Myanmar's military junta is facing significant challenges, both internally and externally. Here are some key developments ¹ ² ³: - *Territorial Losses*: The junta has lost control of several townships, with resistance forces now controlling around 44% of the country. Key border areas, including Myawaddy, have fallen to ethnic insurgent groups. - *Military Setbacks*: The military has suffered heavy losses, with over 173 battalion headquarters captured by resistance forces. Morale is low, and international pressure is mounting. - *Economic Struggles*: The country's economy is in ruins, with 35% of the population living in poverty and 3.5 million people displaced. - *International Isolation*: The junta is facing increased isolation, with Singapore cracking down on arms sales and regional countries monitoring the situation closely. - *Resistance Forces*: The Three Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the Arakan Army, Taang National Liberation Army, and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, has launched a major offensive against the junta. - *Humanitarian Crisis*: The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, with millions displaced and facing dire humanitarian conditions. - *Junta's Desperation*: The military is forcibly recruiting Rohingya youth, exploiting vulnerable populations to bolster its forces.
The junta's grip on power is tenuous, with some predicting its collapse. However, it still controls key areas, including Yangon and Mandalay, and has diplomatic backing from Russia and China ³.
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