"By expanding the scope of our sanctions authority to encompass an additional sector vital to the military regime, we are further diminishing the regime's access to resources that enable its oppression of citizens," stated Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Since the coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military has embarked on a widespread and savage crackdown against millions of citizens opposing their rule. This crackdown has encompassed mass killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse amounting to crimes against humanity. Freedom of speech and assembly have been gravely curtailed.
The latest incidents involved fighter jets and helicopters, resulting in the deaths of up to 10 civilians near Nyaung Kone village and up to 80 civilians, including women and schoolchildren, in a village located in the Sagaing region of central Myanmar in April and June 2023, respectively.
The Sagaing region airstrikes represent just a couple of instances among numerous lethal attacks since the military seized control of the country.
As reported by OFAC, over 3,900 civilians have lost their lives due to the military regime's actions since the coup.
Furthermore, OFAC has designated under Executive Order 14014 two Burmese nationals — Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun — along with three Singapore-based companies linked to the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to the junta.
Khin Phyu Win, 62, is connected to companies within the Asia Sun Group, which imported jet fuel for Myanmar and were previously designated by OFAC in March.
Khin still exercises control over Shoon Energy PTE. LTD., PEIA PTE. LTD., and P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD., Singapore-based holding companies involved in jet fuel procurement and distribution, all now sanctioned by OFAC.
Shoon Energy PTE. LTD., formerly known as Asia Sun Aviation, is affiliated with the Asia Sun Group. Both Khin and Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. were also designated by the United Kingdom earlier this year.
Zaw Min Tun, 22, assumed the role of director and owner of 11 Asia Sun Group companies, including Asia Sun Trading Company Limited, following Khin's transfer of ownership.
Asia Sun Trading Company Limited was also designated by OFAC in March for its involvement in Myanmar's defense sector.
Zaw Min Tun had previously been designated by the United Kingdom.
According to Human Rights Watch, Myanmar's military operations have resulted in numerous war crimes against ethnic minority populations in Kachin, Karen, Karenni, and Shan States. Additionally, they have utilized destructive tactics such as burning villages in Magway and Sagaing regions.
Despite global calls for accountability, the Myanmar military has consistently ignored these demands, even in the face of grave atrocities against the Rohingya minority and other ethnic groups.
