Amnesty International has uncovered sophisticated sanction-evasion operations by Myanmar’s military junta to secure aviation fuel for its ongoing aerial assaults against civilian populations. According to a comprehensive investigation released Monday, the regime has adopted tactics mirroring those of heavily sanctioned nations like Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The London-based human rights organization documented a startling 69% surge in aviation fuel imports during 2025, reaching 109,000 tonnes—the highest volume since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. This increased fuel supply correlates with what Amnesty describes as ‘the deadliest year on record for aerial attacks’ since the military takeover.
Amnesty’s research team employed advanced analysis of trade patterns, shipping manifests, satellite imagery, and port authority data to trace the clandestine supply routes. The investigation revealed that Myanmar’s military relies on ‘ghost ships’ that systematically disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid detection. These vessels frequently alter their identities, change flags and ownership registries, and conduct open-water ship-to-ship transfers rather than using conventional port facilities.
Between mid-2024 and late 2025, researchers confirmed at least nine separate shipments delivered by four vessels using these evasion techniques. While the ultimate origin of the fuel remains obscured through complex resale arrangements, the tactics closely resemble those employed by Iranian oil tankers facing international sanctions.
Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s Regional Research Director, stated: ‘Five years after the coup, the Myanmar junta continues to develop new methods to import the jet fuel necessary for bombing its own civilians. The international sanctions regime, led by the United States and Britain, has proven ineffective in stopping these attacks against defenseless targets.’
The military campaign has resulted in devastating human costs, with over 7,700 civilians killed by state security forces since the coup according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Amnesty has called for comprehensive bans on aviation fuel shipments to Myanmar and the withdrawal of all companies involved in the supply chain to prevent further civilian casualties.
The military government has not responded to inquiries regarding these findings. The report notes that Myanmar’s military continues to receive substantial arms support from its major allies, Russia and China, while employing global sanction-evasion networks to maintain its operational capabilities.