This article was accepted into the corpus but its outbound wikilinks were never NER-processed — typical at the deepest BFS hop or when the run's entity cap was reached. No expansion funnel to show.
| 2021–2023 Myanmar civil conflict | |
|---|---|
| Conflict | 2021–2023 Myanmar civil conflict |
| Partof | Internal conflict in Myanmar, Myanmar–China border clashes |
| Date | February 2021 – 2023 |
| Place | Myanmar, including Naypyidaw, Yangon, Mandalay, Kachin State, Shan State, Rakhine State, Chin State, Sagaing Region |
| Status | Ongoing (as of 2023) |
| Combatant1 | State Administration Council (Myanmar); Tatmadaw |
| Combatant2 | People's Defence Force (Myanmar); National Unity Government (Myanmar); various ethnic armed organizations including Kachin Independence Army, Karen National Union, Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, United Wa State Army |
| Commanders1 | Min Aung Hlaing |
| Commanders2 | Win Myint (deposed), Mahn Win Khaing Than, Duwa Lashi La, leaders of ethnic organisations |
| Casualties | Thousands killed, including civilians; widespread destruction |
2021–2023 Myanmar civil conflict
The conflict began after the February 2021 seizure of power in Naypyidaw by the State Administration Council (Myanmar), triggering nationwide opposition across Yangon, Mandalay, and ethnic regions. Mass demonstrations, a parallel administration led by the National Unity Government (Myanmar), and the escalation of armed resistance involving the People's Defence Force (Myanmar) and multiple ethnic armed organisations transformed protests into an armed insurgency with regional and international ramifications.
In the decade preceding 2021, attempts at political transition involved key actors such as the Union Solidarity and Development Party, National League for Democracy, and figures like Aung San Suu Kyi and Thein Sein. Longstanding conflicts featured Kachin Independence Army, Karen National Union, Arakan Army, and the United Wa State Army contesting authority in border regions adjacent to China, Thailand, and India. International frameworks including the 2015 Myanmar general election results and the stalled Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement contextualised tensions among the Tatmadaw, civilian politicians, and ethnic movements.
On 1 February 2021, the State Administration Council (Myanmar) detained leaders from the National League for Democracy such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint, prompting mass mobilisations in Yangon, Mandalay, and townships nationwide. The Civil Disobedience Movement (Myanmar) saw participation from healthcare workers associated with Yangon General Hospital and educators linked to institutions like University of Yangon; protesters used slogans referencing historical events such as the 8888 Uprising and symbols tied to Aung San. Security operations by the Tatmadaw and Myanmar Police Force resulted in deaths and arrests, drawing condemnation from entities including the United Nations Security Council, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and governments such as United States and United Kingdom.
As repression intensified, activists and defectors from units formerly under the Tatmadaw formed armed groups allied with the National Unity Government (Myanmar). The People's Defence Force (Myanmar) emerged alongside local defence militias in Sagaing Region, Chin State, and Magway Region. Simultaneously, cooperation and clashes occurred between these new forces and established organisations like the Kachin Independence Army, Karen National Union, Arakan Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army, altering battlefield dynamics across Shan State, Rakhine State, and border corridors used by China and Thailand.
Key engagements included battles for urban control in Yangon and Mandalay, protracted fighting in Sagaing Region townships, offensives around Myitkyina in Kachin State, and clashes near strategic hubs such as Mrauk-U in Rakhine State. The Tatmadaw employed airstrikes and artillery against rebel-held areas, while the People's Defence Force (Myanmar) and allied ethnic armed groups launched coordinated attacks on bases, checkpoints, and logistical lines. Incidents involving the United Wa State Army and border skirmishes with forces influenced supply routes adjacent to Yunnan and Mae Sot corridors.
Widespread violence precipitated mass displacement internally and toward international borders, affecting camps associated with organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross operations and drawing attention from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Médecins Sans Frontières. Reports documented civilian casualties in towns such as Kalay and Laiza, destruction of villages, and disruptions to healthcare facilities including Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital. The crisis strained host communities in Thailand, India, and Bangladesh and raised concerns at forums including the United Nations General Assembly.
Responses varied: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations proposed diplomatic engagement through mechanisms involving representatives like Prayut Chan-o-cha and Joko Widodo, while Western states including United States, United Kingdom, and European Union imposed sanctions targeting senior figures like Min Aung Hlaing and associated entities. Human rights bodies such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented alleged abuses, prompting debates at the United Nations Human Rights Council. China and Russia advocated for non-interference and dialogue, and neighbouring states balanced border security with refugee concerns, involving agencies like Bangladesh Armed Forces and Indian Army in humanitarian and security measures.
Economic disruption followed the coup with impacts on sectors connected to YCDC-administered infrastructure, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, and commodity trade routes through Yangon Port. Sanctions by United States Department of the Treasury, European Commission, and other authorities targeted exports, banking relations involving CB Bank and Myanmar Economic Corporation, and investment by firms tied to conglomerates like Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited. Currency volatility, contraction of foreign direct investment, and sanctions pressures affected livelihoods tied to agriculture in Sagaing Region and extractive projects in Shan State, prompting multinational corporations and regional investors to reassess engagements.
Category:Conflicts in Myanmar