💰 How the Myanmar Military Gets Its Money: Blood Money & Business Empires

The Myanmar military isn’t just an armed force—it’s a business empire. Through decades of unchecked power, the Tatmadaw has built a vast network of companies and revenue streams.

🔻1. Military-Owned Conglomerates

Two main conglomerates control vast sectors of Myanmar’s economy:

• Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL)
• Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC)

These corporations are fully owned and operated by the military elite. They dominate industries like:

• Natural Resources (jade, gold, timber)
• Construction
• Transport
• Manufacturing
• Tourism
• Banking

MEHL and MEC profits go directly into military coffers—not to the government or people.

🔻2. Natural Resource Exploitation

Myanmar is rich in resources, and the military exploits them ruthlessly:

• Jade Mining (Kachin State) – Worth billions annually.
• Teak and Timber – Sourced from ethnic minority areas.
• Natural Gas & Oil – Especially from offshore pipelines.

These are often sold through opaque deals with foreign companies.

🔫 Where Do They Get Their Weapons?

Despite international sanctions, the Tatmadaw maintains a brutal war machine. Here’s how:

🔻1. Foreign Suppliers

• Russia – The largest arms supplier post-coup. Provides fighter jets, helicopters, air defense systems.
• China – Supplies drones, light weapons, surveillance tech.
• India & Serbia – Some past arms deals and military training.
• North Korea – Secret military-to-military exchanges suspected, including missile tech.

🔻2. Domestic Arms Production

The KaPaSa (Defense Industries) factories, under the Ministry of Defense, manufacture:

• Small arms
• Ammunition
• Mortars
• Landmines

Often, these factories use foreign parts or equipment smuggled in despite sanctions.

🌍 Which Countries Still Do Business with the Military?

While the West has largely imposed sanctions, some countries and companies still engage with military-linked enterprises:

Countries:

• China – Myanmar’s largest trading partner and strategic ally.
• Russia – Military support, investment, political cover at the UN.
• Thailand – Cross-border trade, energy cooperation.
• Singapore (previously) – Financial and logistics hub, though scrutiny has increased.

Major Sectors:

• Energy – Companies like China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) operate pipelines.
• Telecom – Mytel, a joint military telecom company, is still in operation.
• Banking – Military-linked banks like Myawaddy Bank still function in some regions.

🧍‍♂️ Who Are the Key Players in the Military Regime?

🔻1. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

• Supreme Commander-in-Chief
• Orchestrated the 2021 coup
• Oversees both political and military operations

🔻2. Soe Win

• Deputy Commander-in-Chief
• Key figure in crackdown on protesters and military strategies

🔻3. Myint Swe

• Acting President installed by the military
• Used to give a thin constitutional cover to junta rule

QUICK FACTS

• Myanmar’s military junta funds its power through state-controlled corporations, resource plunder, and arms deals.
• Major foreign enablers include Russia and China, while sanctions from the West have limited—but not cut off—their supply chains.
• The Tatmadaw still dominates the economy, wields unchecked political power, and holds vast influence through business and violence.

⚰️ Myanmar Military Atrocities: Decades of Brutality and Bloodshed

The Myanmar military has a long and devastating history of using brutal force to crush dissent, especially against ethnic minorities and pro-democracy movements. Below are real, documented cases that expose the horrifying extent of their violence.

🔥 1. Depayin Massacre – 2003

Location: Sagaing Region
Victims: Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters
What Happened:

• As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi toured the country, military-backed thugs ambushed her motorcade in Depayin.
• Over 70 people were bludgeoned to death with machetes, sticks, and clubs.
• The attack was pre-planned to eliminate opposition.

👉 This massacre showed the Tatmadaw’s fear of democracy—and their readiness to kill for control.

💣 2. Saffron Revolution Crackdown – 2007

Location: Yangon & Mandalay
Victims: Buddhist monks, students, and civilians
What Happened:

• Thousands of peaceful protesters, led by Buddhist monks, marched against soaring fuel prices and military corruption.
• Soldiers opened fire on unarmed monks and citizens.
• Hundreds were killed or disappeared. Bodies were secretly cremated to hide the evidence.

👉 Killing monks in a Buddhist country marked a shocking level of moral collapse by the regime.

🩸 3. Rohingya Genocide – 2017

Location: Rakhine State
Victims: Rohingya Muslim minority
What Happened:

• The military launched “clearance operations” that turned into full-scale ethnic cleansing.
• Villages were burned to the ground, thousands raped, shot, and mutilated.
• Over 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh; countless others were slaughtered.
• The UN called it a textbook example of genocide.

👉 Systematic and brutal, this event drew global condemnation but little effective action.

💔 4. 2021–2025 Post-Coup Massacres

Victims: Civilians, children, medics, protesters
What Happened: After the 2021 military coup, Myanmar saw daily killings and mass atrocities, including:

• Hlaing Tharyar Massacre (March 2021)

• Soldiers fired live rounds at peaceful protesters.
• Over 100 people were killed in a single day.

• Christmas Eve Massacre in Karenni State (December 2021)

• Military burned alive 35 civilians, including women and children, in vehicles.

• Let Yet Kone School Attack (September 2022)

• Helicopter gunships fired on a school in Sagaing.
• At least 11 children were killed.

• Airstrikes in Sagaing and Chin (2023–2024)

• Jet fighters bombed resistance-held villages, killing hundreds.
• Many died in churches, monasteries, and IDP camps.

👉 These acts show the junta targeting civilians as a weapon of war.

NUG VS JUNTA WHO WILL WIN THIS GAME

ChatGPT said:

​As of April 2025, Myanmar remains embroiled in a complex civil conflict between the military junta and various resistance forces, including the National Unity Government (NUG) and numerous ethnic armed organizations. The territorial control is fragmented, with different groups holding sway over various regions.​

🟥 Military Junta (Tatmadaw) – Control and Challenges

The military junta, officially known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has seen a significant reduction in its territorial control since the 2021 coup.​

• Territorial Control: As of late 2024, the junta controls less than half of Myanmar’s territory, primarily maintaining authority over major urban centers such as Naypyidaw and Yangon. ​Radio Free Asia
• Recent Developments: The junta has faced substantial setbacks, including the loss of key military bases in Shan and Rakhine states to ethnic rebel groups. ​Radio Free Asia
• Governance Measures: In an attempt to consolidate power, the junta extended its state of emergency in July 2024 for an additional six months, citing the need to prepare for elections. ​Human Rights Watch+1AP News+1

🟩 National Unity Government (NUG) and Resistance Forces

The NUG, formed by ousted lawmakers and pro-democracy activists, has allied with various ethnic armed organizations to challenge the junta’s authority.​

• Territorial Control: The NUG and its allies reportedly have full control over 95 of Myanmar’s 330 townships, with significant influence in rural areas. ​Radio Free Asia+1The Irrawaddy+1
• Strategic Alliances: The NUG collaborates with ethnic armed groups such as the Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) to coordinate military operations against the junta.​
• Governance Initiatives: The NUG has established administrative structures in controlled areas, including the opening of ministerial offices in the Sagaing Region. ​Wikipedia

🟨 Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) – Regional Control

Several EAOs have capitalized on the conflict to assert control over their respective regions:​

• Arakan Army (AA): The AA has taken control of almost the entirety of Rakhine State and is making incursions into neighboring regions. ​Mizzima+4Reddit+4Wikipedia+4
• Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA): The MNDAA finalized a ceasefire with the junta in January 2025, brokered by China, and has significant influence in northeastern Myanmar. ​The Guardian+3Stimson Center+3Reuters+3
• Other EAOs: Groups like the KIA and KNLA continue to engage in active resistance, controlling various territories and contributing to the fragmented control landscape.​

🗺️ Current Territorial Landscape

The control over Myanmar’s territory is divided among various factions:​

• Junta: Maintains control over major cities and less than half of the country’s territory.​The Irrawaddy+2Radio Free Asia+2The Guardian+2
• NUG and Allies: Control significant portions of rural areas, with full control over 95 townships.​Radio Free Asia
• EAOs: Hold sway over their respective regions, with some, like the AA, controlling nearly entire states.​IISS Myanmar Conflict Map

For a visual representation of the current control dynamics, refer to the Myanmar War Map.​X (formerly Twitter)

Recent Developments in Myanmar’s Civil Conflict

Reuters

China sends team to Myanmar to monitor ceasefire, foreign ministry says

2 days agoThe GuardianFour years after the coup, chaos reigns as Myanmar’s military struggles84 days agoWSJCatastrophic Earthquakes Test Myanmar Junta’s Grip on Power25 days ago

MYANMAR CIVIL WAR THROUGH OUT HISTORY

The History of the Burmese Civil War: A Struggle for Control and Identity

Introduction:

The civil war in Myanmar (formerly Burma) is one of the longest-running armed conflicts in the world, spanning over 70 years. The war has been driven by ethnic, political, and economic struggles, as well as by the central government’s efforts to maintain control over diverse ethnic groups in the country. Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, has been deeply involved in various civil wars, which have had profound effects on the nation’s social and political landscape.

This article explores the history of the Burmese civil war, the key players involved, and its impact on the people and the country.

The Beginning of the Burmese Civil War (1948-1962):

Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948, but this independence came with deep-rooted issues. The newly-formed government, led by Prime Minister U Nu, was unable to resolve tensions with ethnic minorities who sought greater autonomy. In the immediate aftermath of independence, ethnic insurgencies began in various parts of the country, most notably by the Karen, Kachin, and Shan ethnic groups. These groups had longstanding grievances over their treatment and exclusion from national decision-making.

By the early 1960s, the ethnic insurgencies had morphed into a full-scale civil war, with the military playing a central role in quelling the resistance movements. This conflict worsened when General Ne Win led a military coup in 1962, establishing a military dictatorship that consolidated the power of the Tatmadaw and deepened the civil war.

Key Sources:

• The Kachin Independence Army: A Historical Overview
• Myanmar’s Independence and Ethnic Struggles

The Ne Win Regime and the Continuation of Civil War (1962-1988):

The Ne Win regime, which lasted until 1988, was marked by the military’s control over the country’s economy and politics. The government implemented strict policies of isolationism and sought to suppress ethnic autonomy movements with force. Ethnic militias such as the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Shan State Army (SSA) continued to resist military rule, often with the support of neighboring countries like Thailand and China.

The military’s violent crackdown on ethnic rebels led to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises, especially in the border regions. Despite numerous peace talks, the military regime was unwilling to grant any form of autonomy to the ethnic groups, and the fighting continued.

Key Sources:

• Ne Win’s Legacy and the Military’s Role
• The Karen Conflict: A Story of Struggle

The 8888 Uprising and the Military Takeover (1988):

In 1988, widespread protests broke out in Myanmar in response to economic mismanagement, corruption, and the brutality of the military regime. The 8888 Uprising, named after the date of the protests, was a mass movement led by students, workers, and activists calling for democracy and an end to military rule.

However, the military responded with extreme violence, leading to the deaths of thousands of protesters. General Than Shwe, a senior military officer, took control of the country after a coup. This marked the beginning of a brutal period of military dictatorship under the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which further escalated the civil war.

Key Sources:

• The 8888 Uprising: A Fight for Freedom
• Myanmar Military’s Brutal Crackdown on Protesters

The Rise of Aung San Suu Kyi and the Struggle for Democracy (1990s-2000s):

During the 1990s and 2000s, the pro-democracy movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi gained significant momentum. The National League for Democracy (NLD), headed by Suu Kyi, won the 1990 general election in a landslide. However, the military junta refused to hand over power, and Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for much of the next two decades.

Despite this, the NLD and ethnic groups continued to call for a peaceful resolution to the civil war. However, ethnic armed groups and the Tatmadaw remained locked in combat, with no resolution in sight. In 2011, Myanmar began a transition towards democracy, but the civil war did not end.

Key Sources:

• Aung San Suu Kyi’s Leadership Amidst Myanmar’s Struggles
• Ethnic Armed Struggles in Myanmar: An Overview

The 2021 Coup and Renewed Civil War:

The most recent chapter in the Burmese civil war began in February 2021 when the military, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, staged a coup d’état and overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. This act of aggression triggered widespread protests and a civil disobedience movement, which quickly escalated into armed resistance.

The military junta’s brutal crackdown on protesters, ethnic minorities, and dissidents led to the formation of the People’s Defense Force (PDF), a coalition of ethnic militias, activists, and exiled opposition groups. As of 2025, much of Myanmar is embroiled in active combat, with the junta’s power fractured and resistance groups taking control of significant territory in the border regions and ethnic minority strongholds.

Key Sources:

• Myanmar’s Military Coup: The Road to Resistance
• The Civil War in Myanmar: A Timeline

Current Situation and Prospects for Peace:

As of 2025, Myanmar remains deeply divided between the military junta, which controls the capital Naypyidaw and parts of central Myanmar, and the resistance forces, which control swathes of the periphery. The ethnic militias, particularly the Karen, Kachin, and Chin groups, have become increasingly integrated into the anti-junta alliance, while the National Unity Government (NUG) coordinates the resistance efforts from exile.

International pressure on the junta has mounted, with sanctions and diplomatic isolation contributing to economic strain. However, peace talks have largely stalled due to the junta’s unwillingness to negotiate.

Key Sources:

• Myanmar’s Resistance: What Does the Future Hold?
• The Civil War’s Toll on Myanmar’s Ethnic Minorities

Conclusion:

The history of Burma’s civil war is one of unyielding resistance against oppression, with multiple generations of ethnic groups and activists struggling for autonomy and democracy. As Myanmar continues to face the devastating effects of military rule, the people’s fight for freedom and equality is far from over. The international community’s role in supporting Myanmar’s transition to peace remains critical, but for now, the country remains embroiled in one of the world’s longest-running and most complex civil wars.

CURRENT MYANMAR NEWS

Myanmar’s Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in 2025: A Nation in Turmoil

As Myanmar enters its fifth year under military rule following the February 2021 coup, the country remains embroiled in a complex and escalating conflict. The military junta, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, continues to face significant resistance from various armed opposition groups, including the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and ethnic armed organizations. These groups have made substantial territorial gains, challenging the junta’s control over large parts of the country.​ read more opinion pieces here.

Territorial Control and Military Stalemate

Reports indicate that the junta controls only about 21% of Myanmar’s territory, with the remainder under the control of resistance groups or contested zones. In regions like Chin State, resistance forces have maintained control, with the junta’s presence limited to a few key towns. The military’s attempts to reclaim these areas have resulted in protracted and inconclusive battles, leading to a stalemate in many regions. ​The Soufan CenterThe Irrawaddy

Civil Disobedience Movement and Popular Resistance

The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), initiated by civil servants in the aftermath of the coup, continues to be a significant form of resistance. Participants have faced severe repercussions, including imprisonment and forced displacement, yet many remain steadfast in their commitment to nonviolent protest. The movement has inspired various sectors of society to engage in acts of defiance against the junta’s rule. ​Myanmar Now

International Involvement and Humanitarian Concerns

The international community has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian impact. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the United Nations have called for accountability for atrocities committed by the military, urging member states to take decisive action to support the people of Myanmar. ​Amnesty International

Prospects for Peace and Democratic Transition

Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution have been complicated by the military’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and its continued repression of opposition forces. The path to democracy remains uncertain, with the junta’s grip on power showing signs of weakening but not yet fully relinquishing control. The resilience of the Burmese people and their unwavering demand for freedom and democracy continue to be a beacon of hope amid the darkness of authoritarian rule.​

Conclusion

Myanmar’s struggle for freedom and democracy in 2025 is characterized by a protracted and multifaceted conflict. While the military junta maintains control over certain areas, its authority is increasingly challenged by a united and resilient opposition. The international community’s support remains crucial in assisting the Burmese people in their quest for a just and democratic society.​

Recent Developments in Myanmar’s Ongoing Conflict

Reuters

China sends team to Myanmar to monitor ceasefire, foreign ministry says

2 days agoLatest news & breaking headlinesThe rebel poets of Myanmar, armed with pens and guns5 days agoThe GuardianBBC launches satellite news channel in Myanmar after Trump silences VOA