ISP Mapping No.2 Conflict, Peace and Security
(This article is a translation of the Burmese language version that ISP-Myanmar posted on its Facebook page on February 11, 2022.)
The northwest region of Myanmar, including Chin State, Sagaing, and Magway regions, has become the most active area for armed resistance among all regions where fighting erupted across the country since the coup. Fighting in this region remains ongoing. ISP-Myanmar Mapping shows the areas of conflict in the northwestern region, locations where military airstrikes have been conducted and houses burned down, as well as places where three or more civilians were killed. It also highlights areas that have seen an increase in the number of internally displaced residents. This data is based on information obtained between July 2021 and February 10, 2022.
At least 228 civilian casualties
Massive civilian casualties (at least three in each location) have been reported in northwestern Myanmar, where fighting between the local defense forces (PDF/LDF/CDF/KNDF, etc.) and the military has intensified. According to data compiled by ISP-Myanmar and based on media reports and independent organizations, at least 140 civilians were killed in clashes between July 2021 and February 10, 2022 in 16 townships in Sagaing Region. In Magway Region, at least 44 civilians were killed in similar incidents. Fighting in northwestern Myanmar has killed at least 228 civilians.
More than 3,000 houses torched and destroyed
At least 3,045 residential homes have been burned down and destroyed in conflict-ridden northwestern Myanmar. At least 1,384 houses were destroyed in Sagaing Region, 680 in Magway Region, and at least 981 in Chin State. Additionally, there were at least 31 military airstrikes conducted in those areas, and Sagaing Region alone reported the most with 19 airstrikes.
More than 200,000 refugees
At least 101,750 people have been displaced in at least nine townships in Sagaing Region because of airstrikes and arson attacks by military troops, as well as from fighting between July 2021 and February 10, 2022. Additionally, at least 116,000 people have fled from at least 12 townships in Magway Region and Chin State. These developments have resulted in more than 200,000 people being displaced from at least 21 townships in three regions and states in northwestern Myanmar.
∎ Why does this matter?
By looking at the number of civilian fatalities and injuries, how they were killed and wounded, and the number of people displaced by fighting involving regime forces and EAOs, or within EAOs themselves, it is possible to examine whether or not armed forces have committed human rights violations from the perspective of transitional justice. In addition, by studying the post-coup situation, further research can be conducted to examine whether there has been a change in conditions related to Myanmar’s peace process.
∎ Other relevant readings:
On-the-ground reports from ethnic news organizations and other independent media groups provide regular updates about conflict situations, their impact, and the collateral damage in the aftermath of the military coup. These include reports of renewed fighting in ethnic areas, civilian fatalities, and rising refugee and IDP issues on the ground. In addition, records and reports by United Nations organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and other independent local and foreign organizations also provide information about the ongoing conflict situation in Myanmar.