129-545: State Administration Council and allies National Unity Government and allies Other combatants For a detailed accurate up-to-date map, see here [REDACTED] National Unity Government Allied ethnic armed organisations : Other organisations: [REDACTED] State Administration Council Aligned ethnic armed organisations : Bombings and attacks Coup d'états Protests Anti-Muslim violence Related topics The Myanmar Civil War ( Burmese : မြန်မာပြည်တွင်းစစ်), also known as
258-539: A major offensive by the People's Defense Force and Three Brotherhood Alliance in the west of the country, which was successful in taking 80 bases, 220 SAC positions and several towns by 28 November 2023. October and November 2023 saw a series of concurrent anti-SAC offensives, including Operation 1111 besieging the state capital of Loikaw and renewed conflict by anti-SAC forces in northern Rakhine and Chin states. In Operation 1027, anti-SAC forces seized Laukkai ,
387-717: A ceasefire in late 2020 after eroding the central government's control in northern Rakhine. The power vacuum was filled by the AA over the next 18 months with state-building efforts, like their COVID-19 vaccine rollouts. During the Myanmar civil war , the ceasefire broke down and armed clashes resumed in July 2022 after a Tatmadaw airstrike against an AA base. The two sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire in November 2022, reportedly for humanitarian reasons. On 10 April 2024, AA announced it
516-743: A four-day clash in Hpruso Township with the KNDF and Karenni Army . On 14 December, around 200 Tatmadaw troops searched the Karen National Union (KNU)-controlled town of Lay Kay Kaw Myothit near the Thai border , arresting people suspected to be activists or members of the PDF. On 20 December, SAC forces burned down nineteen houses in Kunnar, Loikaw Township after taking it from the KNDF
645-637: A gateway preventing AA from attacking southern Rakhine State. On 27 March, Arakan Army forces seized a camp near Ge Laung village, Ann Township. On 2 April, the Arakan Army announced it had captured a portion of the Ann- Minbu Highway, cutting off Ann from neighboring Padein. During these offensives, on 10 April, the Arakan Army rebranded itself as the "Arakha Army" to represent all people living in Rakhine State. The Arakan Army and
774-410: A government-prescribed location for a minimum of 3 years. A coalition of 150 civil service organizations publicly denounced the bill for violating the fundamental rights to freedom of expression , data protection , and privacy, and other democratic norms in the digital space, and for granting state authorities the ability to ban unfavorable content, restrict ISPs, and intercept data. On 10 February,
903-593: A military officer and a civilian joined the council. As of late August, in total, the council comprises nine military officers and ten civilians. In the leadup to and in the aftermath of the coup d'état, the military had made overtures to political parties allied with the Union Solidarity and Development Party ( USDP ), the military proxy party. On 14 August 2020, 34 pro-military parties including USDP had met with Min Aung Hlaing to seek assurances from
1032-630: A new Constitutional Tribunal . On 11 February, SAC formed State and Region Administration Councils and their leaders for Myanmar's 14 states and regions. It also appointed military officers to run Self-Administered Zone Councils for the country's autonomous zones. On 9 February, a 36-page draft cybersecurity law proposed by SAC was circulated to Myanmar's mobile operators and telecoms license holders for industry feedback. The draft bill would make internet providers accountable for preventing or removing content that "cause[s] hatred, destroy unity and tranquility" and would require ISPs to store user data at
1161-660: A notice blocking non-governmental organisations and UN agencies , except for the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme , from travelling to rural areas in these townships affected by the conflict. The fighting prompted 5,000 civilians to flee from their homes and to take shelter in monasteries and communal areas across the region, according to the UN Office for
1290-684: A predominantly Buddhist and Bamar farming region. The fighting in the Anya theater of Central Myanmar starting in 2021 changed this trajectory. Without the presence of EAOs, the Bamar PDF groups are characterized as local cells acting autonomously towards simple and directed towards the 2021 coup. In the 2021–2022 dry season, the PDFs began to work more closely together and coordinate towards larger goals. In early 2022, resistance forces were fighting in Monywa ,
1419-499: A resolution condemning Myanmar's military leaders and calling for a halt in arms sales to the country. The resolution calls on the Myanmar's military to respect democratic election results and release political detainees as well as urging non-recognition of the junta. Arakan Army Other allies: The Arakan Army ( Rakhine : အာရက္ခတပ်တော် , romanized: Araka Tatdaw ; abbreviated AA ), sometimes referred to as
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#17327729003421548-729: A result, they took up arms against the Myanmar Army in support of the KIA . In 2014, the AA started a settlement in Rakhine State near the border with Bangladesh and another near the border of Thai-Myanmar with which it has become much stronger and its combat abilities have been positively impacted. In February 2015, the AA fought alongside the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), an ethnic armed group, and its ally
1677-648: A safehouse of the PDF in Mandalay, detaining several fighters. Myanmar security forces killed at least 25 people in another raid in Tabayin . These attacks occurred in Central Myanmar, also known as Anya, an area that had rarely seen armed violence in recent times. On 2 July, troops assaulted several villages in Sagaing Region and reportedly killed 41 civilians. The Washington Post described Myanmar
1806-413: A statement claiming that its forces could break the Arakan Army's siege of the outpost. On 26 May 2020, the Arakan Army released a statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of Burmese Government administration and Burmese Armed Forces from Arakan. In January 2019, Myanmar's Anti-Terrorism Central Committee designated Arakan Army as a terrorist group under the country's counter-terrorism law. AA and
1935-488: The 2008 Constitution and called instead for a democratic federal state . Besides engaging this alliance, the ruling government of the State Administration Council , or SAC, also contends with other anti-SAC forces in areas under its control. Hannah Beech of The New York Times observed the insurgents are apportioned into hundreds of armed groups scattered across the country. As of March 2023
2064-725: The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) clashed in Buthidaung Township on 15 April, killing 25 Rohingyas. A local reported that the Tatmadaw and ARSA fought together during the clashes. On 27 April, the Arakan Army captured Taw Hein Taung base in the hilltops of Ann township. On 6 May, the Arakan army also captured the 15th MOC headquarters. On 3 May, the Arakan Army captured the headquarters of
2193-598: The Arakha Army , is an ethno-nationalist armed organisation based in Rakhine State ( Arakan ). Founded in April 2009, the AA is the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA). The Arakan Army are followers of Theravada Buddhism . It is currently led by Commander-in-Chief Major General Twan Mrat Naing and vice deputy commander-in-chief Brigadier General Nyo Twan Awng . The Arakan Army states that
2322-580: The Bamar heartland, particularly in Magwe and Sagaing Regions , as well as parts of Kachin , Kayin , Mon , and Rakhine States . On 7 September, NUG acting president Duwa Lashi La stated that the regime had lost control of half of the country, with the NUG having formed over 300 People's Defence Force battalions, and township public defence forces in 250 of the country's townships. By end of September 2021,
2451-698: The Brotherhood Alliance , Thandwe and Mongmit , bringing the number up to twelve. On 3 August, the MNDAA as part of a wider effort from the Three Brotherhood Alliance and other resistance groups captured Lashio , the largest town in northern Shan State, as well as the headquarters of the SAC's Northeastern Command . Insurgencies have been ongoing in Myanmar since 1948 and have largely been ethnic-based. Communist insurgencies and
2580-476: The Burmese Civil War , Burmese Spring Revolution , or People's Defensive War , is an ongoing civil war since 2021. It began following Myanmar's long-running insurgencies , which escalated significantly in response to the 2021 military coup d'état and the subsequent violent crackdown on anti-coup protests . The exiled National Unity Government and major ethnic armed organisations repudiated
2709-471: The CRPH designated the SAC as a "terrorist group". On 1 August, SAC was re-formed as a caretaker government and Min Aung Hlaing appointed himself as Prime Minister of that government. The same day, Min Aung Hlaing announced that the country's state of emergency had been extended by an additional 2 years, until elections were held. On 31 July 2023, the state of emergency was extended another six months for
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#17327729003422838-476: The Karen National Union were the primary opposition actors to the central government. Over the 20th century, several prominent ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) rose and fell in influence and control. Larger rebel factions such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) formed in response to Ne Win 's 1962 coup d'état and its increased political repression. The 8888 Uprising , in response to
2967-832: The National Unity Government (NUG), including the All Burma Student Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Karen National Union (KNU). The Northern Alliance , comprising the Arakan Army , the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army , attacked a police station in Naungmon , Shan State, killing at least 10 police officers and indicating their disregard of
3096-589: The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in their conflict with the Myanmar Army. Hundreds of the Tatmadaw's soldiers were reportedly killed in this conflict. On 27 August 2015, there was a clash between the AA and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces, with both sides opening fire near the Boro Modak area of Thanci in the Bandarban district , near the shared Burma-Bangladesh border. On 20 August 2015,
3225-641: The Tatmadaw , controlled under 40% of the country, although they maintained that they controlled around two-thirds of the country's 330 townships. In the second half of 2023, Chinland Defense Forces in Chin State had captured a majority of the state, with a few holdouts in urban areas and along the India–Myanmar border remaining. In October 2023, the Tatmadaw began facing manpower issues, with desertions and low morale being extremely common. This coincided with
3354-764: The Three Brotherhood Alliance and is reportedly involved in joint operations outside of Rakhine State, including Operation 1027 , an offensive ranging from Lashio to Kokang , northern Shan State, in October 2023. AA also had multiple skirmishes with junta forces in Htigyaing Township , Sagaing Region . AA claimed that these skirmishes are part of Operation 1027 . AA and KIA combined forces captured Gangdau Yang base on Myitkyina - Bhamo road on 31 October. A combined force of AA, KIA and local PDF started attacking Kawlin on 3 November and it
3483-578: The Township's police station. By the next morning, the Arakan Army had taken control of the town. Pauktaw's proximity to the Rakhine state capital, Sittwe, posed a threat to the junta. The town was retaken by the junta the following day. In December 2023, the Three Brotherhood Alliance , of which AA is a part, and the junta agreed on a ceasefire in northern Shan State. Following this, in January 2024,
3612-611: The United League of Arakan ( ULA ) effectively controlled 75% of the state's townships. As of October 2021, over a hundred local SAC-appointed administrators in Sagaing , Magwe , and Yangon Regions have also resigned from their posts, following threats from People's Defence Force groups. Local administration offices have been used to strengthen the military's administrative power, revive neighbourhood surveillance networks, and enforce SAC mandates, including registration of household guests with local authorities. On 5 September 2022,
3741-731: The United Nations estimated that since the coup in February 2021, 17.6 million people in Myanmar required humanitarian assistance, while 1.6 million were internally displaced, and over 55,000 civilian buildings had been destroyed. the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said that over 40,000 people had fled into neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh , India and Thailand . As of October 2023, Myanmar's military,
3870-495: The 1990s. By the time of the 2011–2015 Myanmar political reforms , the Tatmadaw had regained control of many long-time rebel strongholds including Kokang and Karen State . The 2008 Constitution created self-administered zones with increased autonomy as part of its reforms. In 2015, the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) was signed between eight EAOs and the central government. However, by 2018
3999-698: The 2020 election results. On 5 February, SAC formed a press team led by Major General Zaw Min Tun and deputy Thet Swe. On 11 February, the United States government imposed sanctions on six military officers of the SAC, namely Min Aung Hlaing , Soe Win , Mya Tun Oo , Tin Aung San , Aung Lin Dwe , and Ye Win Oo . On the same day, Soe Htut , who later became a member of the SAC, was also sanctioned. On 22 February,
Myanmar civil war (2021–present) - Misplaced Pages Continue
4128-772: The 2021–2022 dry season, various groups in Northern Myanmar carried out ambushes against military outposts and convoys. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDF attacked convoys in Mohnyin and Hpakant townships. In October, they also partially shut down gold mining operations run by SAC allies. After an ambush near Shwegu , the Tatmadaw responded with airstrikes and ground attacks against KIA bases in Hpakant and Mohnyin Townships. In early February,
4257-551: The 22nd Light Infantry Division, elements of the 66th and 99th Light Infantry Divisions, and battalions from the Western Command of the Tatmadaw were reportedly involved in the subsequent military offensive against the Arakan Army. Clashes were reported in Maungdaw , Buthidaung, Kyauktaw , Rathedaung and Ponnagyun Townships , located in the northern and central parts of Rakhine State. The Rakhine State government issued
4386-410: The AA and the junta placed blockaded and strict prior notice for all travelers attempting to cross river and land blockades. The renewed war was markedly different as the junta had significantly less morale and the AA was now part of a popular de-facto alliance with NUG-led resistance forces. On 26 November, the Arakan Army and the junta agreed to a temporary ceasefire beginning on the following day. It
4515-625: The AA chief claimed that the group has more than 20,000 soldiers. In a December 2021 interview, Twan Mrat Naing claimed that the AA had grown to 30,000 troops. Although the AA was initially trained by the KIA, it later aligned itself more with the United Wa State Army (UWSA) through the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee . In 2020, India accused China of assisting rebel groups, including
4644-467: The AA denied regime claims that they were targeting them for recruitment, Khine Thu Kha encouraged anyone to volunteer if they wished, regardless of ethnicity or religion. In 10 April 2024, the Arakan Army rebranded its Arakanese name from "Rakhine Army" ( Rakhine : ရက္ခိုင့်တပ်တော် ) to "Arakan Army" ( Rakhine : အာရက္ခတပ်တော် ) to represent all people of Rakhine State. In 18 May 2024, when Arakan Army captured Buthidaung , Rohingya activists accused
4773-587: The AA seized the Taung Pyo junta outpost along the border with Bangladesh in Maungdaw Township. The Arakan Army additionally captured Kyauktaw on 7 February, while heavy fighting continued in Mrauk U and Ramree . The Tatmadaw abandoned Myebon to go to Kyaukphyu on 9 February, leaving ammunition behind in their rush and abandoning the southern township of Mrauk-U District . The following day,
4902-484: The AA took the historic town of Mrauk U completing their control over the township. During the battle, three Myanmar Navy landing craft were reportedly sunk. In response to the seizure of the three towns, the junta blew up bridges in Kyauktaw Township and the state capital, Sittwe. 5 days later, the Arakan Army captured Myebon, completing their capture of the entirety of Mrauk-U District . On 24 March,
5031-554: The AA urged residents of Maungdaw to evacuate the town, claiming that all junta bases in the township had either been captured or encircled, and that they would attack the town. In response to the fighting in Maungdaw, the Bangladesh Navy deployed warships around St. Martin's Island , which has been shot at several times by junta forces. The island has been the site of controversy, as, since 2019, Burmese maps have included
5160-568: The Arakan Army clashed with a group of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), after ten of their horses were confiscated by the BGB earlier that day. The Arakan Army claim that they stand for self-determination for the multi-ethnic Arakanese population as well as the safeguarding and promotion of the national identity and cultural heritage of the Arakan people. The army has forcibly recruited Rohingya people into its organisational structure and claims to be creating an inclusive, federalist government to counter
5289-570: The Arakan Army and the junta broke down. With the military's attention on the increasing resistance elsewhere and increasing popular support to partner with the Nation Unity Government (NUG), AA began to seek an expansion of its influence into southern Rakhine. Rhetoric from AA leader Twan Mrat Naing in June grew more provocative with military spokespeople stating that the AA was inviting conflict. Armed clashes resumed in July after
Myanmar civil war (2021–present) - Misplaced Pages Continue
5418-418: The Arakan Army began an offensive on Ann Township concurrently with their offensive on Sittwe, launching attacks on Ann , the headquarters of the junta's Western Command . North of Ann, the Arakan Army launched attacks on neighbouring Ngape Township in Magway Region . Ann's location is strategically important as the link between Rakhine and Magway via the Minbu-Ann road through the Arakan Mountains and as
5547-399: The Arakan Army began clashing with junta forces along the Thandwe - Taungup highway. On 22 April, intense clashes broke out around the Tha Htay hydropower plant in norther Thandwe Township , reportedly leading to the deaths of "dozens" of junta soldiers. On 25 April, the Arakan Army began clashing with junta forces near the Ngapali Beach. On 18 May, the Arakan Army captured Buthidaung and
5676-418: The Arakan Army escalated their offence into Paletwa Township and captured Paletwa , a strategic town for the Indo-Myanmar Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project A week later, the Arakan Army again captured the town of Pauktaw, concluding a three-month battle. The Arakan Army captured the remaining Tatmadaw bases in Minbya on 6 February, thus taking full control of Minbya Township . The same day,
5805-406: The Arakan Army launched an offensive to capture neighboring Taungup , with AA forces launching attacks on the junta base near Taungup University. After months of relative peace, heavy clashes broke out outside of Kyaukphyu on 17 June after junta forces were leaving Danyawaddy naval base, near Thaing Chaung village, leading to 10 junta deaths. On 20 June, AA forces ambushed a junta column along
5934-580: The Arakan Army launched attacks on Rakhine BGP outposts in Maungdaw Township, later alleging without providing evidence that the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) fought alongside the Rakhine BGP. The RSO denounced AA's accusations and the AA labeling them as " Bengalis " among other issues. Later in February when the junta began conscripting largely non-citizen displaced Rohingyas living in Kyaukphyu , AA spokesman, Khine Thu Ka, called upon young Rohingya men fleeing conscription to seek refuge in their territory. While
6063-412: The Arakan Army released a press statement calling the perpetrators (the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army ) "savage Bengali Muslim terrorists" and the violence a "rampage of the Bengali Islamic fundamentalist militants in northern Arakan." In November 2017, the Arakan Army was involved in heavy clashes with the Tatmadaw in Chin State, in which 11 Tatmadaw soldiers were killed. According to the BBC , there
6192-490: The Arakan Army. The Arakan Army later stated that it had captured nine BGP personnel and five civilians, and that three of its fighters were also killed in the attacks. Following the attacks, the Office of the President of Myanmar held a high-level meeting on national security in the capital Naypyidaw on 7 January 2019, and instructed the Defense Ministry to increase troop deployments in the areas that were attacked and to use aircraft if necessary. Myanmar Army soldiers from
6321-462: The Border Guard Police in Maungdaw Township at Kyee Kan Pyin, forcing at least 128 junta soldiers to cross the border into Bangladesh. The next day, the Arakan Army announced that, after a prolonged siege, it had captured the 15th Military Operations Command near Buthidaung . The Arakan Army claimed that the battle for the base killed "hundreds" of junta soldiers, and that hundreds of junta soldiers and their families had surrendered. On 13 April,
6450-401: The Burmese military's commitment to a peace plan. Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah expressed the possibility that the SAC chairman, Min Aung Hlaing and the junta could be excluded from the upcoming ASEAN Summit . ASEAN ultimately barred Min Aung Hlaing from attending the October summit. As of 1 November 2021, ASEAN's official website continues to list Kyaw Tin , appointed by
6579-406: The CDF in an offensive that destroyed over a quarter of the town's buildings. State Administration Council The State Administration Council ( Burmese : နိုင်ငံတော်စီမံအုပ်ချုပ်ရေးကောင်စီ ; abbreviated SAC or နစက) is the military junta currently governing Myanmar , established by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Min Aung Hlaing following the February 2021 coup d'état and
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#17327729003426708-428: The Commander-in-Chief to temporarily restrict or suspend the fundamental rights of citizens, including warrantless arrests and searches, until power is transferred to a newly elected government. SAC also enacted Law 3/2021, which requires all residents to register overnight guests outside of their official household with their respective township or ward administrators. The military era law had previously been repealed by
6837-445: The Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs . Civilian casualties, arbitrary detention of ethnic Rakhine villagers, and military blockage of food aid and medical relief were also reported. On 9 March 2019, around 60 AA insurgents launched an evening attack on Yoe-ta-yoke Police Station. According to a leaked combat report, nine policemen were killed, two were injured, and a dozen weapons, including 10 BA-63 battle rifles , were stolen by
6966-411: The KIA assaulted several military bases in Kachin and Shan States, reportedly burning one in Hpakant Township down. The SAC responded by increasing airstrikes and send reinforcements to the area. The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) and the Chin National Army (CNA) raided and ambushed outposts and convoys in Matupi and Mindat Townships. In December, the Tatmadaw recaptured the town of Thantlang from
7095-484: The Kachin Independence Army would provide them weapons. and by August 2021, the CPB established a new armed wing to fight against the SAC. Over the next two years, the PLA would grow its presence in Tanintharyi Region , where they fight alongside the PDF, claiming to have 1,000 active troops in December 2023. The unrest across the nation and the increased need for SAC troops in previously peaceful urban areas strengthened EAOs. The Kachin Independence Army had already been on
7224-425: The NCA began to fall apart, due to alleged violations of the agreement by Tatmadaw soldiers entering EAO territories to build roads. Many non-signatories continued the conflict. In late 2016, four non-signatories of the NCA formed the Northern Alliance , including the KIA and Arakan Army , engaged in war with the central government and other EAOs. On the morning of 1 February 2021, the Tatmadaw successfully deposed
7353-419: The NLD-led government. On 12 February, the Ministry of Information sent directives to the Myanmar Press Council , a media-adjudication and media-dispute settling body, that the media must report ethically and avoid instigating public unrest but the gradual resignation of twenty three out of twenty six members following the military coup has made it subjected to the cessation of functions. More distinctively,
7482-403: The New National Democracy Party (NNDP), Khin Maung Swe of the National Democratic Force (NDF), Aye Nu Sein of the Arakan National Party (ANP), Banyar Aung Moe of the Mon Unity Party (MUP) and Saw Daniel , formerly of the Kayah State Democratic Party (KySDP). Khin Maung Swe and Thein Nyunt had co-founded NDF, a National League for Democracy (NLD) splinter group, while Mahn Nyein Maung
7611-467: The No. 31 Police Security Unit at 10 p.m. The Tatmadaw retaliated with fighter jets, bombing AA positions until 6 a.m. the next day. On 22 September, fighting broke out near Taunggyi Village in Myebon Township , as the ceasefire expired. In October, AA soldiers captured a ferry on the Mayu River between Sittwe and Buthidaung Township and abducted a group of 58 passengers, which included soldiers, police officers and government workers. A rescue attempt by
7740-543: The PDF in a battle against SAC troops in Katha Township , killing eight SAC soldiers. Fighting also sprouted up in other Kachin State townships, including Putao, Hpakant and Momauk. While there were fewer conflict deaths between May and September, there were still many armed clashes and a spike in early June. Two dozen local officials appointed by the military were assassinated throughout the month of June with hundreds of bombings at police stations, banks and government offices. On 22 June, SAC forces using armoured vehicles raided
7869-469: The SAC army. Ambushes by anti-SAC forces in Shan State also killed at least 20 soldiers. On 16 November 2021, SAC forces overran and captured the base camp of Kalay PDF in southwestern Sagaing Region , killing 2 fighters and capturing 9 Kalay PDF medics . In October, SAC-controlled media reported that at least 406 junta informants had been killed and 285 wounded since 1 February in targeted attacks by resistance forces. According to analyst Matthew Arnold,
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#17327729003427998-420: The SAC as a "terrorist group", and SAC's legitimacy is contested by the competing National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG). The State Administration Council was formed by Min Aung Hlaing on 2 February 2021 with 11 members in the aftermath of the 2021 Myanmar military coup d'état . On 3 February, five civilian members were added to the council. On 17 March, a civilian joined the council. On 30 March,
8127-426: The SAC carried out repeated air strikes against civilian targets in villages in Shan , Kayin and Kayah States . On 17 February alone, around 20 SAC soldiers and 20 resistance fighters were killed in clashes in Mobye , southern Shan State . Witnesses described soldiers systematically looting jewelry, cash, vehicles, and other valuables. Amnesty International reported these actions as collective punishment against
8256-410: The SAC conducted late-night raids to arrest senior civilian politicians and election officials throughout the country, in an attempt to neutralize the NLD . High-profile arrests include the detentions of the Chief Ministers of Tanintharyi Region , Shan , Chin , Kachin , Karen and Rakhine State 's, as well as dozens of township- and district-level election officials. On 11 February, SAC remitted
8385-426: The SAC declared martial law . After a soldier allegedly fired at protestors, fighting between the two sides erupted. The battle lasted four days, killing 30 SAC soldiers and left Mindat abandoned as more than 10,000 people fled the area. On 16 April 2021, pro-democracy politician Min Ko Naing announced the formation of the National Unity Government , with members of ethnic minority groups in senior roles. As part of
8514-429: The SAC meeting had been held 15 times. It is unclear what an ordinal number of the coordination meeting held on 15 February 2021 was. The SAC meetings reported by state-run English newspaper are as follows. An increasing number of foreign governments have curbed diplomatic ties with the military-led government, following the coup. In February 2021, the Government of New Zealand officially announced it does not recognise
8643-418: The SAC's call for a ceasefire. In response, on 11 April 2021, the junta military launched a counter-attack to recapture the Alaw Bum base using airstrikes and ground troops, but had to retreat amidst heavy casualties. On 26 April, the Battle of Mindat became one of the first large-scale conflicts arising from the 2021 coup. The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) began armed resistance in Mindat, Chin State and
8772-513: The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) reported that the junta has stable territorial control in 22% (72 of 330) of townships in Myanmar , comprising only 17% of Myanmar's land area. The report also noted that the regime's governance functions and administrative capacity were collapsing throughout the country, with much of Myanmar's townships now becoming contested territory, and resistance forces having effective territorial control in 39% of townships. Armed resistance has been most endemic in
8901-491: The Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army engaged in several days of fighting around 60 kilometres (37 mi) north of Sittwe at the border between Kyauktaw and Mrauk U townships. An unknown number of military personnel were killed in the fighting. Several Tatmadaw personnel, including one commanding officer, were killed in sniper attacks. Many others were injured. Following clashes between Rohingya insurgents and Burmese security forces in northern Rakhine State in October 2016,
9030-417: The Tatmadaw in Rakhine, but there are reports of atrocities being carried out by the AA and the use of Rohingya people as cannon fodder and human shields . There are also reports of the Junta exploiting tensions between the Arakanese and Rohingya by forcefully recruiting Rohingya people to be used as human shields and cannon fodders. In a 2021 interview with Prothom Alo , army chief Twan Mrat Naing said
9159-415: The Tatmadaw using a helicopter resulted in an exchange of gunfire, killing several of the hostages. On 6 February 2020, the Arakan Army attacked an outpost of the Tatmadaw on a bank of Kaladan River in Chin State. Fighting continued for weeks and peaked in the second week of March when the Arakan Army claimed it had captured 36 soldiers, including a battalion commander. On 19 March 2020, the Tatmadaw made
9288-645: The Tatmadaw. The SAC used terror tactics against the population, including burnings , beheadings , mutilations , war rape , torching villages , and a massive aerial bombing campaign that has displaced nearly 3 million people. The Myanmar Air Force has dropped more bombs per capita than have been dropped in the Russian invasion of Ukraine . A group of observers write that the SAC's forces remain "formidable and well-equipped", with "external allies and economic resources". In late March 2024 anti-SAC forces in southeastern Myanmar captured Demoso and Papun , bringing
9417-557: The Taungup- Pandaung road, leading to 60 junta deaths. On 23 June, AA forces captured Thandwe Airport, the first airport to be captured by resistance forces since the 2021 coup. By 26 June, fighting had spread to Ngapali Beach, and the AA began launching attacks on the last 2 junta bases in Thandwe town. On 2 September, the SAC redeclared the AA as a terrorist group for "bombing civilians." Between 4 and 6 February 2024,
9546-670: The UWSA and AA, by supplying weapons and providing hideouts within Indian territory. AA has received Chinese-made weapons, such as surface-to-surface missiles used during an attack on the Myanmar Navy in 2019. However, there is little evidence to directly confirm Chinese involvement, as Chinese weapons may have been supplied by the UWSA, which has a closer relationship with China. The Arakan Army has targeted India's Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project but not China's projects in
9675-530: The United States government imposed sanctions on two military officers, Maung Maung Kyaw and Moe Myint Tun . On 17 May and 2 July, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on four and three civilian members of the SAC, respectively. On 17 May, the United States government designated the SAC as an object to sanctions. As of late August 2021, of all SAC members, only three civilians, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Moung Har and Shwe Kyein, have not been sanctioned by
9804-652: The United States government. SAC has terminated numerous civil servants across multiple government bodies, including the Supreme Court, union-level ministries, the Naypyidaw Council, and Union Civil Service Board. It has quickly appointed replacements, including union ministers, mayors, agency executives, members of the Central Bank of Myanmar , Union Civil Service Board , judges, and Supreme Court justices. On 8 February, SAC appointed
9933-511: The announcement he said that ousted leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint would retain their positions and asked the international community to recognize their government over the SAC. Throughout April, informal clashes with protestors intensified, such as in Taze when protesters fought back against soldiers with hunting rifles and firebombs on 8 April. The National Unity Government then declared
10062-486: The attackers. On the same day, AA insurgents managed to conquer the front line commanding post of Rakhine State's Gwa Township -based No. 563 Light Infantry Battalion under the supervision of Light Infantry Division No. 5. According to a press release by the Arakan Army, 11 personnel, including four military engineers, were captured and 16 backhoe excavators, a car, a dump truck, and 60 mm and 80 mm mortars were confiscated. In April, around 200 AA insurgents attacked
10191-474: The capital of Kokang Self-Administered Zone , in early January 2024. Northern Shan State fighting stopped with the Haigeng ceasefire after the fall of Laukkai. The Rakhine offensive, however, continued in northern Rakhine state with Mrauk U , among others, falling to the Arakan Army in February 2024. As of February 2024, thousands of the SAC's soldiers have surrendered without a fight, including six generals of
10320-476: The capital of Sagaing Region . Resistance attacks on the SAC saw the SAC retaliate on civilians Targeted personnel attacks increased, killing various SAC personnel and destroying equipment. The PDF also suffered losses, with 12 fighters killed in a battle in Khin-U Township . Many cities saw violent clashes during 2022's Union Day . Mandalay also saw fighting, with casualties on both sides. Throughout
10449-473: The ceasefire with the Tatmadaw should the SAC refuse to order a halt to the massacre of civilians protesting the coup . On 10 April 2021, the AA alongside its allies, TNLA and MNDAA , launched an attack on a police station south of Lashio in Shan State , killing at least 14 police officers and burning the station to the ground. Between June and August 2022, the informal ceasefire in late 2020 between
10578-406: The central government reached a ceasefire in November 2020. At the time of the ceasefire, Myanmar's control had been severely eroded in central and northern Rakhine State, leaving a vacuum that the Arakan Army would fill out of the next 18 months. AA rolled out many public services, like COVID-19 vaccines and local administrators in northern Rakhine State. After the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état both
10707-525: The chairman of the SAC, Min Aung Hlaing , admitted to losing stable control over "more than a third" of townships. Independent observers note the real number is likely far higher, with as few as 72 out of 330 townships remaining under the control of the Tatmadaw, the military forces aligned with the junta. However, the townships under the control of the SAC still included all major population centres. By late March 2021, dozens of protesters had travelled to Myanmar's border areas to enlist in and train under one of
10836-494: The civil war's momentum passed critical threshold by the end of the 2022 dry season where the revolutionary sentiment had grown into a broader social and armed resistance that the SAC could no longer suppress. Towards the end of 2021, direct armed clashes gave way to more bombings, explosive devices and landmines. The PDF, with the strong ground support from local communities, attacked soft government targets like police stations, outposts and military-owned businesses. Through these,
10965-503: The civilian-led government, as Myanmar's foreign minister, and civilian-appointed Win Myint as Myanmar's head of state. As Myanmar's humanitarian situation has continued to decline after the coup, particularly with the execution of four political prisoners in July 2022, ASEAN member states have expressed dissatisfaction with the SAC for its intransigence in implementing ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus. In August 2022, Indonesia's foreign minister publicly criticized SAC's failure to implement
11094-598: The country's ethnic minorities. Fighting broke out in parts of Loikaw on 14 April. The number of refugees on the Thai border increased after increased combat in Kayin State . On 15 April, SAC soldiers suffered at least 30 casualties after being pushed back by the KNLA at the battle for Lay Kay Kaw . The Dry Zone historical heartland of Myanmar had rarely seen armed violence in the modern conflict in Myanmar since 1948 as
11223-508: The country's many insurgent groups, elevating the risk of a countrywide civil war. The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) also proposed the formation of a "Federal Armed Force" to combat the military, and in late March the Arakan Army (AA) threatened to end its ceasefire with the military should the latter "persist in massacring civilians". During late March, protesters increasingly began arming themselves with homemade weapons in an attempt to defend themselves against attacks by
11352-512: The country, commencement of constructive dialogue for a peaceful resolution, appointment of a special ASEAN envoy to mediate on ASEAN's behalf, the provision of humanitarian assistance via the AHA Centre, and ASEAN's ability to meet with all concerned parties. On 4 October 2021, ASEAN leaders, including Indonesian foreign minister, Retno Marsudi , and Singaporean foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan , publicly expressed disappointment about
11481-455: The coup are unclear. In the leadup to the coup, the Tatmadaw claimed that the 2020 general elections had 8.6 million voter irregularities, but presented no evidence. The coup may have been a way to re-establish the military's long-reigning power over the country which ended ten years prior. The bloody repression of anti-coup demonstrations led to the creation of armed groups to fight the State Administration Council (SAC). Gathered under
11610-625: The declaration of a state of emergency by the National Defence and Security Council . Under the constitution, the Commander-in-Chief holds absolute legislative, executive, and judicial power during a state of emergency . Min Aung Hlaing has delegated his legislative power to the SAC, which he chairs . It has formed a provisional administration , also led by Min Aung Hlaing as Prime Minister of Myanmar . The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) has designated
11739-675: The directives say that the words "regime or junta" cannot be used for the State Administrative Council. Ten days after the directions of the Ministry of Information to the Press Council, Min Aung Hlaing, the military coup leader, threatened publications in Myanmar would lose their publishing licenses for the usage of the military regime or junta. Most local media said terms like "military council, junta or regime" will still be used in their reporting. On 1 March,
11868-457: The early 2010s, the Arakan Army fought alongside the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) in the Kachin conflict . Following the 2016 outbreak of conflict in Rakhine state , the AA became more heavily involved in the Arakan region. In 2019, the AA launched attacks on state security forces and the Myanmar Army responded, heightening clashes. The AA reached
11997-564: The elected Myanmar government in a coup, forming a State Administration Council . Former president Win Myint & state chancellor Aung San Suu Kyi , and several other members of the National League for Democracy were detained during early morning of the 1st of the February and Min Aung Hlaing was placed as the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services and de facto ruler of the nation. The established motives behind
12126-506: The first time, targeting security forces attacking a protest camp. SAC declared that it would cease all military operations on 29 March 2021 and hold bilateral negotiations with ethnic armed groups. However, the Kachin Independence Army continued its offensives stating that the Myanmar Army had not ceased operations. Seven insurgent groups who were signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement aligned themselves with
12255-508: The formation of an armed wing, the People's Defence Force (PDF) – on 5 May 2021, a date that is often cited as the start of the civil war. The PDF was formed to protect its supporters from SAC attacks and as a first step towards a Federal Union Army. The PDF clashed with the Tatmadaw in the town of Muse on 23 May, killing at least 13 members of Myanmar's security forces. In early June, fighting erupted in Myawaddy District where
12384-537: The fourth time, starting from 1 August. On 10 February 2024, the State Administration Council activated conscription under the 2010 SPDC People's Military Service Law in response to anti-junta ethnic militias and pro-democracy rebels capturing massive swathes of territory. See more at: Provisional Government of Myanmar On 25 September 2023, the State Administration Council reconstituted itself with Order No 85/2023, along with
12513-685: The future either. Most AA soldiers were originally trained at the KIA Military Academy. Since 2014, the AA has set up its own training camps in Rakhine State. According to the Myanmar Peace Monitor, the AA had more than 1,500 troops in 2014, including personnel stationed in the Rakhine State near Myanmar's border with Bangladesh. The Irrawaddy stated in September 2015 that the AA had more than 2,500 troops and 10,000 personnel in their civilian wing. In June 2020,
12642-431: The impression of giving de jure recognition to SAC in official and legal communications. Indonesia's foreign minister Retno Marsudi has led efforts to exclude SAC at the political level from all ASEAN meetings until democracy was restored through an inclusive process. In April 2021, ASEAN member states adopted a Five-Point Consensus with respect to the Myanmar situation, calling for the immediate cessation of violence in
12771-544: The island as Burmese territory. On 2 June, clashes again erupted on the Thandwe-Taungup highway near Ngapali Beach, with the AA captured Gawt village during the fighting. Over the next week, the fighting moved closer to Thandwe and neighboring Ngapali Beach, forcing the Thandwe Airport to close. During the fighting, Burmese forces shelled Singaung village, killing between 60–120 villagers. On 15 June,
12900-528: The junta launched an airstrike against an AA base in Kayin State , killing 6 AA soldiers. AA retaliated in Maungdaw Township 12 days later killing four and capturing fourteen junta soldiers. Armed clashes broke out in northern Rakhine and western Chin State in late July and early August, including in the city of Paletwa , Chin State. By late August, travel to northern Rakhine required notifying series of checkpoints and all public transport ships ceased operating. Both
13029-462: The legitimacy of the military-led government, shortly after the coup. The Government of Japan does not recognize the military-led government as Myanmar's legitimate governing body. In August 2021, it refused to issue visas for two military-appointed diplomats intended to replace two Japan-based diplomats fired in March for protesting the coup. Since the coup, ASEAN has been circumspect in avoiding
13158-575: The military and Karen Border Guard Forces battled against a combined Karen and PDF force, leaving dozens of SAC troops killed. Members of the Karenni PDF in Kayah State also captured and destroyed several Tatmadaw outposts near the state capital, Loikaw . Towards the end of May, the Tatmadaw used artillery and helicopters to strike PDF positions in Loikaw and Demoso . On 30 May, the KIA joined
13287-500: The military junta and government-in-exile withdrew its designation of the AA as a terrorist group. The State Administration Council (SAC) withdrew its designation on 11 March 2021, while the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) announced a few days later that it was rescinding its terrorist designation for all insurgent groups. Nevertheless, on 30 March, the AA threatened to end
13416-659: The military to intervene in the event of electoral integrity issues during the upcoming 2020 Myanmar general election . Min Aung Hlaing's remarks during the meeting raised concerns that the military had threatened to stage a coup. As of late August 2021, ten civilian members of the SAC include eight party's politicians, Sai Lone Saing and Shwe Kyein of the USDP, Mahn Nyein Maung of the Kayin People's Party (KPP), Thein Nyunt of
13545-490: The military to redeploy allowing thousands of troops between January and early February 2021 to the country's heartland, in the leadup and wake of the February coup. In this vacuum, the AA established its own governing institutions in Rakhine State, including in Rohingya-majority areas. In August 2021, the AA announced a parallel judicial system for state residents. By September 2021, the AA and its political wing,
13674-476: The military. Clashes with soldiers and IED attacks against administrative buildings and police stations became more common and protesters slowly became armed resistance. After about thirty years of dormancy, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), became active again on 15 March 2021 when communist fighters crossed from China into Kachin State where
13803-409: The months following the coup, the opposition began to coalesce around the National Unity Government , which launched an offensive against the State Administration Council (SAC). By 2022, the opposition controlled substantial, though sparsely populated, territory. In many villages and towns, the SAC's attacks drove out tens of thousands of people. On the second anniversary of the coup, in February 2023,
13932-551: The name "Arakan Army" on its English website. The Arakan Army was founded on 10 April 2009 along with its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), in what it describes as its "temporary headquarters" in Laiza , Kachin State . Following training, the group planned to return to Arakan State and fight for self-determination; however, with the outbreak of fighting in Kachin State in June 2011, they were unable to. As
14061-401: The name of the People's Defense Force (PDF) and the orders of the National Unity Government (NUG), formed by parliamentarians in office before the coup d'état, the PDF and the NUG officially declared a "defensive war" against the SAC rule in September 2021. The ACLED estimated that as of 29 July 2022, around 23,521 people in total had been killed in the violence following the 2021 coup. In
14190-440: The number of district -level towns captured by anti-SAC forces up to eight. The ninth district-level town, Matupi , was captured by Chin resistance in mid June 2024. In late June 2024 the Three Brotherhood Alliance restarted Operation 1027 after claiming that Tatmadaw forces had broken the ceasefire, capturing the tenth district level town, Kyaukme , by the end of the month. On 17 July, two more district level towns were captured by
14319-692: The objective of its armed revolution is to restore the sovereignty of the Arakan people . It was declared a terrorist organization in 2020 by Myanmar, and again by the State Administration Council junta in 2024. In February 2024, Twan Mrat Naing claimed that the AA had grown to at least 38000 troops. Anthony Davis, an expert in military and security, rejected this claim and estimated that it has at least 15,000 troops in Chinland and Rakhine State, and around 1,500 in Kachin State and Shan State . In
14448-497: The offensive since February and seized the military's base of Alaw Bum near the town of Laiza on 25 March 2021. The next day, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) attacked a military base, killing 10 SAC soldiers and taking others hostages in their first attack since the protests began. The following day saw the 2021 Kalay clashes where protestors openly used homemade weapons against soldiers for
14577-617: The one party dominated rule of Ne Win, resulted in some of the first modern Bamar militias forming from protestors heading to areas under ethnic rebel control. In the aftermath of the 8888 Uprising the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), later known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), formed a Tatmadaw led council. Myanmar's military, better known as the Tatmadaw , severely weakened ethnic insurgent groups, destroying most of their bases and strongholds through
14706-668: The organization wanted to have good relations with Bangladesh and work with them on the Rohingya issue. In an interview with the Arakha Media (AKK) conducted in August 2021, the Commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army stated that the political objective of the armed revolution is to restore the sovereignty of the Arakan, and there had been no bargaining in the attempt to regain the lost sovereignty and there would not be in
14835-587: The peace plan and its broken promises. In September 2022, Singapore's foreign minister expressed its disappointment in SAC's progress against the consensus. On 20 September 2022, Malaysia became the first ASEAN member state to publicly engage with the competing NUG. In November 2022, the European Union instituted economic sanctions on the State Administration Council. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted
14964-624: The preceding three months. Several major clashes took place from September to October in Chin State , Sagaing Region , Magwe Region , Kayah State and Shan State . On 18 September, the Pa-O National Army , a pro-SAC militia active in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone , aided the SAC in capturing a resistance base near Aungban . By late September 2021, 8,000 residents of Thantlang town, Chin state, fled to Mizoram , India after their houses were set ablaze by
15093-416: The region , leading some to accuse China of diplo-terrorism. However, in February 2024 it stated that it would not prevent the completion of the project. Its representatives met with K. Vanlalvena , an Indian senator who came to observe road construction. In April 2015, the AA clashed with the Myanmar Army in Kyauktaw Township of Rakhine State and Paletwa Township of Chin State . In December 2015,
15222-448: The remainder of Buthidaung Township. The Arakan Army began launching attacks on neighboring Maungdaw on 22 May. On 29 May, junta and the allied Arakan Liberation Army soldiers killed over 70 villagers from the village of Byian Phyu near Sittwe due to suspected Arakan Army sympathies in the village. From late May to early June, the Arakan Army launched attacks on the remaining junta bases throughout Maungdaw Township. On 16 June,
15351-460: The reshuffle of cabinet member. The council's members are as of 25 September 2023: On 1 February 2023, the SAC announced the formation of State Administration Council's Central Advisory Body under Order No 7/2023. In November 2020, the Burmese military negotiated an informal ceasefire with the Arakan Army ( AA ), an insurgent group seeking autonomy for Rakhine State . The ceasefire enabled
15480-602: The resistance became more organised as they seized weapons, got training and communicated between units through the help of the NUG and allied EAOs. According to the Karen National Union , roughly 2,200 SAC soldiers and militiamen were killed in the first half of 2022. On 17 November 2021, dozens of SAC soldiers ambushed an outpost of the Moebye PDF in Pekon Township , Shan State, forcing outnumbered PDF soldiers to retreat. At least four SAC soldiers were killed during
15609-536: The sentences of 23,314 prisoners. Among those released were supporters of the assassin who killed Ko Ni , the NLD 's legal advisor. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners expressed serious concern that the amnesty was intended to clear prison space in order to detain political prisoners. A recent spate of crimes, including arson, has coincided with the timing of the amnesty. On 14 February, SAC amended existing privacy protection laws, which effectively enables
15738-468: The week before. On 24 December, more than 35 people were massacred when they were ambushed by SAC troops outside the village of Mo So in Kayah State . Two staff members of the aid group Save the Children were among those killed. The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack and called for a "thorough and transparent investigation" into the incident. Throughout February and March 2022,
15867-464: Was a former leader of the Karen National Union . Several organisations have distanced themselves from civilian members of the SAC. Following Mahn Nyein Maung's appointment, the KNU distanced itself from him, and reiterated its opposition to the military coup. On 4 February, KySDP announced it had dismissed Saw Daniel from the party for accepting the appointment, and called for the Burmese military to honor
15996-612: Was brokered by Yōhei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation who acted as an intermediary. AA spokseman Khine Thu Kha stated that they agreed to it for humanitarian reasons and not because of international pressure. The group did not withdraw from fortifications held at the time of the ceasefire. A junta official told The Irrawaddy that it was the first step towards a permanent ceasefire. As of mid-December, tensions remained high with forces from both sides remaining in deployment within northern Rakhine State. AA remained part of
16125-464: Was changing its name from Rakhain Tatdaw ( Rakhine : ရက္ခိုင့်တပ်တော် ) to Arakha Tatdaw ( Rakhine : အရက္ခတပ်တော် ). Spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha, claimed "Arakha" represents everyone living in Rakhine State, regardless of background. Even though they claim to be diverse, activists have brought forth evidence of war crimes against Rohingyas following this announcement. However, AA continues to use
16254-475: Was completely seized on 6 November. It became the first district-level town to be taken by the rebels. On the morning of 13 November 2023, as part of Operation 1027, the Arakan Army attacked two Border Guard Police stations in Rathedaung Township, breaking the Rakhine state ceasefire agreement between the junta and AA. The following night, the Arakan Army launched an attack on Pauktaw , seizing
16383-644: Was notably excluded from the unilateral ceasefire announcement and an increase in clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army was reported. On 4 January 2019, around 300 members of the Arakan Army launched pre-dawn attacks on four border police outposts—Kyaung Taung, Nga Myin Taw, Ka Htee La and Kone Myint—in northern Buthidaung Township . Thirteen members of the Border Guard Police (BGP) were killed and nine others were injured, whilst 40 firearms and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition were taken by
16512-526: Was popular support for the Arakan Army in Mrauk U and a number of men from the town recently joined the group. On 21 December 2018, the Myanmar Army declared a four-month unilateral ceasefire in five conflict areas, saying it would hold talks with non-signatories of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) during the ceasefire period. However, the Western Command (stationed in Chin State and Rakhine State)
16641-437: Was sliding toward "bloody anarchy". On 7 September 2021, the NUG declared a state of emergency across the nation and launched what they called the "people's defensive war" against the SAC. The declaration of war increased the number of skirmishes and clashes between PDF militias, EAOs and the SAC across the country. According to the NUG in September 2021, over 1,700 SAC soldiers had been killed and 630 wounded in fighting during
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