Six months into the offensive against Myanmar’s military government, opposition forces have gained massive ground, but civilian casualties are increasing due to regime troops resorting to scorched-earth tactics. Powerful militias from ethnic minority groups and newer resistance forces are putting pressure on the regime, leading to retaliatory attacks on hospitals and other facilities. The humanitarian aid organization Free Burma Rangers, founded by a former U.S. Special Forces soldier, has been providing assistance to combatants and civilians in Myanmar since the 1990s. The regime controls less than half the country, including the capital and largest city, and is heavily armed with support from Russia and China.
The military government in Myanmar is denying accusations of targeting civilians and important facilities, blaming the destruction on opposition forces. As the fighting has intensified and moved into more populated areas, over a million people have been forced to flee their homes, contributing to the already high number of internally displaced people in the country. With the collapse of the healthcare system and dwindling food supplies, millions of people, including children, are in need of humanitarian aid. The situation has worsened over the past year, with increased casualties and displacement.
The conflict in Myanmar began in February 2021 when the military seized power from the elected government, sparking growing opposition. In October, major militias formed the Three Brotherhood Alliance and launched a joint offensive that quickly gained momentum, capturing significant territory in the north and northeast. Ethnic armed groups and People’s Defense Forces have joined the fighting, claiming heavy tolls on both sides. The military government, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has reintroduced conscription to bolster its ranks, pushing more young people into the resistance.
Recent fighting in the southeast, particularly in Karen state, has seen intense clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army and military forces. The town of Myawaddy has been a focal point of the conflict, with the KNLA claiming control of all military bases. Thousands of civilians have fled the area, and civilian casualties have been mounting, with thousands reported dead since the military coup three years ago. The military’s use of scorched-earth tactics and targeting of civilian areas have led to a humanitarian crisis in the country, with millions in need of assistance.
As the conflict continues, questions arise about the future of Myanmar and the unity of the diverse resistance forces. While there is a common goal in fighting against the regime, potential conflicts may emerge among the various groups vying for power and control. Territorial disputes and disagreements within the resistance pose challenges to achieving a unified path forward for the country. The people of Myanmar are at a crossroads, with a desire for peace and stability but facing obstacles in forming a cohesive post-regime strategy. The situation remains unpredictable as the conflict unfolds, with the future of the country hanging in the balance.
