Myanmar resistance forces challenge military regime in 2024
- Operation 1027 was executed by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, significantly undermining the military’s control in Myanmar.
- A year later, resistance forces control much of the territory, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and in need of aid.
- The growing strength of the resistance and the destabilizing internal tensions within their ranks may shape Myanmar's future political landscape.
In Myanmar, resistance forces have successfully pushed back the military regime, which had previously maintained strong control due to its superior firepower and support from Russia and China. The turning point came with Operation 1027, a coordinated assault from the Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Arakan Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. This offensive, launched in 2023, enabled the capture of significant territories along the Chinese border, and over a year later, has weakened the military’s grip, although the conflict remains unresolved. Despite the military's challenges, it has managed to reclaim some territories and is preparing for a potential counteroffensive using newly conscripted troops and air superiority. As the fighting escalates, humanitarian concerns grow, with over 3 million internally displaced persons and 18.6 million people in need of assistance. The 2024 humanitarian aid plan is substantially underfunded, which complicates the response to these needs. Moreover, tensions are rising within resistance groups as they expand into each other’s territories, revealing potential rifts that could hinder their unified efforts against the military. Chinese involvement further complicates the situation, as it balances its relationships with both the military regime and resisting forces, indicating its desire for stability in the region. The resistance, relying on grassroots support, shows resilience against external pressures, positioning itself to continue its fight against the military regime. Martyrdom or failure in this struggle could define the future political landscape of Myanmar.