Myanmar’s civil war, sparked by the 2021 military coup, has developed into a highly destructive conflict that continues to devastate civilian populations and displace thousands. The military junta, officially called the State Administration Council (SAC), has ramped up its operations to reclaim territories previously controlled by resistance forces. It combines airstrikes with ground offensives to reassert control over strategic towns, intensifying a conflict that has already taken a heavy toll on the country.
Strategic Reclamation of Key Towns
Over the past few months, the junta has retaken several critical towns from resistance groups. For example, Kyaukme, a key town in Shan State, fell back into military hands after a three-week operation combining infantry assaults and aerial bombardments. Located along the Asian Highway 14, which connects Myanmar to the Chinese border, Kyaukme serves as a vital transportation and trade hub. Rebels had controlled the town since August 2024, and the junta’s recapture underscores its focus on maintaining logistical links to neighboring countries.
Similarly, the junta reclaimed Hsipaw in northern Shan State after a 16-day offensive. This town sits on the main road from Mandalay to the Chinese border, making it essential for the military’s economic and strategic plans. In both cases, the junta relied heavily on a combination of ground troops and aerial attacks to overwhelm resistance fighters.
These advances reflect a broader strategy. The junta aims to regain control over areas bordering China and Thailand that ethnic armed groups and local resistance forces had seized. Analysts note that controlling border towns allows the junta to monitor trade, secure supply routes, and maintain a semblance of state authority in regions increasingly under insurgent influence.
Intensification of Air Warfare
The military has significantly increased its reliance on airpower. Reports indicate that airstrikes target not only resistance positions but also villages suspected of harboring insurgents. In late September 2025, air raids in Bago, Chin, Magwe, and Kachin states killed at least 34 civilians and destroyed multiple resistance camps.
A particularly shocking incident occurred in October 2025, when a motorized paraglider dropped bombs on Bon To village in Sagaing Region during a Buddhist festival. The attack killed at least 24 people, including children, and injured more than 50. Witnesses said the bombing interrupted a peaceful oil lamp ceremony commemorating the end of Buddhist Lent. Attendees had also called for the release of political prisoners such as Aung San Suu Kyi.
Military analysts suggest the use of low-tech aerial weapons signals both tactical innovation and resource constraints. International sanctions and arms embargoes have limited the junta’s access to more sophisticated military hardware. Despite these constraints, the junta continues to demonstrate its ability to strike both strategic and civilian targets.
Resistance Forces Fight Back
Even as the junta advances, resistance groups remain active. The People’s Defense Force (PDF) and several ethnic armed organizations continue to launch ambushes and counteroffensives. For instance, resistance fighters recently regained control of Banmauk in northern Sagaing Region.
These groups operate using guerilla tactics, avoiding direct confrontation with superior junta forces whenever possible. They rely on knowledge of local terrain, mobile operations, and support from sympathetic communities. Observers note that this asymmetric warfare prolongs the conflict, complicates junta operations, and increases the humanitarian toll.
Internationally, the junta faces growing condemnation. Human rights organizations accuse it of committing war crimes, citing indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the use of prohibited weapons. The United Nations continues to call for accountability, humanitarian aid, and urgent measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Implications for the December 2025 Elections
The junta has announced plans to hold national elections in December 2025, the first since the 2021 coup. However, international observers and opposition groups view these elections as an attempt to legitimize military rule rather than a true democratic process. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has admitted that ongoing conflict prevents nationwide voting. So far, only 145 out of 330 townships were included in preparations to compile voter lists.
The exclusion of large areas under resistance control raises serious concerns about the elections’ credibility and inclusivity. Analysts warn that limited participation will likely deepen political divisions and weaken the legitimacy of any elected body.
Humanitarian Crisis
The junta’s military operations have triggered mass displacement. Tens of thousands have fled towns affected by airstrikes and ground offensives, seeking refuge in safer regions or across international borders. Humanitarian organizations warn that these displaced populations face food shortages, limited medical care, and heightened vulnerability to violence.
Moreover, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including schools, clinics, and markets, compounds the crisis. Children and elderly residents bear the brunt of these attacks, with many losing access to basic services for months.
International Engagement
The global community faces complex choices. Governments and multilateral organizations must decide whether to engage with the junta, provide support to resistance groups, or increase humanitarian aid. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure have so far failed to significantly curb junta aggression. Meanwhile, advocacy groups call for enhanced monitoring and accountability to prevent further civilian casualties.
Conclusion
Myanmar’s civil war continues to devastate communities while reshaping the country’s political landscape. The junta aggressively reclaims towns and relies on airstrikes, yet resistance forces persist, exploiting local knowledge and guerrilla tactics.
The December elections, limited in scope, may further consolidate military power while leaving much of the population disenfranchised. Meanwhile, civilians endure violence, displacement, and economic hardship, underscoring the human cost of the conflict.
As international actors monitor the situation, Myanmar faces an uncertain future. Lasting peace remains elusive unless meaningful dialogue, accountability, and protection for civilians are implemented. The persistence of both military aggression and resistance efforts suggests that the conflict will continue to shape Myanmar’s political and humanitarian landscape for the foreseeable future.
