Myanmar’s military has increased its attacks on civilians since a new administration took charge in the nation. This escalation occurs despite regional efforts to enhance diplomatic engagements.
Increased Military Aggression
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that the intensified assaults result from tactics employed by Myanmar’s new military commander, who assumed his role in late March. The former military chief is preparing to become the country’s president.
“Since the ruling junta in Myanmar reconfigured its military command structure in March, civilians have been subject to the military’s worsening repression and intensified aerial bombing campaign,” ACLED said.
The ACLED report highlighted the use of specialized groups involving two to five jet fighters conducting sustained airstrikes on single targets.
A government spokesperson in Myanmar did not immediately reply to questions from Reuters regarding these developments.
Background of the Conflict
ACLED compiles data on Myanmar’s ongoing conflict from media reports, local partners, the U.N., international monitoring bodies, and local human rights organizations. The country has faced turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021, igniting a civil war. This conflict has led to the deaths of around 100,000 people and the displacement of millions.
Before assuming the presidency after an election that limited opposition, Min Aung Hlaing appointed Ye Win Oo, a long-time loyalist and ex-spymaster, as the new military commander-in-chief.
Renewed Offensives
Under Ye Win Oo’s command, the military has launched renewed offensives in multiple border regions, including areas with rare earth deposits and essential trade routes.
“Reprieve for civilians is unlikely as the junta focuses its efforts on consolidating control following coup leader Min Aung Hlaing’s transition from commander of the military to civilian president in April,” ACLED stated.
During the first half of 2026, ACLED recorded over a dozen mass killings, resulting in more than 450 civilian deaths. Approximately 40% of these fatalities occurred in Myanmar’s central dry zone, known as the Anyar region.
Violence in Myit Chay Township
In May, hundreds of junta troops assaulted parts of Myit Chay township, across the river from the ancient Bagan temples. They killed at least 40 people, according to three residents quoted by Reuters.
“About 700 soldiers came into the town, seized belongings from the residents, and then beat and killed them,” said Ye Naung, 35.
Reuters could not independently confirm the incident at Myit Chay, already documented in ACLED’s event database with at least five fatalities, and reported by local media.
Shifting Tactics and Diplomatic Efforts
According to ACLED, the military’s tactics in 2026 reflect a mere shift in the approach to civilian repression, without any decrease in its intensity.
The political transition in Myanmar has incited a degree of diplomatic activity, with Min Aung Hlaing visiting key neighbors, India and China. There has also been some re-engagement with the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which excluded Myanmar’s rulers from summits post-coup.
Min Aung Hlaing will conduct an official visit to Thailand from August 6 to 7, aiming to further legitimize his rule.