Myanmar's Gen Z Fighters Tackle Military Junta with Guerrilla Tactics

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In the conflict-ridden region of Myanmar, young resistance fighters are employing guerrilla warfare against the military junta, which has held power since a coup in February 2021. Soldiers from the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), the armed wing of the exiled National Unity Government, are currently mobilizing at the Loikaw front, near the Thailand border, to reclaim territory and protect civilians.

The ongoing civil conflict, which has resulted in over 5,000 deaths and millions displaced, has drawn many young individuals, including professors, farmers, and students, into armed resistance. Abel, a 26-year-old guerrilla fighter known as "Bye Bye," spoke about the dire circumstances motivating their actions, highlighting the junta's aerial assaults and the ongoing threat faced by nearby villages.

Generational aspirations were shattered when the military’s return to power interrupted what many hoped would be a lasting democracy. Young fighters, like 21-year-old Thu Ra Aung, reflect on their lost dreams for education and a peaceful future. He notes, “Since the coup, everything has changed,” revealing the personal sacrifices young revolutionaries make as they fight against a regime accused of numerous brutalities, including bombing schools and hospitals.

Guerrilla general Maui, a 31-year-old combat leader, emphasizes the importance of tactical intelligence over brute force in their operations. "Without enough weapons for a frontal assault, tactics and intelligence are everything in the outcome of the conflict,” he stated.

As resistance forces gain control of significant areas, including Demoso, a refuge for displaced individuals, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Reports indicate that approximately 18 million people require urgent assistance. Local health facilities, like the hidden hospital run by doctor Soe Ka Naing, struggle with scarce resources to treat an influx of war casualties.

Despite the grim circumstances, the young fighters remain determined. Many express hope for a democratic future that respects the rights of Indigenous communities and promotes peace. As General Maui poignantly noted, “In the end, we will win. We have no alternative; if we lose, I wouldn’t wish the hell we’d find ourselves in on my worst enemy.”

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