Soldiers from the Ta’aung National Liberation Army, which was one of three ethnic armed groups in Myanmar to threaten retaliation over the ongoing military repression of protests. Photo: AFP
Soldiers from the Ta’aung National Liberation Army, which was one of three ethnic armed groups in Myanmar to threaten retaliation over the ongoing military repression of protests. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Explainer |
Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups, and why their threats against junta could spiral into more conflict

  • About 20 rebel outfits, including the United Wa State Army, Karen National Union, Kachin Independence Army and Arakan Army, control a third of Myanmar’s territory
  • Several have condemned the February 1 coup which ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and have threatened the junta with retaliation