Rebels Retreats in Myanmar, Junta Gains Strength

In a rebel camp nestled in the jungle-covered hills of Myanmar, there are four young men. One used to work as a cook, another was a forest department employee. But one day, they were suddenly captured and forcibly conscripted into the army. Weapons were placed in their hands, and they were sent to the battlefield. Later, they managed to escape and took refuge with resistance fighters.

One of the four was a cook. On his way home after work, he was grabbed by the army from the roadside. Due to not having identification papers, he was detained and forcibly incorporated into the army.

Another was apprehended late at night on his way back from a karaoke or cultural event. The third was working in the forest department.

The fourth young man claims drugs were planted in his shoes, leading to his arrest. He was framed in a false case and forced to join the army.

(A BBC correspondent seen talking to rebels keeping their identities hidden)

These young men, aged between 19 and 25, told the BBC, "Before we could understand what was happening, we were sent directly to the battlefield."

One of them said, "We were forced to do things we didn't want to do. Morning, noon, or night, we never got any rest. We had to do all the work, while the regular soldiers didn't have to do much."

After four months of basic training, they were sent to the battlefields of Karen State. One night, on their way to take a bath, they decided to escape. But after fleeing, they were captured by a patrol team from the rebel organization, the  (PDF).

However, they now feel much safer than before. According to them, they are not treated as strangers here, but rather like brothers.

For security reasons, the BBC has kept their identities concealed. They fear that if they go back, the army could find them and take revenge on their family members.

(The Myanmar army's weapons and military equipment capabilities are much greater than those of the rebel forces.)

According to analysts, although these young men joined the army unwillingly, the forced conscription policy has brought significant advantages to Myanmar's military junta on the battlefield.
In 2021, the army seized power by overthrowing the democratically elected government. Leader Aung San Suu Kyi was imprisoned. Since then, the country has been engulfed in a brutal civil war. Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Two years ago, rebel alliances made significant gains across the country, achieving a series of victories against the junta. While once on the offensive, resistance forces are now in a defensive posture across most of Myanmar. The army still controls less than half of the entire country. However, they have recaptured several key areas. They have also re-established control over the important road from Mandalay to Myitkyina in the northern region. Additionally, tens of thousands of troops have been deployed to establish control over border areas in Kachin, Chin, and Karen states.
To produce this report from rebel-controlled areas, the BBC had to enter Myanmar without official permission. They spent 10 days there, visiting rebel fighters, hospitals, and various front-line positions.

According to PDF Battalion Commander Ko Kaung, after the compulsory military conscription law was implemented in 2024, the army effectively gained unlimited manpower.

He said, "The biggest challenge for us on the battlefield has become forced conscription. While we have some technological and tactical advantages, we face limitations in funds and equipment. We cannot easily recruit new fighters."

Two years ago, under Ko Kaung's leadership, rebels captured a major military base, including the town of Hpapun in Karen State. But now, they are under renewed pressure from the junta's drone attacks and the advance of nearly two thousand soldiers.

On the other hand, PDF Commander Da Wa believes that although many army soldiers are unwilling, they are becoming more skilled than before because they are getting accustomed to following orders.

Da Wa stated that after the security agreement with Russia, the junta's air capabilities have increased. Previously, one fighter jet might be seen, but now airstrikes are being conducted in pairs. The army also surpasses the rebels in drone technology and numbers.

Furthermore, ceasefire agreements between several rebel groups brokered by China, along with a reduction in the supply of weapons and ammunition to resistance fighters, have created new challenges for the rebels.
A platoon commander named Kyar Swe, wounded in the fighting, said, "There is no lack of will to fight. But the major crisis is the shortage of weapons and ammunition."
A recent landmine explosion blew off a large part of his heel. Myanmar is currently one of the most mine-affected countries in the world. Last year alone, 745 people were killed or injured by landmines, a quarter of them children. Lying on a hospital bed, Kyar Swe spoke with a firm voice: "I will return to the fight. I will continue the struggle to the end, no matter what. There is no way to go back home now."

(In the middle of a jungle, there is a makeshift hospital to treat the injured rebels.)

In the middle of the jungle, Dr. Saung runs a temporary hospital made of bamboo and wood. This hospital, reliant on solar power and generators, is suffering from a shortage of funds and medical equipment. It does not even have an ambulance.

Having once served for 19 years at a military academy, Dr. Saung now provides medical treatment to rebel fighters and inspires them.

According to him, "We have to carry out this revolution today because the previous generation failed to fulfill their duties. If the youth do not stand up against the dictatorship now, they will face the same situation in the future."

In this very hospital, the wife of a rebel fighter gave birth. May Kyut Mon, 29 years old, was writhing in labor pain. Beside her stood her husband, 24-year-old Yain Chit. Finally, a baby girl was born. The child has been named "Su Paye," which means "a fulfilled wish."

When asked about his daughter's future, Yain Chit said, "I want to see a free and democratic Myanmar."

He informed that his parents and his wife's parents live in junta-controlled areas, so it is not possible to go there right now. However, he remains optimistic, saying that one day this revolution will end and peace will return. Then we will take our daughter to visit both families.
(Source; BBC)