Myanmar military violence against civilians

The Myanmar military has intensified its campaign of violence against civilians following leadership transitions in early 2026. Reports indicate a sharp increase in mass killings, with over 450 civilians killed in the first half of the year, particularly in the Anyar region. Military tactics have evolved to include specialized jet fighter groups conducting sustained airstrikes and ground operations involving large numbers of soldiers looting and killing in townships such as Myit Chay.

A United Nations investigative report covering the period from July 2025 to June 2026 documented a pattern of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The military has increasingly utilized drones, gyrocopters, and paramotors for low-altitude strikes on homes, schools, medical facilities, and displacement camps. Investigators noted that these aerial attacks surged leading up to military-managed elections held in late 2025 and early 2026.

Beyond aerial warfare, the military has been linked to arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence. Conflict has also intensified in Rakhine State against the Arakan Army, while new laws criminalizing criticism of the elections have resulted in arrests for social media activity.