Story perspectives

Resistance Groups Seize Half of Myanmar's Tanintharyi Region

2/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

In Myanmar's Tanintharyi region, local resistance groups control nearly half the area amid the conflict.
Since the 2021 coup, the People's Defence Force (PDF) and the Karen National Union (KNU) have led a guerrilla campaign against the military junta.
The conflict has killed over 90,000 and displaced more than 3.5 million people.
A recent victory was the capture of Mawdaung, a crucial border town.

History

Historical Context

The 2021 coup in Myanmar, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy, igniting widespread protests and armed resistance. By 2023, over 90,000 deaths and 3.5 million displacements were reported, with the People's Defence Force and Karen National Union emerging as key resistance groups. Their recent capture of Mawdaung underscores the ongoing struggle for autonomy amid a backdrop of military governance in Southeast Asia.

1 of 2

Story summary

In Myanmar's Tanintharyi region, local resistance groups control nearly half the area amid the conflict.
Since the 2021 coup, the People's Defence Force (PDF) and the Karen National Union (KNU) have led a guerrilla campaign against the military junta.
The conflict has killed over 90,000 and displaced more than 3.5 million people.
A recent victory was the capture of Mawdaung, a crucial border town.

1 / 2