Myanmar resistance movement senses the tide is turning against the military 3 years after takeover
When the army overthrew Myanmar’s elected government in 2021, it looked like a walkover that could entrench the military in power indefinitely
BANGKOK (AP) — When the army overthrew Myanmar's elected government on Feb. 1, 2021, it looked like a walkover that could entrench the military in power indefinitely. Three years later, a poorly armed grassroots resistance movement has shaken the military’s grip in a modern-day David vs. Goliath conflict.
Overshadowed by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Myanmar's civil war is no longer on the front pages, even as violence perpetrated under the military government has risen. Air strikes on villages have increased and civilian casualties have grown, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, and Myanmar Witness, a project headquartered in Britain.
The war has engendered a humanitarian crisis, the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar said in an interview.
“Thousands and thousands have been killed, 2.3 million people have been displaced. 18.6 million in Myanmar are in need right now of humanitarian aid,” Tom Andrews said. "Half the country has fallen into poverty. The education system doesn’t exist for millions of children. The health care system is in shambles.”
