Clashes in Myanmar escalate after opposition calls for "people's defensive war"

11.09.2021 09:43

Clashes in Myanmar escalate after opposition calls for "people's defensive war"
Twitter / United Nations in Myanmar

Fighting near the city of Gango in Mague District began on Thursday. It was two days later that the Government of National Unity, an opposition organization in Myanmar, called on the nation to actively act against military rule in the country.

According to one of the residents of the village, the exchange of fire began after about a hundred military personnel arrived in the region to strengthen security measures.

Resistance forces fired several warning shots to prevent soldiers from entering their territory, but this only made the situation worse.
- said a local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity to ensure his personal safety.

He also added that at least eleven people of the resistance forces were killed.

Opposition fighters only have a homemade firearm weapon... It rained that day, the gunpowder got wet and it became useless. Because of this, many children died. Five of those killed were schoolchildren. Their teacher died with them.
- emphasized the villager.

In addition, the government forces are much better equipped, they also have the ability to receive air support or artillery support.

Initially, the opposition movement, which opposed the February military coup, acted peacefully. Gradually, however, members of the resistance began to use weapons, as the new government used violent methods to disperse peaceful demonstrations.

Opposition forces' call for a "people's defensive war" on Tuesday received an enthusiastic response on social media, but its actual impact on the ground is difficult to measure.

Sympathetic media outlets for the opposition reported acts of sabotage by the authorities, in particular the demolition of mobile phone towers. It should be noted that such actions have been taking place for several months.

Now both sides are acting aggressively towards each other.

According to the Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners, which maintains detailed records of those killed or detained by the military government of Myanmar, writes:

1058 activists have been killed since military coup in Myanmar

During a briefing on Thursday for foreign diplomats, So Tin Naing - Myanmar's Deputy Interior Minister - said:

Resistance forces are responsible for the deaths of 933 people. Those killed included government security officials, government officials, and people the resistance considers government informers.