Explosive Device Attack on Chinese Consulate in Myanmar’s Mandalay

Politics Sophia Klein October 19, 2024

Explosive Device Attack on Chinese Consulate in Myanmar’s Mandalay

The Chinese consulate in Mandalay, Myanmar, was attacked with an explosive device on Friday evening, but there were no injuries reported. The junta has attributed the incident to “terrorists” and is investigating the matter. Security around the consulate has been heightened following the blast, which resulted in damage to the building’s roof.

The consulate of China located in Mandalay, Myanmar, experienced an attack involving an explosive device, as reported by local media on Saturday. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or injuries from the incident. The explosion transpired at approximately 7 PM local time on Friday at the consulate office situated in the central area of Mandalay, near the notable Royal Palace. China is recognized as a significant ally and arms supplier to Myanmar’s ruling junta; however, it also maintains relations with ethnic factions engaged in conflict against the military in Myanmar’s northern Shan state, as noted by analysts. Myanmar has been embroiled in unrest since the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. Following the explosion, the military junta issued a statement on Saturday night attributing the incident to “terrorists” and indicated that it is conducting an investigation in collaboration with officials from the consulate. Security personnel confirmed the occurrence of a blast and stated that they are heightening security measures. It was mentioned that “about two feet of clay tiles of the roof of the two-storey building were damaged”. An official from Myanmar in Mandalay corroborated the occurrence of an incident at the Chinese consulate but refrained from detailing the specifics. Reports from The Irrawaddy indicated that a grenade may have been thrown towards the compound, which is typically secured by personnel from Myanmar’s security forces. Meanwhile, the Voice of Myanmar reported an unspecified explosion impacting the consulate without providing additional information. Efforts to obtain comments from China’s embassy in Yangon were unsuccessful.

The attack on China’s consulate in Mandalay reflects the ongoing volatility and chaos within Myanmar following the military coup that occurred in February 2021. The coup led to widespread protests, civil unrest, and the deterioration of the country’s political landscape. While China continues to support the military regime as a crucial ally, it also engages with various ethnic groups within the country, resulting in a complex web of relationships amid the conflicts. The recent incident underscores the precariousness of foreign diplomatic missions in Myanmar during this time of crisis.

In summary, the explosive attack on China’s consulate in Mandalay highlights the deteriorating security situation in Myanmar post-coup. With no casualties reported, the military junta’s prompt response and investigation into the incident demonstrate their concern over security issues, particularly involving diplomatic missions. This event not only signifies potential threats to foreign entities within Myanmar but also emphasizes the broader implications of the ongoing civil strife in the country.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com