Opposition forces in Myanmar use elephants to fight against junta

Units of the opposition Government of National Unity of Myanmar have engaged Indian elephants in combat operations against the junta. This is reported by the local edition of Maun Media.

Here's What We Know

The video, which appeared on the network, demonstrates "the fighting of comrades from the 3rd Battalion in Kyaukse district". This battalion is part of the 515th Käukse Regiment and operates under the authority of the Government of National Unity.

The footage shows about a company of infantry moving across rough terrain. The fighters are armed with mostly small arms, including local and Chinese copies of AK-47s. Light 60mm mortars are also visible.

Six adult Indian elephants are moving as part of the convoy, carrying 2-3 soldiers and a driver. The main role of the elephants is likely to be to provide logistics in the absence of roads.

At the same time, the fighting in the Myanmar civil war is not limited to traditional methods. Both sides of the conflict are actively using modern weapons, including FPV drones, attack drones, and vehicles equipped with "barbecues" to protect against attacks.

The military junta, which came to power in 2021 after a coup d'état, is facing strong armed resistance. The country is home to a number of anti-government groups with varying objectives, including supporters of a democratic government and ethnic groups seeking autonomy.

Russia and China remain the junta's main economic and political partners. In particular, Russia supplies weapons, drones and buys artillery ammunition in Myanmar.

Source: Maun Media