Myanmar Civil War: Escalation of Violence Against Civilians Amid Ongoing Conflict
Over four years into Myanmar’s civil war post-coup, violence against civilians is escalating, with 52,720 deaths reported. The military’s tactics have evolved, indicating a shift towards aerial bombings and kidnappings for forced recruitment. Children are disproportionately affected, with 6 million in severe humanitarian conditions, reflecting the urgent need for intervention and support to address the crisis.
It has been over four years since Myanmar’s attempted coup triggered a civil war, leaving the political climate tense. The ongoing conflict involves relentless fighting between Myanmar’s military junta and various opposition groups, resulting in extensive territorial disputes. Negotiations between the parties remain absent, contributing to the continuous violence and suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
Indiscriminate attacks on civilians by both sides have escalated, exposing around 90 percent of the population to political violence, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED). Data indicates a disturbing rise in military assaults on civilians, with an analysis from the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance revealing that the conflict has resulted in 52,720 casualties since January 2021, making it the deadliest armed conflict during this period.
Military tactics have shifted, focusing more on aerial bombings and remote violence to instill fear while minimizing direct confrontations. In 2024 alone, the number of military airstrikes targeting civilians surged to 776 events, highlighting a dangerous increase from 253 in 2023. Despite a decline in direct violent actions such as targeted shootings and torture, attacks against civilians persist at alarming levels.
The Myanmar military has faced troop shortages, prompting increased abductions for forced recruitment since February 2024. This has resulted in a record high of 170 abduction events in December 2024, often involving mass kidnappings in volatile areas such as Rakhine state. While other armed groups have also engaged in similar tactics, the majority of abductions have been attributed to the military.
Children are suffering immensely, with the UN estimating that 6 million children endure devastating humanitarian conditions due to the ongoing conflict. Out of 3.5 million internally displaced persons, one-third are children, many of whom have faced the dire consequences of indiscriminate military operations, including injury, orphaning, and disability.
The civil war in Myanmar erupted following an attempted coup in early 2021, as the military ousted the democratically elected government. Since then, a multitude of political and armed factions have emerged, each contesting for control and power. With no sign of reconciliation between parties, this violent struggle has increasingly endangered civilian populations, primarily affecting the youth and vulnerable demographics.
In summary, the prolonged civil conflict in Myanmar continues to inflict severe consequences on its civilian population, with rising fatalities and abuses, particularly against children. The military’s tactics of remote violence and abductions reflect their desperation amidst territorial losses. Addressing this humanitarian crisis will be essential for the international community as the situation remains dire with no immediate resolution in sight.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
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