Myanmar's Civil War Deepens as UN Flags Civilian Attacks and Growing Arms Supplies

Myanmar's military rulers are deliberately attacking civilians to spread fear and force them into submission, while growing weapons purchases from China, Russia and other countries are fuelling the country's devastating civil war, a United Nations investigator has warned.

Kelley Currie, the UN Human Rights Council's special rapporteur on Myanmar, described the country's human rights situation as catastrophic. She expressed concern over countries engaging with the military-backed government without demanding steps to end violence, release political prisoners and begin meaningful peace talks.

Myanmar descended into civil war after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The takeover triggered widespread pro-democracy protests, which were brutally suppressed, leading to armed resistance across the country.

Despite having a significant advantage in weapons and manpower, the military has struggled to defeat opposition groups. Its forces continue to rely heavily on air strikes, using aircraft supplied by China and Russia.

Currie also warned of possible renewed violence against minority communities following an expected ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority during the military crackdown in 2017.

She said groups previously involved in spreading hatred against the Rohingya and other minorities were becoming increasingly active online and in political spaces under military control.

Currie further accused the military leadership of relying on corruption, illegal kickbacks and financial exploitation of businesses and farmers to fund its operations and strengthen surveillance capabilities.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 32,000 people have been detained since the 2021 coup, including Suu Kyi, while at least 15,000 remain behind bars.