Justice For Myanmar calls for action to block junta access to ATR planes

By Admin 30 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
30 August 2024, Sittwe

Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent the military regime from accessing French-manufactured Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) aircraft, which it has been using to carry out its air campaigns.

The military has used at least 10 ATR passenger aircraft to transport troops and arms used in its commission of international crimes, and for surveillance and reconnaissance, according to JFM.

International companies, private military arms brokers and commercial airlines have transferred ATR aircraft to the Myanmar military since 2013, JFM said.

“Companies operating out of the European Union (EU) — including ATR and Sabena Technics in France, and Axis Flight Simulation Systems in Austria — enabled the continuing flight operations of the military’s ATR aircraft by ensuring repairs of core components, supplying key parts and spares, and enabling the training of Myanmar air force pilots to fly the ATR aircraft,” said the JFM report.

JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said: “The junta is now using these aircraft to transport troops and weapons for its nationwide campaign of terror, supporting indiscriminate attacks on civilians that amount to war crimes.”

She called on the government to take urgent action including cutting off the military’s access to spare parts, training and technical support for its ATR aircraft.

“The military’s use of French aircraft for the commission of international crimes also shows the clear need for the EU to expand and better enforce its restrictive measures on Myanmar,” she said.

One Arakan State resident said: “Many lives and property of civilians have been lost due to the junta’s unprovoked air attacks. I would like to ask everyone to do what they can to block the regime’s access to aircraft.”

JFM called on governments around the world to urgently block the Myanmar air force and its brokers from accessing spare and replacement parts, receiving flight crew and maintenance training, and accessing instructions needed for the continuing airworthiness of its ATR aircraft.

International companies should halt all business with Myanmar arms brokers and civilian airline companies that have supported the military, it said.

One political analyst said: “The international community should take harsh action against the regime and companies and individuals backing the regime. Otherwise, the regime will continue to commit international crimes.”