Five years following the military coup in Myanmar, the nation finds itself at a pivotal moment in its ongoing civil war. The military junta has intensified its counter-offensives, aiming to reclaim territories that have been seized by pro-democracy rebels from various ethnic and religious groups.
Resistance in Tanintharyi: A Symbol of Defiance
In the southernmost region of Myanmar, known as Tanintharyi, local resistance forces have managed to maintain a stronghold against the military. This narrow strip of land, bordered by the Andaman Sea to the west and Thailand to the east, has been a battleground for decades. Historically, it has witnessed armed rebellion, primarily led by the Karen ethnic minority, who have long resisted the incursions of the Burmese army, the Tatmadaw.
The emergence of a vibrant local guerrilla movement in Tanintharyi has been catalysed by the coup on 1 February 2021, which toppled Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government and extinguished a decade of democratic progress. The brutal suppression of peaceful protests prompted many young activists to take up arms, leading to the formation of the People’s Defence Force (PDF). This new generation of fighters, along with established ethnic armed groups, has engaged in fierce battles against the junta, reclaiming significant portions of territory in the region.
A Growing Coalition Against the Junta
The resistance in Tanintharyi has drawn thousands of young men and women from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared disdain for the junta’s violent tactics, which have included indiscriminate war crimes and civilian massacres. As local pro-democracy battalions proliferated post-coup, the PDF emerged as a formidable force, seizing control over nearly half of Tanintharyi and pushing towards coastal towns, directly challenging the junta’s authority.
Despite their initial successes, the resistance now grapples with the military’s intensified counteroffensive. Armed with over 80,000 forcibly recruited soldiers and bolstered by support from Beijing, the Tatmadaw is launching attacks on multiple fronts, compelling some insurgent groups to retreat from strategically vital areas.
The Human Cost of War
As Myanmar enters 2026 under military rule, the human toll of this conflict has been staggering. Reports indicate that the war has claimed over 90,000 lives, with an alarming 3.5 million people displaced, as noted by the United Nations. The situation continues to deteriorate, with nearly half of Myanmar’s 55 million citizens now reliant on humanitarian assistance.
In Tanintharyi, the impact of armed conflict is felt acutely. The junta’s strategy has included targeted bombings of civilian areas and the destruction of villages, with air and drone strikes escalating by approximately 30% in 2025—marking the deadliest year since the coup. The consequences of this violence are visible in the growing number of makeshift cemeteries emerging amid the dense foliage, where fallen fighters are laid to rest.
A Unified Front Amidst Chaos
Despite the myriad challenges, the resistance remains resolute. The multi-ethnic coalition fighting for democracy has united under the banner of shared struggle, with the PDF and the Karen National Union (KNU) standing alongside various other groups, including Muslim battalions and youth movements from urban centres. Together, they continue to hold their ground, even managing to capture key locations such as Mawdaung, a vital trade route to Thailand.
The complex landscape of alliances reflects both the desperation and determination of those opposing the junta. Yet, as hostilities escalate, the risk of further casualties and displacement looms large.
Why it Matters
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar is not merely a regional issue; it resonates with global implications for democracy, human rights, and international stability. The resilience of the resistance in Tanintharyi serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who strive for freedom and justice. As the world watches, the unfolding events may redefine not only Myanmar’s future but also the broader dynamics of governance and resistance in an increasingly tumultuous geopolitical landscape.
