Myanmar Monthly Risk Report – January 2026

According to Hanwei International security public opinion reports, a total of 78 representative security incidents were recorded across Myanmar in January, a decrease of 31 compared with December 2025. The incidents caused 73 deaths and 128 injuries. Incidents were dominated by armed conflicts and armed attacks, mainly occurring in Shan State and Mandalay Region.

Hanwei International analysis notes that as Myanmar’s general election unfolds, violence has intensified amid competing interests. Polling stations and offices have been repeatedly targeted in bomb attacks, killing both voters and officials and injuring some members of election commissions. The National Defence and Security Council of Myanmar announced the extension of the state of emergency for a further 90 days starting January 29.Statistically, the number of security incidents, as well as fatalities and injuries, decreased month-on-month, mainly due to fewer overall incidents and corresponding reductions in casualties from armed clashes and attacks.

Election Results Released

The Union Election Commission (UEC) held a multi-party democratic general election in phases starting December 28, 2025, across the following constituencies:

263 constituencies for the Pyithu Hluttaw (House of Representatives)
73 first-past-the-post (FPTP) and 26 proportional representation (PR) constituencies for the Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities)
255 FPTP and 42 PR constituencies for State/Region Hluttaws
29 ethnic constituencies for State/Region Hluttaws

The total number of constituencies was 688.There were 24.22 million eligible voters, with 13.14 million actual voters, representing a turnout rate of 54.22%.

On February 3, 2026, the Union Election Commission issued Announcement No. (31/2026), releasing the consolidated list of elected representatives from the phased elections held on December 28, 2025, January 11 and January 25, 2026 across 688 constituencies.

According to the announcement, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won 739 seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw, State/Region Hluttaws and Ethnic Affairs Ministries, making it the party with the most elected representatives.

Other elected parties and seat counts:

National Unity Party: 68 seats
Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (White Tiger Party): 39 seats
People's Party: 30 seats
People's Pioneer Party: 20 seats
Pa-O National Organization: 18 seats
Mon National Unity Party: 17 seats
Naga National Party: 12 seats
Arakan League for Democracy: 8 seats
Karen National Democratic Party: 7 seats
Zomi National Congress: 7 seats
Myanmar Farmers Development Party: 6 seats
Arakan National Party: 6 seats
Red Shan (Tai Leng) Unity Party: 5 seats
Danu National Democratic Party: 5 seats
Tai Laing (Red Shan) National Development Party: 4 seats
Inn National Development Party: 4 seats
Kayah State People's Party: 3 seats
Kachin State People's Party: 3 seats
Pa-O National Unity Party: 3 seats
Federal Democratic Party: 3 seats
Karen People's Party: 3 seats
Lisu National Development Party (Crossbow Party): 2 seats
New Democracy Party (Kachin): 2 seats
Palaung Suriya Democratic Party: 2 seats
National Interest Development Party: 2 seats
88 Generation Students Youth (Union of Myanmar) Party: 2 seats
New Chin National League: 1 seat
Pa-O National Development Party: 1 seat
Akha National Development Party: 1 seat
Wa National Party: 1 seat
Independent candidate: 1 seat

Major Anti-Narcotics Operations

Following the first-ever destruction of 1,699 acres of poppy fields in Hseni District between December 9 and 24, 2025:

On December 31, 2025, relevant authorities and police destroyed 67 acres of flowering poppy fields in four villages in Panglang, Hsipaw, Hopang and Hseni Townships in southern Shan State, and a further 135 acres of flowering poppy fields in seven villages in Hseni Township.
At 18:45 on January 2, acting on a tip-off, a joint anti-narcotics team raided the residence of Sai Yi in Taw Hsi Village, Kengtung Township, eastern Shan State. Sai Yi and his accomplice Kyaw Mong Sin were arrested, and 200,000 yaba tablets (local market value approx. 80 million kyats) and two mobile phones were seized.
On January 3, a joint anti-narcotics team intercepted and searched a Forland vehicle driven by Kyaw Sin Lin near Nam Ma Kaw Village on the Kalewa-Mawlaik Road, Kalewa Township, Sagaing Region, seizing 38.5 kg of heroin (local value approx. 1.925 billion kyats).
On January 14, Myanmar authorities held a press conference at an airport terminal near Pyin Oo Lwin in connection with seizures in Hsipaw and Mongyai Townships, northern Shan State, of equipment for online fraud and gambling, as well as large quantities of drug-manufacturing equipment and controlled chemicals.
The seized controlled chemicals near Mongyai, northern Myanmar, are estimated capable of producing approximately 810 million yaba tablets worth around 1.62 trillion kyats. The haul of drug-manufacturing equipment represents the largest drug-related seizure in Myanmar’s history.

Price Increases for Multiple Commodities

Sesame and peanut prices rose in Magway due to reduced supply and shortages.
At a coordination meeting on palm oil distribution held in Yangon on January 15, the Yangon Region Economic Minister stated that authorities were strengthening supervision to stabilize palm oil prices and prevent unreasonable hikes.
On January 15, the domestic gold price reached 9.85 million kyats (buy) / 9.95 million kyats (sell) per kyat of gold. A gold trader reported domestic gold prices had risen nearly sixfold in five years, with trading largely stagnant.
Truck drivers reported rising checkpoint fees since January 18, making freight operations unprofitable and leading to growing service suspensions.
Small betel nut shops in Nay Pyi Taw suspended operations from January 23 amid soaring prices of betel leaves, nuts and related ingredients.

Frequent Armed Clashes

On January 3, village administrators and civilians in Bon Pya and Aung Lan Townships were shot dead by local armed groups.
On January 9, the Arakan Chindwin Defense Force (ACDF) claimed responsibility for an attack on a military checkpoint in Minhla Township, Bago Region, killing around 20 soldiers including a captain.
On January 12, a military column was attacked in Kyaikto Township, Bago Region, leaving 20 dead including a lieutenant colonel.
Intense fighting broke out in Bhamo Township, northern Myanmar, on January 14–15, one of the 63 townships in the third phase of the general election.
From January 27 onward, the military repeatedly used combat and suicide drones against suspected Arakan Army (AA) positions. The AA reportedly intercepted several drones.
On January 30, the Arakan Army (AA) and allied forces captured the Nine Hills Fortress camp near Kawlin and Kantbalu Townships, Sagaing Region, following four days of fighting. The military conducted at least 10 aerial bombing raids and provided heavy artillery support.

Nipah Virus Prevention

No Nipah virus cases have been detected in Myanmar. The Ministry of Health has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel to outbreak areas (such as West Bengal, India).Hanwei International recommendations:

Avoid close contact with individuals who have recently traveled to Nipah-affected areas.
Avoid non-essential visits to hospitals or crowded patient areas.
Report anyone returning from outbreak areas with severe fever, headache, cough, breathing difficulty, confusion or drowsiness to health authorities immediately.

Emergency Numbers

Myanmar Police: 0095-199
Myanmar Ambulance: 0095-192
Chinese Consulate General in Mandalay (Consular Assistance): 0095-9-259172726
Chinese Embassy in Myanmar (Consular Assistance): 0095-9-43209657
Global Emergency Call for Chinese Nationals (24hr): 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308
Chart 1: Classification of Security Incidents in January
Chart 2: Statistical Breakdown of Fatalities/Injuries in January
Chart 3: Statistics of Security Incidents by Major Region in January

Myanmar Security Situation Review – January 2026 (Total Issue No. 288)