Myanmar Rebels Take Maungdaw, Russian Missile Attacks Continue

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — DEC 11 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Myanmar and Ukraine.

1 - MYANMAR

1 thing to know

Ethnic armed groups gain ground against Myanmar's military junta.

The context 

The Arakan Army (AA), a powerful armed group rebelling against the ruling junta in Myanmar, has claimed complete control of the Maungdaw region along the Bangladesh border, marking a significant blow to Myanmar's military government.

This war has been raging since the military coup in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

More from the region

Armed groups, particularly the Brotherhood Alliance (which includes the AA) in Shan State, have been systematically capturing military outposts and weakening the junta's control.

The World Bank forecasts Myanmar's economy will contract by 1% this year, with widespread flooding and ongoing conflict devastating the country.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: SENTRY TECH

The Sentry Tech is a remote weapon station developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. First prototyped in 2004 and fully deployed in 2007, the Sentry Tech is robotic gun that can see, track, and potentially engage targets without putting human soldiers in harm's way. 

The Sentry Tech is equipped with machine guns (either 7.62mm or .50 caliber) and precision guided missiles like the Spike LR. 

What it’s used for

The Sentry Tech was initially deployed along the Gaza border to create an automated defense line. Its primary mission is border security.

Notably, Israeli sources indicate the system is often used for intimidation, with the simple act of opening its protective dome frequently enough to make potential threats retreat. 

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Russian missile strike kills six people in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia.

The context

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least six people and left 22 more injured.

The attack targeted both a medical facility and residential buildings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, calling - again - for more Western air-defense systems to protect civilians.

Russia has not commented on the attack, and Putin has emphasized Russia’s "restraint" in military actions - despite its ongoing missile attacks.

More from the region

Russia and North Korea have further strengthened their military ties with a deal in which Russia will supply North Korea with MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets, while North Korea will send troops to support Russia in their war against Ukraine.

The exchange is expected to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, including the potential for additional weapons and technologies like ballistic missile reentry vehicles and air defense systems. The agreement comes after the two countries formalized a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December.

Russia is also deepening military cooperation with India, as India tries to find a balance between its Russian and Western partners. India also recently commissioned a Russian frigate and is negotiating the purchase of advanced Russian radar systems.

P.S. If you have a source, tip, or piece of information we missed, please reply to this email and tell us about it. Thank you!