Mizzima
The U.S. Department of Treasury announced new sanctions specifically targeting the Myanmar military junta's jet fuel supply lines, on 23 August.
Two individuals, Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun, as well as three associated companies, who are all involved in supplying jet fuel to the junta, were added to the US sanctions list.
Khin Phyu Win was added to the list because she continues to be involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel through her ownership and control of Shoon Energy PTE. LTD., PEIA PTE. LTD., and P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD., which are Singapore-based holding companies. Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. was formally known as Asia Sun Aviation and is a part of the Asia Sun Group.
Zaw Min Tun was also added to the list because he is a director and owner of 11 Asia Sun Group companies, including Asia Sun Trading Company Limited, that are involved in supplying jet fuel to the junta.
“By expanding the use of our sanctions authority to target an additional sector critical to the military regime, we are able to further deprive the regime of the resources that enable it to oppress its citizens. The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.
The Department of Treasury also pointed out that the military regime has increasingly relied on violent airstrikes to suppress the people of Burma.
Most recently, fighter jet and helicopter attacks killed up to 10 civilians near Nyaung Kone village and up to 80 civilians, including women and schoolchildren, in a village in Sagaing Region in April and June 2023. The Sagaing region attack was one of many deadly air strikes since the military seized control of the country.
The Department of Treasury sanctions on fuel sales to Myanmar are intended to have an impact on the military junta. By restricting the sale of fuel, the sanctions aim to limit the financial resources available to the junta, making it more difficult for them to sustain their operations and maintain control.
The Department of Treasury also allowed for further future sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity that operates in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy.
