Myanmar junta says ‘terrorist’ acts by anti-coup protesters to blame for internet blackouts
- The State Administration Council said communications towers were destroyed by ‘people’s defence forces’ formed after the military takeover
- Anti-coup fighters said telecoms services in northern Sagaing region, where clashes with the military have been fierce, were down on Sunday
The Southeast Asian country has been in chaos since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February, triggering huge democracy protests that security forces have sought to quell in bloody crackdowns.
Some in the anti-coup movement formed local “people’s defence forces” in their townships to fight back, and in recent weeks destroyed several communications towers belonging to military-owned Mytel in western Chin state.
Reports of an internet and data blackout – particularly in regions where local defence forces and the military are locked in conflict – emerged soon after.
The junta’s foreign ministry over the weekend denied that the State Administration Council – as the military regime dubs itself – was responsible.
“In fact, the recent internet connections were disrupted due to the terrorist acts such as destroying of communication towers by terrorist groups,” it said. “The ministry urged some foreign missions in Yangon to thoroughly verify information before making statements.”