Key facts
- Myanmar's military has escalated attacks on civilians since a new administration took office.
- A conflict monitor reported over a dozen mass killings in the first half of 2026, resulting in more than 450 civilian fatalities.
- The military has intensified aerial bombing campaigns and deployed specialized jet fighter groups for sustained airstrikes.
- Regional governments are increasing diplomatic engagement with Myanmar, with its leader scheduled to visit Thailand.
- The conflict has killed approximately 100,000 people and displaced millions since the 2021 military coup.
Myanmar's military has significantly increased its attacks on civilians since a new administration took office, according to a conflict monitor. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that since the military junta reconfigured its command structure in March, civilians have faced worsening repression and an intensified aerial bombing campaign.
ACLED stated that specialized groups of jet fighters are now regularly deployed for sustained airstrikes against single targets. The organization gathers data from media reports, local partners, the UN, and human rights organizations. The country has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in February 2021, leading to a civil war that has killed approximately 100,000 people and displaced millions.
Under the command of new military chief Ye Win Oo, the military has launched renewed offensives into border regions, including areas with critical rare earth deposits and vital trade routes. ACLED noted that reprieve for civilians is unlikely as the junta focuses on consolidating control following coup leader Min Aung Hlaing's transition to president.
During the first half of 2026, ACLED recorded over a dozen mass killings, resulting in more than 450 civilian fatalities, with about 40% occurring in Myanmar's central dry zone. In May, hundreds of junta troops reportedly swept through parts of Myit Chay township, killing at least 40 people, according to residents. Reuters could not independently verify all accounts of this incident.
The political transition has prompted increased diplomatic engagement, with Min Aung Hlaing traveling to India and China. There has also been re-engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc. Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to make an official visit to Thailand from August 6-7.