A/HRC/42/CRP.5 C. Patterns of abuses by EAOs 535. The Mission received credible but limited information that some EAOs were responsible for violence against civilians, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, restrictions on freedom of movement and failure to protect the civilian population under their control from the effects of attacks. The Mission received information on the persecution of members of the Christian minority by the UWSA, as well as reports of forced recruitment of men, women, and children by some EAOs operating in northern Myanmar. 1. EAO attacks 536. Hostilities during the reporting period, including between EAOs, resulted in civilian casualties and large-scale displacement of civilians.1262 537. On 15 August 2019, the TNLA, the AA and the MNDAA 1263 (jointly known as the “Brotherhood Alliance”)1264 launched a series of coordinated attacks in five locations in Nawnghkio Township, Shan State, and Pyinoolwin, Mandalay Region. In a joint statement issued on 12 August, the three EAOs had threatened that there would be consequences if the Tatmadaw did not cease hostilities in Rakhine and northern Shan State.1265 These EAOs are large professional armed groups with chains of command and their fighters are well trained and well-armed. Their threats, therefore, constituted serious threats of significant violence. 538. Among the targets of the 15 August attacks were the Myanmar Military Defence Services Technological Academy,1266 a tollgate and a narcotic inspection gate.1267 The attack on the academy was especially significant as it is located in Mandalay Region, well away from the EAOs’ usual areas of operation, and is a very prestigious, well-guarded military establishment.1268 On the same day, the EAOs also intentionally damaged a bridge affecting the road transportation of civilians and goods on the Mandalay-Lashio-Muse axis for several days.1269 The location of the bridge in relation to the EAOs’ other attacks that day suggests it may have been targeted to give them a military advantage. The Mission was unable to verify reports that at least two civilians were killed and an additional 10 were injured as a result of this initial attack.1270 539. Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Brotherhood Alliance continued in the weeks following the 15 August attacks in several townships in northern Shan State, including Lashio and Kuktai, and was continuing at the time of writing. In addition to civilian casualties from the fighting, an increasing number of civilian casualties resulting from landmines in the context of these hostilities have also been reported. 1271 540. The Mission received information that, following the initial attacks of 15 August, the EAOs intentionally damaged two additional bridges between Theinni and Kun Lone Townships of Shan State and that one additional civilian was injured in crossfire in Kuktai Township.1272 Information indicates that, between 15 August and 2 September 2019, a total 1262 1263 1264 1265 1266 1267 1268 1269 1270 1271 1272 146 V-352, Rows 07.12.18, 23.11.18, 29.09.18, 04.09.18, and 09.07.18 of 2143, rows 95, 155, 104, 103, 165, 162, 122, 107, 101, 49, 167, 127, 126, 121, 120, 115, 110, 109, and 108 of FFFGEN-1-85769, FFFGEN-1-86938, FFFGEN-1-86942, FFFGEN-1-86944. Three of the four members of the Northern Alliance, calling themselves the ‘Brotherhood Alliance’. For more information on the 'Brotherhood Alliance', please see http://www.pslftnla.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019/08/JPG-1-724x1024.jpg http://www.pslftnla.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/JPG-1-724x1024.jpg FFFGEN-1555826851-1999 V-393. https://www.janes.com/article/90498/myanmar-military-academy-comes-under-rebel-attack; https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1730811/myanmar-insurgents-attack-army-college-police-post; FFFGEN-1555826851-1999, V-393, V-394 FFFGEN-1555826851-1999, V-393, V-394, V-395 GM-021 GM-022, and FFFGEN-1555826851-1999.