The country of Myanmar is in the grip of a widespread insurgency. Resistance groups made up of young people are trying to overthrow the military that seized power three years ago. Up to two-thirds of Myanmar may now be controlled by these rebel forces.
- Many youths have taken up arms against the military
- Others, like doctors and teachers, support the insurgency using their skills
- The rebels operate from jungle hideouts and frontlines
- They aim to defeat the army and establish freedom in Myanmar
Why are so many of Myanmar’s youth willing to risk their lives for this revolution?
Fleeing Conscription to Join the Rebels
Young Burmese are being forced into military service by a new conscription law. However, many refuse to fight for the military government that is terrorizing citizens.
“The military is terrorizing people. They bomb using planes and burn villages,” said one rebel fighter. “I will never fight for their side. I will help and fight alongside the revolutionary forces.”
Hundreds have escaped mandatory military service by fleeing to rebel camps hidden in jungles. They embark on a secret journey using an underground network of safe houses to avoid capture.
Displaced by Brutal Air Campaign
Myanmar’s military conducts relentless air strikes against rebel-controlled areas. This brutal bombing campaign has forced over 2.5 million civilians to abandon their homes and farms.
Tens of thousands have been killed since the 2021 coup, including many children. The once-bustling state capital, Lou, now lies in ruins from artillery attacks that failed to discriminate between fighters and civilians.
“Wherever the military attacks, they turn these places into ghost towns,” said a rebel patrol guide in Loa. “They’ve labeled all civilians as terrorists.”
Youth Sacrificing Everything
The rebel ranks are filled with young students, athletes, and professionals who abandoned careers to join the fight against military oppression.
23-year-old fighter Cobra was a national karate champion before being severely injured in battle. Doctors Yori and Tracy left medical school to treat wounded rebels and civilians in a secret underground clinic.
“We can cry all day, but we have to stand up again,” said Tracy. “If we are not here, who will treat these patients?”
Some student musicians seek refuge playing music at the Golden Flower School between deployments to the frontlines.
“They have to sacrifice their bodies, limbs, lives…some might never come back,” said the school’s violin instructor. “But that shows their dedicated heart.”
Fighting for a Free Myanmar
Young revolutionaries like Cobra and Sam are continuing the struggle their parents began decades ago against military dictatorship.
Despite the daily horrors of war, these youths remain committed to their cause – creating a free and democratic Myanmar for future generations.
“Our revolution means our children might live together in peace,” said resistance medic Yori. “We are fighting so they don’t have to.”
Will the courage and perseverance of Myanmar’s young warriors finally bring an end to this forgotten war? Only time will tell.
