Today, the United States has widened its sanctions against Burma, imposing sanctions on any foreign person or company that is involved in the jet fuel business in Burma. This move helps put more pressure on Burma's military leaders and shows support for the Burmese people. The U.S. Government has also marked two individuals and three companies that supply jet fuel to the military rulers. The goal is to stop the military from having the funds they use to oppress the people of Burma. These actions are being taken based on section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14014.
According to a VOA article, the International Institute for Strategic Studies counted "an average of 49 airstrikes per month by the Myanmar military from January through April (2023), about 25% higher than the 39 average monthly strikes last year." Since the attempted coup in February 2021, the Myanmar military has carried out deadly airstrikes against civilian targets regularly, bombing religious places and public areas and displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
We compiled the reactions of individuals and organizations from the international community on Twitter (X).
Key Takeaways
- The US Treasury also imposed sanctions on Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun, for their role in aviation fuel industry in Burma and Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. , P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD. and PEIA PTE. LTD, which are Singaporean holding companies controlled by Burmese business cronies. (Source here)
- Burma Campaign UK called on the USA to impose sanctions on five British insurance companies which have previously insured aviation fuel deliveries to Burma. (Source here)
- The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) "does not intend to target persons for engaging in activities related to civil aviation, including the sale, provision, or purchase of jet fuel to or for commercial airlines for air transport to and from Burma." (Source here)
- It "appears MAI, which ferries Myanmar dictator Min Aung Hlaing to and from international destinations, will not be impacted by new set of US sanctions targeting jet fuel." - Timothy McLaughlin, Journalist. (Source here)
Canada welcomes the US’ recent sanctions against the jet fuel sector in #Myanmar. Canada has also imposed a sector prohibition against aviation fuel in January, and will continue to coordinate efforts with our partners to maintain pressure on the Myanmar regime. https://t.co/GobOlmjiIX
— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) August 24, 2023
🔊WPN welcomes the @USTreasury's recent expansion of #Burma-related sanctions, particularly on jet fuel supplies to the #Myanmar junta.
— Women's Peace Network (@WomensPeaceNW) August 24, 2023
We urge the US to now issue a full ban on all jet fuel supplies to the junta, and many other govts to follow suit. https://t.co/x94r9asitc
👏🏽 We welcome @USTreasury sanctions on jet fuel, incl. expansion to jet fuel sector targeting "activities related to the importation, exportation, reexportation, sale, supply, or transport, directly or indirectly". Junta's access to jet fuel must be cut 👉🏽 https://t.co/CLYWqMOLZ9
— Justice For Myanmar (@JusticeMyanmar) August 24, 2023
🚨 #Myanmar #Sanctions Alert@USTreasury announces new sanctions on #jetfuel
— Leigh Mitchell (@leighhmitchell) August 23, 2023
"Any person determined...to operate in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy shall be subject to sanctions pursuant to section 1(a)(i)."https://t.co/P7snH7PvIM#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar pic.twitter.com/qs9DRxVoaa
“The US has just put all international companies on notice that if they are directly or indirectly involved in the supply of aviation fuel to Burma, they could face sanctions,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK.https://t.co/vBme3sTatg
— Mark Farmaner (@MarkFarmaner) August 23, 2023
Appears MAI, which ferries Myanmar dictator Min Aung Hlaing to and from international destinations, will not be impacted by new set of US sanctions targeting jet fuel. pic.twitter.com/l2vvZl14mM
— Timothy McLaughlin (@TMclaughlin3) August 24, 2023