Conduct effective combat against terrorists

THE Government of Myanmar has enacted the Coun­ter-Terrorism Law on 4 June 2014 in accord with five objectives. In accordance with this law, a Central Committee on Counter-Terrorism has been formed, which carries out 19 specified responsibilities and powers. To ensure its effective implementation, three working committees and five task forces have been organized and are operating. Since all acts of terrorism are actions that bring no benefit to humanity, they must be eradicated by all people.

The terrorists not only targeted their opponents but also la­belled those who did not support them and those who wished to live peacefully as enemies, attacking and killing them. As a result, innocent people, monks, nuns, village and township administrators, departmental staff, as well as women and children, were imprisoned and lost their lives.

During the period from 1 February 2021 to 26 December 2025, terrorist attacks across the country destroyed a total of 7,598 buildings and prop­erties. A total of 9,908 people, including innocent civilians, monks, children, administra­tive officials, and government staff, lost their lives, and 13,011 people were injured.

Terrorism, arms traffick­ing, drug abuse, money laun­dering, and human trafficking are all interconnected. Terror­ist groups primarily obtain the funds needed for their opera­tions and weapon purchases through drug trafficking. Since these activities are linked across borders, regional co­operation is necessary.

The key to preventing and suppressing cross-border crimes, including terrorism, lies in sharing information and providing mutual assistance under the law. While individ­ual countries’ efforts can halt such activities at their borders, international collaboration ensures that terrorists have no safe haven anywhere.

Terrorist groups around the world seek funding through illegal means, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. Terrorist groups in Myanmar also commit similar activities. Their drug traf­ficking operations have expanded widely and include smuggling chemicals for drug production, manufacturing drugs, transporting and storing them, distributing them domestically, and coordinating for overseas shipment in connection with international drug cartels.

Terrorist groups use approximately 70 per cent of the profits from drug trafficking to purchase and replenish weapons. They also collaborate with international arms-smuggling networks, engaging in cross-border crimes such as arms and stimulant exchanges, money laundering, and human trafficking.

Therefore, Myanmar participates in international cooperation on counter-terrorism by sharing information, coordinating law enforcement actions, and jointly addressing the root causes of ter­rorism in collaboration with INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL. As the government continues to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, it is also necessary for the public to actively participate and cooperate.