Military Junta Retakes Ground
Myanmar’s military junta has regained territory lost to armed opponents following a surge in external support and the deployment of over 100,000 conscripts, e-ir.org reported.
General Min Aung Hlaing’s administration has stabilized the civil war that began after the February 2021 coup. The armed opposition, consisting of the National Unity Government’s People’s Defence Forces and ethnic armed organizations, now faces mounting setbacks.
Spring Revolution Meets Resistance
The anti-junta uprising started as non-violent protests before transitioning into an armed conflict involving multiple ethnic militias. In September 2021, the opposition declared a defensive war and formed local militias to challenge military rule.
In response, the junta launched scorched-earth operations, including an April 2023 strike in the Sagaing region that killed over 160 civilians, according to e-ir.org.
Operation 1027 Shifts Momentum
An offensive launched in October 2023 allowed an alliance of ethnic militias to overrun more than 200 military outposts within 90 days. The military also lost a regional command center for the first time during these clashes.
This campaign shattered the armed forces’ image of invincibility, e-ir.org reported. However, the junta countered these losses by introducing general conscription and securing advanced weapons from international allies.
Neo-Authoritarian Support Lifeline
Russia has supplied more than 400 million USD in weapons, training, and aircraft to the junta since the coup. Belarus has also become a major arms supplier to Myanmar.
China continues a balancing act by maintaining economic ties with the junta while engaging with border militias. Meanwhile, western aid to civil society groups in Myanmar has declined following funding cuts by the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much territory does the Myanmar military control?
The junta currently controls less than half of the country’s overall territory, having lost vast swathes of land and key trade routes to rebel groups.
What weapons are the opposition forces using?
Opposition fighters have manufactured weapons using 3D printers, seized arms from police and military forces, and purchased black-market firearms from Thailand and China, e-ir.org reported.
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