Myanmar or Burma

The soldiers, who were providing security for Chinese mining company and military regime partner Wanbao Copper, dumped their captives’ bodies in a creek after killing them.

H&M (HMb.ST) is investigating 20 alleged instances of labour abuse at Myanmar garment factories that supply the world's second-largest fashion retailer, it told Reuters, just weeks after top rival Zara-owner Inditex (ITX.MC) said it was phasing out purchases from the Southeast Asian country.

The order says civil servants, including health and educational staff, will be used as auxiliary forces under the military’s Eastern Command with tasks allocated according to the size of the militia battalion.

Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s military has been hit hard by desertions and heavy casualties in daily clashes with resistance forces across the country.

A nine-year-old child was killed and five villagers wounded when junta troops protecting a Chinese-owned mine unleashed artillery barrages in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region on Monday, according to residents.

Real estate agents and property owners said prices in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw have soared by as much as 50 percent as investors fear a new wave of inflation, although recent economic instability may be caused mostly by market distrust.