U.S. Treasury Sanctions Myanmar, Targets Jet Fuel Suppliers

The U.S. announced further sanctions against Burma (Myanmar), targeting the supply of jet fuel to the country’s military following air strikes in civilian populated areas.

Following the February 1, 2021, military coup that overthrew Burma’s democratically elected civilian government, the military regime has continued to commit atrocities and violence against the people of Burma, with an increasing reliance on air strikes with unguided munitions and rockets in civilian populated areas.

“Burma’s military regime continues to inflict pain and suffering on its own people,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson, said in a statement. “The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Burma, and will continue to deny the military the materiel it uses to commit these atrocities.”

These attacks include air strikes in late 2022 on the village of Let Yet Kone in central Burma that impacted a school with children and teachers present, as well as an air strike in the northern state of Kachin that killed as many as 80 people who were attending a musical concert.

In November 2022, many civil society organizations reported that without jet fuel, Burma’s military would have no means to power the aircraft used in air strikes.

The actions come as Myanmar prepares to mark the 78th Armed Forces Day.

Three Myanmar-based companies have been sanctioned for their operations in the defense sector and for being involved in the importation, storing and distribution of jet fuel to Myanmar's military, the statement said.

The U.S. also imposed sanctions against Myanmar national Tun Min Latt, who is described as a close associate of military leader Min Aung Hlaing. Sanctions were also imposed against Hlaing's wife and three companies owned or controlled by him.