The civil war in Myanmar, now in its fifth year, remains a brutal and persistent conflict. Despite its severity, it has largely been overshadowed by wars in other regions such as the Middle East and Ukraine.
Origins of the Conflict
In 2021, Myanmar’s former army chief, U Min Aung Hlaing, orchestrated a coup to overthrow the elected government, igniting a civil war. This battle features the powerful military against numerous rebel factions aiming to dismantle the generals’ government.
Recent Developments
April saw Mr. Min Aung Hlaing ascend to the presidency following manipulated elections. This occurred as Myanmar faced the highest civilian death toll since the coup, as reported by human rights organizations.
Myanmar was considered the world’s most extreme conflict zone in 2025, excluding the Palestinian territories.
According to A.C.L.E.D. (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project), over 90,000 people have died since the civil war began. The conflict, involving more than 1,200 armed groups, is highly fragmented. Rebel militias control significant portions of the country, although recent military strikes threaten their hold.
Humanitarian Impact
The United Nations estimates nearly 4 million people have been displaced in Myanmar, which has a total population of roughly 50 million. A quarter of the population suffers from acute hunger, and many have fled abroad due to unemployment and military conscription.
Myanmar is the most land mine-contaminated nation globally, with soldiers planting these dangerous devices in civilian areas. This practice is viewed as a war crime, and the country has reported the highest land mine casualties.
Military Actions
Since the recent elections, Myanmar’s military has escalated attacks against rebels. These offensives include village burnings and daily airstrikes, with a bombing campaign in March involving over 240 strikes, killing more than 400 individuals.
The generals have been resourceful in their tactics, utilizing advanced weaponry such as fighter jets, helicopters, drones, gyrocopters, and armed paragliders, with substantial aid from Russia and China. In contrast, rebel groups struggle with inconsistent arms supplies, with little hope for support from Western nations.
Journalist Hannah Beech, based in Bangkok, reports extensively on Asia, providing in-depth coverage of such conflicts.