Iran's shadow fleet is fuelling Myanmar junta's air assault, Pg2

Key Highlights:

• Iran has been supplying jet fuel and urea to the Myanmar junta, enabling its extensive bombing campaign.
• The Myanmar junta has struck over 1,000 civilian locations in 15 months using Iranian-supplied fuel.
• From October 2024 to December 2025, Iran delivered approximately 175,000 tons of jet fuel in nine shipments.
• Urea, also supplied by Iran, is a key ingredient in the junta's munitions, including bombs used in drone attacks.
• At least 1,728 civilians have been killed in government airstrikes since the Iranian deliveries began.

Detailed Insights:

• The Iranian deliveries have helped shift the dynamic of the five-year civil war between the Myanmar junta and various rebel groups.
• Iran's support provides revenue and influence amid tightening sanctions and the loss of old allies.
• The jet fuel shipments have allowed the Myanmar air force to conduct widespread bombing campaigns, including attacks on schools.
• Urea, typically used as a fertilizer, is being utilized by the Myanmar junta in the production of munitions.
• These deliveries circumvent Western sanctions on both Iran and Myanmar, providing crucial support to their governments.
• The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar has called for Iran to be held accountable for fueling mass atrocities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Junta: A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force.
• Sanctions: Commercial and financial penalties applied by one or more countries against a targeted country, group, or individual.
• Civil War: A war between organized groups within the same country.