Myanmar Military Intensifies Civilian Attacks Amid Regional Diplomatic Engagement: ACLED

Post by : Saif

Myanmar's military has significantly intensified attacks on civilians since a change in military leadership earlier this year, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).

The conflict monitoring organization said the military has expanded aerial bombardments and offensive operations, contributing to a rise in civilian casualties even as Myanmar's leadership increases diplomatic engagement with regional countries.

New Military Leadership Linked to Escalation

ACLED said the increase in violence followed a restructuring of Myanmar's military command in late March 2026.

General Ye Win Oo assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief after long-time junta leader Min Aung Hlaing transitioned from military chief to president following the country's political changes.

According to the report, the military has since relied more heavily on coordinated air operations, deploying small groups of fighter jets to conduct repeated strikes against selected targets.

Hundreds of Civilian Deaths Reported

ACLED said it documented:

• More than a dozen mass killing incidents during the first half of 2026.
• More than 450 civilian deaths linked to those incidents.
• Around 40% of the reported fatalities occurred in Myanmar's central Anyar region.

The organization stated that military tactics have shifted toward more intensive aerial attacks while continuing broader campaigns against resistance-held areas.

Read more: Myanmar Election Confirms Military-Backed Party’s Grip on Power During Civil War

Reports of Violence in Central Myanmar

One of the incidents highlighted involved operations in Myit Chay Township, near the historic city of Bagan.

Local residents alleged that hundreds of soldiers entered the area, looted property and killed civilians during military operations.

Reuters reported it could not independently verify the residents' accounts, although the incident appears in ACLED's database and has also been reported by local media.

Conflict Continues Since 2021 Coup

Myanmar has remained engulfed in conflict since the military seized power in February 2021, removing the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

The military takeover triggered nationwide protests that later evolved into an armed conflict involving resistance groups and ethnic armed organizations.

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people across the country.

Diplomacy Continues Alongside Conflict

Despite ongoing fighting, Myanmar's leadership has increased diplomatic outreach in recent months.

President Min Aung Hlaing has visited India and China, while regional engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has shown signs of gradual improvement after years of limited contact.

Officials have also confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand on August 6–7, as Myanmar seeks broader regional engagement.

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