Myanmar sees surge in armed clashes, civilian toll rises

Myanmar is witnessing a sharp escalation in violence, with more than 200 armed incidents recorded in just one week, according to a monitoring report released by Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica (NLTA).

Between 13 and 19 February, the group documented 76 clashes between resistance forces and junta troops, alongside 133 attacks targeting civilians across dozens of townships nationwide. The figures highlight the growing intensity of the conflict and the mounting civilian toll.

Sagaing Region emerges as the most volatile area, with 11 clashes reported. Resistance fighters reportedly seized two junta outposts and a police station in Kachin and Chin States and Tanintharyi Region, while junta forces recaptured positions in Chin State and Mandalay Region.

Civilian-targeted attacks show a marked increase compared with the previous week. NLTA reports at least 38 civilians killed and 88 injured during the period, with 102 arbitrary arrests. Magway Region recorded 11 deaths and 22 injuries, while Rakhine State was the deadliest, with 15 deaths and 13 injuries. Kachin State saw three deaths and 20 injuries.

Village raids remain the most frequent form of attack, with 32 incidents across 14 townships. In one case on 15 February, around 100 soldiers from Infantry Battalion 258 raided a village in Yesagyo Township, Magway Region, killing a woman and injuring three others during artillery shelling.

Airstrikes also continue to devastate communities. NLTA documented 26 aerial attacks across 17 townships, killing 14 civilians and injuring 29. On 17 February, a YAK-130 jet bombed a dispensary in Khin-U Township, Sagaing, killing three civilians and injuring eight.

The monitoring group compiled its data from 43 media outlets and resistance announcements, cautioning that the true figures may be higher.

Myanmar has been gripped by conflict since the military seized power in 2021. As fighting intensifies, civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, underscoring the deepening humanitarian crisis across the country.

-2026-02-25