Burma's civil war explained: The key players and their next move

Name: Burma's civil war explained: The key players and their next move
Uploaded: 2025-02-02T20:46:48.005Z
Duration: PT2M2.272S
Description: Burma's civil war, which began after the military coup in 2021, has entered its fourth year, and the military is losing ground fast.

FILE PHOTO: Myanmar's junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Naypyitaw

FILE PHOTO: Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup on February 1, presides an army parade on Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Burma's civil war, which began after the military coup in 2021, has entered its fourth year, and the military is losing ground fast.

In 2024, resistance forces captured 91 towns and key military bases, pushing the junta into retreat. Who's fighting? The Myanmar military or the Tatmadaw.

The ruling junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in 2021. It relies on airstrikes, forced conscription and foreign support mainly from China and Russia to stay in power.

Against the Myanmar military is the resistance. It's a mix of ethnic armed organizations such as the Arkan Army, Kachin Independence Army, Ta'ang National Liberation Army and pro-democracy fighters from the National Unity Government and the People's Defense Forces.

Bottom line, Burma's military is at its weakest point yet and 2025 could be a turning point in the war.

Anna Tunkova