Myanmar’s military regime extends state of emergency by 6 months as civil war rages

BANGKOK (AP) — The military regime that seized power in Myanmar 3 1/2 years ago extended a state of emergency in the civil war-wracked country for another six months, saying it needs time to prepare for long-promised elections. The state of emergency was initially declared when troops ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021. It was extended Wednesday after the head of the ruling military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, argued more time is needed to restore stability. The military regime is facing its greatest challenge since taking power. Powerful ethnic minority militias and people’s defense forces that support Myanmar’s main opposition have taken wide swaths of territory in fierce fighting in recent months.