On February 1, 2024, the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation of HM Treasury announced the imposition of financial sanctions on four entities based in Myanmar. The 101st Light Infantry Division, the 7th Light Infantry Division, Mining Enterprise 1 and Mining Enterprise 2 were added to the Consolidated List under the Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/496) and pursuant to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, due to their involvement in serious human rights violations and the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar. The sanctions mark the third anniversary since the military coup in Myanmar, and are aimed at blocking the regime’s access to raw materials used to strengthen the military and its hold on power. Two of the sanctioned entities are state-owned mining enterprises, and two are divisions of the Myanmar security forces that have taken part in attacks on civilians, and targeted individuals who voice opposition to the regime.
Simultaneous with the announcement of these sanctions, the United Kingdom published, in coordination with the foreign ministers of eight countries and the European High Representative, a statement marking the third anniversary of the coup.