The August 2015 issue of ACLED-Asia’s Conflict Trends Report focuses on political violence events in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The report notes an overall downward trend of politically violent events throughout the subcontinent and Southeast Asia, likely due, in part, to the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which ran from June 17-July 18. In addition to the occurrence of Ramadan, the general decline in the previous quarter continued throughout the summer.

The trend report focuses on areas of heightened activity across the subcontinent. The issue discusses a general review of the conflict environment in Thailand with a focus on recent events in Bangkok; an overview of large scale attacks against civilians in 2015; protests on issues surrounding the quality of life in Cambodia and Vietnam; and a review of violent groups who target civilians, as op-posed to military targets. Special focus topics include analysis of Pakistan’s ongoing military operation, Zarb-e-Azb, and its impact on Pakistani security, as well as an overview of the various causes for competition and conflict over land in India.