US lifts sanctions on Myanmar junta - Media reveal reason
The United States has quietly removed sanctions from several key allies of Myanmar's military junta shortly after President Donald Trump was praised by the country's general. The junta leader called Trump a "true patriot," The Independent reports.
According to the media outlet, junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing publicly praised Trump and sent him a letter on July 11 requesting the lifting of US restrictions. In the letter, the general described Trump as "a true patriot" and "a strong leader" guiding his country toward prosperity.
Min Aung Hlaing also asked for a reduction of the 40% tariffs imposed on Myanmar and expressed willingness to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.
Following that, The Independent notes, the US Treasury Department quietly removed sanctions on four individuals and three companies closely linked to the junta - all without issuing any public explanation.
Human Rights Watch called the move "extremely worrying," warning that it may signal a shift in Washington's approach toward the regime, which overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021 and has since been accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has now spent five years under arrest. She faces a combined sentence of 27 years on politically motivated charges designed to eliminate her from Myanmar's political landscape.
Myanmar coup
In February 2021, Myanmar's military seized power in a coup, triggering mass protests across the country. Demonstrators demanded the release of elected leaders and the restoration of democracy.
In response, the European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on junta officials and military-linked entities after a brutal crackdown on protestors.
On March 22, 2023, the EU added General Min Aung Hlaing, nine top military officials, and the country's election commission chief to its sanctions list - all subject to asset freezes and travel bans.
Most of these individuals were already under US sanctions. In its most recent action, Washington added further restrictions on Myanmar's police chief, the commander of special military operations, and two army units.
