Daily Stories from The Irrawaddy for 08/18/2026

The Irrawaddy — HIV Infections Surge in Myawaddy Amid Control ‘Black Hole’

DAILY BRIEFING Tuesday, August 18, 2026 News Opinion Burmese Donate The Irrawaddy HIV Infections Surge in Myawaddy Amid Control ‘Black Hole’ Residents report militia-run brothels and massage parlors are driving a spike in new cases in the border town. Continue Reading Don Pathan Min Aung Hlaing Regime Tests Limits of Thailand’s Balancing Act on Myanmar As Naypyitaw presses new demands on Bangkok, Thailand’s embrace of Myanmar’s regime risks colliding with its security interests and ties to border armed groups. Continue Reading The Irrawaddy Myanmar Military Advances Into ‘Anyar Dubai’ Oil Fields Amid Heavy Clashes The regime is trying to recapture oil fields in Magwe’s Myaing Township that have been controlled by resistance forces for over two years. Continue Reading Support Press Freedom Independent journalism needs your support. Help us hold power to account. Donate Now Facebook · Twitter · Website © 2026 The Irrawaddy · Chiang Mai, Thailand Unsubscribe · Update preferences · Forward to a friend