Following orders from coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, the military council has launched a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed vehicles, resulting in widespread extortion, imprisonment, and forced military recruitment of civilians. Since June 1, military forces across the country have been conducting arrests, demanding bribes, and threatening even licensed vehicle owners with extortion. The operation has particularly impacted young people who are being coerced into military service.
In Sagaing city, two youths were arrested for riding unlicensed motorcycles and were forced into military service, with threats of imprisonment if they refused. In Tharzi township of Mandalay Region, authorities seized unlicensed motorcycles and only allowed owners to reclaim them after paying half of the vehicle’s value. In Hpa-an, motorcycle riders faced one-month prison sentences for operating unlicensed vehicles. The crackdown has severely affected humanitarian services, with funeral assistance and ambulance services being forced to suspend operations as their vehicles are typically unlicensed.
The military council’s operations have particularly targeted residential areas in Yangon, where even electric bicycles are being classified as unlicensed motorcycles and confiscated. In Naypyidaw, Pyinmana, and Lewe areas, joint forces of military and police are primarily focusing on motorcycle seizures. The situation has created significant hardship for civilians who rely on these vehicles for daily transportation and livelihood activities.
During a military council meeting in Naypyidaw on May 20, Min Aung Hlaing claimed the crackdown was necessary due to alleged tax revenue losses from unlicensed vehicles and directed strict enforcement measures. The operation has particularly affected charitable organizations and emergency services, with many forced to temporarily cease operations as their vehicles fall under the unlicensed category. This has created a humanitarian crisis as essential services like funeral assistance and emergency medical transport have been disrupted across the country.
