 "Myanmar junta losing ground to rebel forces as civil war enters 5th year. AP")
The rebel armed opposition groups in Myanmar have made significant gains in the ongoing civil war against the ruling junta forces over the past year, The Guardian reported.
These advances have given a major morale boost to the wider movement to overthrow the military regime.
Across the country, 95 towns have now fallen to various pro-democracy groups, according to Myanmar Peace Monitor.
Last year, the military lost over 200 bases and 14 towns in northern Kachin State, including the key rare-earth mining hubs of Chipwi and Pangwa.
Rakhine State goes into the hands of rebels
In the western part, almost all of Rakhine State is under the control of the rebels. The Arakan Army has claimed control over Maungdaw, the last military outpost in northern Rakhine State. The entire 271 km-long border with Bangladesh is now secured by the rebels.
In central Sagaing, People’s Defense Forces seized Kawlin and Pinlebu—important towns for transporting supplies to the front lines.
Estimates say that the military controls only 21% of the country’s territory, though the military establishment still holds key and densely populated cities. A study commissioned by the BBC also suggests the same.
In late 2023, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) advanced on Laukkai, the capital of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone. By early January 2024, the MNDAA had gained full control of the city, marking a substantial loss for the military junta.
While opium production decreased by 4% in 2024, instability may lead to future increases in the illicit drug trade.
Rohingya joins in support of group
Rohingya insurgents from refugee camps in Bangladesh have joined the conflict in support of the rebel group. In August 2017, violence erupted in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, leading to the mass exodus of nearly one million Rohingya Muslims to neighboring Bangladesh.
Military coup, widespread unrest
In early February 2021, Myanmar’s military executed a coup. The crackdown began on the democratically elected leadership, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
This move ignited widespread civil unrest across Myanmar. This initiated a protracted conflict between the military junta and various resistance groups, including the National Unity Government (NUG) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF).
Since the conflict has started, over 50,000 people have been killed and millions displaced.