Ayeyarwady region. “The conflict is Myanmar is increasingly volatile. The security situation may deteriorate at short notice and the military regime can introduce travel restrictions at any time. Consider your travel plans carefully,” said FCDO. Locals have also cautioned against travel to Chaungtha, Shwe Thaung Yan, and Ngwe Saung beaches in Ayeyarwady Region, popular tourist destinations, due to concerns over the security situation. Hotel bookings and car ticket reservations made prior to the onset of fighting are being canceled and resold at discounted prices. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/01/27/18619