Myanmar Military Pushes to Clear Land for Russia-Backed Dawei SEZ

Myanmar’s military has deployed hundreds of troops around the Russia-backed Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as authorities seek to revive the strategically important project in the country’s southern Tanintharyi Region.

Resistance fighters and a local activist said military forces have conducted area-clearance operations since July, burning homes and forcing opposition groups to retreat from territory surrounding the proposed deep-sea port and power plant on the Andaman Sea. Reuters could not independently verify the accounts, while Myanmar authorities and the Russian embassy did not respond to requests for comment.

Saw Dah Ko of the Tanintharyi Region People’s Defence Force said military columns were advancing through villages near the Dawei SEZ. Another resistance fighter alleged that troops burned homes in at least three villages and killed three aid workers supporting displaced residents.

Conflict-monitoring group ACLED said about 700 soldiers had advanced into areas surrounding Dawei after armed forces deputy chief Kyaw Swar Lin visited southern Myanmar in late June and called for the protection of strategic projects. Resistance sources said the military offensive has also received naval and air support.

The renewed campaign comes as President Min Aung Hlaing promotes Dawei as a major trade gateway connecting Southeast Asia with South and West Asia. During recent meetings in Moscow, he discussed the project with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russian companies intend to participate in the development.

First launched in 2008 as a Myanmar-Thailand venture, the Dawei SEZ stalled in 2013 amid financing problems and local opposition. Myanmar is now seeking Russian support to restart the project.

Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister Zaw Naing Oo said the Dawei route could reduce cargo transit times by four to six days compared with shipping through the Strait of Malacca. The planned port is also about 45 kilometers from major offshore gas fields.

For Russia, Dawei could provide greater access to Southeast Asian markets and potentially strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean region. However, persistent conflict and investment risks remain significant obstacles to the project’s revival.