Myanmar’s conflict landscape is among the most complex and enduring in Asia, shaped by decades of ethnic resistance to state repression and the ongoing struggle against military dictatorship. Following the 2021 coup, the nation has seen a resurgence and intensification of armed groups that embody the hopes of marginalized ethnic peoples and urban civilians alike. While global media often reduces these struggles to mere “civil war” or “insurgency,” a more grounded analysis reveals these groups as vital actors resisting a deeply entrenched military regime propped up by regional and global power interests.
This article offers a detailed look at the key ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and civilian militias currently active in Myanmar, the networks that support them, and the broader geopolitical forces shaping the conflict. The ongoing insurgencies must be understood not only as armed resistance but as part of a broader popular movement for justice, federalism, and self- determination in the face of military repression and neo-colonial interference.
Key Insurgent Groups Operating in Myanmar
The military coup in February 2021 reignited existing tensions and created new fronts for resistance. Beyond the often-cited Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and Arakan Army (AA), many lesser-known but critical groups have risen in prominence, expanding the scope of opposition to the junta.
Chin National Front (CNF) and Chin National Army (CNA)
Representing the Chin people in western Chin State, the CNF and CNA have increased their military and political activity since the coup, aligning with the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and other ethnic groups to present a united front against the military dictatorship. Their demands are rooted in self-determination, cultural survival, and local autonomy long denied by the central state.
Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)
The KNLP operates in Kayah (Karenni) State advocating autonomy for the Kayan ethnic group. Historically fragmented and militarily limited, they have strengthened ties with the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) to resist Tatmadaw incursions. Their struggle is both ethnic and political, emphasizing local governance and protection of indigenous lands.
Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and Karenni Army
The KNPP and its armed wing are vital actors in Kayah State, actively resisting military control and advocating for federalism. Their cooperation with PDFs and other EAOs signals an expanding network of armed resistance that blurs the lines between ethnic and civilian opposition.
Mon National Liberation Army (MNLA)
Operating in Mon State, the MNLA represents an ethnic minority historically marginalized by central authorities. Post-coup, the group has escalated operations alongside other EAOs, signaling a renewed commitment to resisting military rule through armed struggle and political activism.
Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA)
Based in border regions between Myanmar and India, these groups fight for self-determination of the Kuki and Zomi peoples. They face pressure not only from Tatmadaw forces but also rival ethnic factions, complicating the insurgency landscape. Their cross-border ethnic ties create complex regional dynamics that transcend Myanmar’s borders.
Lahu Democratic Union (LDU)
Active in northern Shan State, the LDU fights for recognition and autonomy of the Lahu people. Despite limited resources, they contribute significantly to the wider resistance against the juntanthrough coalition-building and military action.
Pa-O National Liberation Organisation (PNLO) and Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA)
Representing the Pa-O people in southern Shan State, the PNLO/PNLA’s long-standing grievances over land rights have intensified post-coup. They have joined forces with PDFs and other ethnic militias, underscoring the broadening nature of the anti-military coalition.
National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)
Situated in eastern Shan State near the Chinese border, the NDAA has maintained a semi-autonomous stance through ceasefire deals but has increased military cooperation with PDFs, signalingresistance to Tatmadaw centralization
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)
Based in the Kokang region, this ethnic Chinese group has longnopposed military control, with their armed conflict in 2015 reigniting broader hostilities in the northeast. Their push for autonomy highlights the ethnic diversity and regional complexity within Myanmar’s conflicts .
Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)
Representing the Ta’ang or Palaung ethnic group, the TNLA is a significant military force in northern Shan State. Though historically linked with illicit economies, their current role is firmly within the armed struggle against the junta, demanding political and economic rights for their people.
The People’s Defence Forces and Urban Resistance
Post-coup Myanmar saw the emergence of the PDFs, civilian militias largely composed of youth, workers, and urban activists. Though lacking the resources of ethnic armed groups, the PDFs have displayed resilience, often coordinating with EAOs and expanding the insurgency beyond traditional ethnic areas.
This synergy marks a new phase in Myanmar’s resistance, blurring lines between ethnic and class struggle. The PDFs are not only military actors but also part of a broader movement demanding democratic governance, social justice, and an end to decades of military rule.
External Support and Regional Geopolitics: Complicity and Contradictions
Myanmar’s insurgencies cannot be understood without examining the regional and international context, where imperialist and capitalist interests shape the conflict’s trajectory.
China: Stability Over Justice
China’s economic investments in Myanmar, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, have translated into tacit support for certain EAOs along its border, aiming to secure infrastructure corridors rather than human rights or democratic progress. Beijing’s policy prioritizes “stability” over justice, effectively enabling the military regime by limiting international pressure and maintaining economic ties.
Thailand: Sanctuary and Strategic Ambiguity
Thailand hosts tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence and provides some logistical support to insurgents. However, its official stance remains ambiguous, balancing economic ties with Myanmar’s junta against the humanitarian imperative to support displaced peoples.
Click to read about the recent Thai attacks on Cambodia.
India: Pragmatism and Security Concerns
India navigates a cautious path, seeking to curb militant spillover while maintaining relations with Myanmar’s military. Its strategic priorities often undermine solidarity with ethnic insurgents, reflecting realpolitik more than support for self-determination.
Western Sanctions: Punitive Measures with Mixed Outcomes
While the West imposes sanctions targeting military-linked economic entities, these measures have paradoxically reinforced Myanmar’s reliance on China and Russia for trade and resources. This shift sustains the military economically and prolongs conflict, demonstrating the limitations of sanctions divorced from on-the-ground realities.
The Broader Conflict: Grassroots Resistance and the Fight for Federalism
Myanmar’s ongoing crisis is not merely a military struggle but a profound political and social movement. The alliance of ethnic armed groups with PDFs represents a united front against authoritarianism and ethnic oppression. Their calls for federalism seek to dismantle centralized military control and replace it with a pluralistic, democratic system respecting ethnic identities and local governance.
The resilience of these groups, often fighting with minimal resources against a brutal military apparatus, highlights the enduring spirit of Myanmar’s marginalized peoples. Their struggle demands international solidarity rooted in respect for their agency and a rejection of imperialist interference.
Conclusion: Understanding Myanmar’s Insurgencies Beyond Headlines
The insurgencies in Myanmar embody a complex, multi-ethnic, and deeply political resistance against decades of military repression and exploitation. Simplistic portrayals in mainstream media obscure the nuances of these groups’ aims and the broader socio-political context.
By recognizing the diverse ethnic militias, the emergent civilian PDFs, and the geopolitical entanglements that sustain conflict, we gain a fuller picture of Myanmar’s fight for democracy, autonomy, and justice. Supporting these struggles means challenging imperialism, condemning the junta’s violence, and advocating for a federated Myanmar where all peoples can live with dignity and self-determination.