The EUs top human rights official says the bloc will not be sending observers to elections it sees as worthless and calls on ASEAN to do more to push Myanmar toward a democratic path.

Also this week, the junta bosss tech dreams were crushed by food shortages, his troops recaptured Mandalay junction, new aide groomed by wife, and crackdown mastermind rewarded.

With two weeks to go before official campaigning starts, pro-regime politicians have already gone into overdrive on social media, some posting multiple times a day.

From Ne Win to Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmars dictators have relied on their brutal military intelligence services to rule through fear.

The victory puts the junta in control of the Nawnghkio-Kyaukme-Hsipaw-Lashio stretch of the Mandalay-Muse highway, a vital trade route with China.

Six of the signatories to the truce have since taken up arms against the junta, while three of the four that still abide by it have no army to speak of: here the Irrawaddy traces the NCAs sorry history.

Five regime personnel reportedly killed in firefight with Chinland Defense Force-Hakha.

In todays talk, our editors discuss the ostensibly pious junta leaders bombing of civilian targets on one of the holiest days in the Buddhist calendar, the festival of Thadingyut.

Analysts say envoy Dengs peace message at an NCA anniversary event masks Chinas interference as it pressures both the junta and ethnic armies to serve its interests.

The regime is targeting KIA-held positions in Hpakant with troops, airstrikes and drones as it seeks control of the jade-rich region.

Recapture of Phawtaw Junction severs resistance supply lines and threatens the TNLAs hold on Mogoke ruby hub.

Residents report junta forces are inside the town, the latest target in a counteroffensive to reclaim vital trade route with China.

Lack of alternatives and unbeatable salaries are among many reasons why disadvantaged young Southeast Asians work gladly in the borderland scam centers of Myawaddy.

Rakhine-based ethnic army is poised to take Nat Yay Kan in Magwe Region, just 12 kilometers from a major regime ordnance factory.

Former ministers and UN experts say the bloc has been fooled and humiliated by the junta and must take decisive new action at its upcoming summit.

The blocs paralysis on Myanmar and rising regional tensions expose its deepening divisions.

The ethnic armies, which are fighting the regime, say the coup rendered the ceasefire meaningless and urged the UN, ASEAN and others to spurn the juntas invitation.

Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Zaw Ye rose through the ranks more through smarts and careful cultivation of connections than military prowess.

Myanmar junta attacks on Hspiaw and other resistance-held towns in northern Shan are endangering irreplaceable historic and religious sites.

Despite pressure from China, Thailand and the US, Myanmars cyber-scam industry is rebuilding rapidly, thanks in part to Starlinks satellite dishes.

Kuala Lumpur says deployment of election observers will be discussed at next ASEAN Summit, while anti-regime movement condemns poll as sham.

Thet Pon, architect of bloody post-coup suppression, on course to become Sagaing Chief Minister for militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party.