73000 dead bodies, properties worth billions burnt, junta govt losing power: When will destruction end in Myanmar?

The death toll in the war continues to rise.

Naypyidaw: In February 2021, the military seized power in Myanmar by overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s government. Immediately after this, protests against the military rulers, known as the junta, began, leading to a brutal civil war.

This bloody civil war in Myanmar has now completed four years, and the fighting has entered its fifth year. In recent months, the junta has faced a series of setbacks, and the rebel groups have achieved victories. Meanwhile, ordinary people have faced widespread devastation due to this conflict.

According to a report by The Diplomat, in recent times, the dominance of anti-military forces in the country has increased. It is being speculated that General Min Aung Hlaing’s army will surrender by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the war continues to rise. According to ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data), at least 73,069 people have been killed in this conflict. In 2024 alone, more than 20,000 people have died, a significant number of whom are civilians. This makes this conflict the third deadliest war zone in the world in recent years, after Russia-Ukraine and Palestine-Israel.

Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

The war in Myanmar is estimated to have caused billions in property damage. The civilian population is facing a severe crisis of food and shelter. The United Nations estimates that this year about 20 million people, or one-third of the population, will need assistance. This includes 6.3 million children and 7.1 million women. International aid is also falling short in Myanmar. The United Nations needed one billion dollars for 2024, but it has only received 34 percent of that.

By the end of 2023, rebels in Myanmar began to advance rapidly. They have since consistently overpowered the junta. In recent months, the Arakan Army (AA) has taken control of most parts of Rakhine State. Junta soldiers are also struggling to defend their outposts in several areas and are failing to do so. Important military outposts are slipping from their control.

Independent analyst Paul Greening, based in Mae Sot on the Thai border, told The Diplomat, “The military now controls only 15 percent of Myanmar. Rebel groups have seized 45 percent. The remaining 40 percent is still under conflict. This is a terrible and unnecessary war. It is yielding nothing but devastation. It continues, and it would be premature to say anything about its end.”