When peaceful voices were met with bullets, the people took up arms in defense of justice and survival. This section tells the story of courage, unity, and the fight to reclaim Myanmar’s future. The armed resistance now includes three main forces: the Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs), the People’s Defense Force (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG), and the Local Defense Forces (LDFs) across the nation.
This photo taken on June 28, 2023 shows Karenni Army (KA) travelling on foot from a camp in Demoso Township to their headquarters in Karenni State, near the Myanmar-Thai border. The journey can last from three to ten days through the jungles, depending on the occurrence of clashes between Karenni resistance forces and the Myanmar junta.Photo by - Zarni
A military trainer from BPLA carries a resistance member on her back who fainted during training to attend to a medic in Kayin state on April 9, 2024.Photo by - Zarni
A soldier from Karenni Army (KA) patrol near the west Demoso township, a place of recent fighting, in Kayah (Karenni State) on June 8, 2023.Photo by - Zarni
Acting President of the National Unity Government (NUG), Duwa Lashi La, inspects a People's Defence Force (PDF) military training programme conducted by KIA in Kachin State on May 24, 2022. Photo by Zarni.
A trainer from rebel group (KA) stepping on the belly of group of women youth newly comers during the military training exercise in Demoso township in Kayah state (Karenni) on Dec 14, 2023.Photo by - Zarni
A comrade from PDF hiding in a pipeline under a bridge to protect himself from airstrikes and drone attacks was talking to his girlfriend on the phone while staying there in Kayin State, Myanmar on Jan 27, 2024.
Across Myanmar, airstrikes by the coup regime have resulted in the deaths of no only revolutionary fighters but also hundreds of innocent civilians. These air attacks target not only battlefields but also civilian homes, schools, and religious buildings. Even religious ceremonies organized by civilians have been targeted, leading to frequent mass casualty incidents. Photo by Zarni.
Members of BPLA (Bamar People's Liberation Army) seen participating in the Military Demonstration during the Graduation of the Basic Military Training of BPLA (Batch 6) somewhere in Kayin State on April 10, 2024.Photo by - Zarni
Trainers from rebel groups (KA) checking and lecturing the military basic training program for the newly comers to fight against the military junta in Demoso township on Kayah (Karenni) state on Dec 14, 2023.
After the military coup, countless young people joined various resistance groups across the country. Among them were professionals such as medical doctors, engineers, actors, and business owners. Rejecting the oppressive rule of the junta, they abandoned all their possessions and livelihoods to join the fight for freedom. Photo by - Zarni
Soldiers of Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) take a break as they arrived from scouting trip in a base camp in Demoso township, Kayah state, Myanmar on 25 March 2022.
Photo - TaMwe
The graduation ceremony for the 10th weekly training course of the Student Armed Force Basic Military Training was held on August 16, 2024, at the headquarters of the army. The ceremony included a military parade by the graduating trainees, an honorary speech by the Commander-in-Chief of the army, central committee members, and other officials, awards presented to outstanding soldiers, and a reception event.Photo: Student Front / Student Armed Force – SF/SAF"
Documentary pictures of the trainees' machine gun range training during the basic military education course of the Student Armed Force. Photo: Student Front / Student Armed Force – SF/SAF"
These are images of the activities of some comrades serving on the frontlines in Sagaing Region.
Date: August 4, 2023 (Friday)
Photo: Student Front / Student Armed Force – SF/SAF"
Documentary pictures of the trainees' machine gun range training during the basic military education course of the Student Armed Force.
Photo - Student Front/ Student Armed Force - SF/ SAF
The graduation ceremony for the 10th weekly training course of the Student Armed Force Basic Military Training was held on August 16, 2024, at the headquarters of the army. The ceremony included a military parade by the graduating trainees, an honorary speech by the Commander-in-Chief of the army, central committee members, and other officials, awards presented to outstanding soldiers, and a reception event.
Photo - Student Front/ Student Armed Force - SF/ SAF
On January 23, 2023, mine-detection dogs being trained to clear mines on the frontlines by the Karenni Revolution Union (KRU) were seen at a training camp in a location in Karenni State.
Photo - Myo Satt
Soldiers of Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) perform firearm maintence as they arrived back from the scouting trip at a base camp in Demoso township, Kayah state, Myanmar on 25 March 2022.
Photo - TaMwe
PDF soldiers prepare their homemade rocket launchers for firing. The weapons are being showed off and prepared before going to the front lines, as these rocket launchers play a key role in the fighting. This photo was taken in the KNU Brigade 7-controlled area in Hlaingbwe township on September 5, 2024. Photo – Mar Naw
Deputy commander of the National Unity Government's southern military region Saw Shar attends the graduation ceremony for new members of the Special Operations Group in Kawkareik Township on May 25,2024. Photo - MarNaw
An officer of PDF Battalion 3703 shows off a homemade gun they are using, which can fire a variety of ammo. PDF forces often use homemade guns that can be loaded with ammo to arm new PDF members as they struggle to fight for the revolution. This photo was taken in Nyaunglaypin Township, Bago Region on December 11, 2024. Photo – Mar Naw
New PDF trainees, after completing their basic training for about a month, begin to undergo intense training at night. This week of intense training is called Hell Week and lasts from 3am to 7am. The photo was taken on June 13, 2024 in Kyainseikgyi township, Kayin State. Photo - MarNaw