Note
This data story contains descriptions of killings and graphic content that may be disturbing to some readers.
Summary
In the wake of the military coup, the State Administration Council (SAC) responded to the ensuing rebellions with deliberate and widespread mass killings of civilians as the collective punishment. There have been over 56 documented incidents of civilian massacres during the post-coup armed conflicts in Myanmar, resulting in at least 1,217 civilian deaths. This data story maps the locations of these massacre incidents, specifically focusing on those that resulted in over 10 civilian casualties in a single event, and differentiates the cases by the causes of death. Notably, military operations conducted by the SAC accounted for the highest number of mass casualties, with at least 487 civilians killed in 26 cases. Additionally, at least 462 civilians were killed in 15 airstrikes, making it the second highest cause of civilian deaths.
When examining the mass killings, five distinct patterns emerge. The first pattern is the mass killing of civilians within the military operations, which is the leading cause of civilian deaths, occurring 26 times and resulting in at least 487 fatalities. The second pattern involves killings by the airstrikes of SAC forces in various areas. The third pattern is the burning and killing carried out by military council forces. The fourth pattern involves killings by certain revolutionary forces. Finally, the fifth pattern is civilian deaths caused by artillery attacks from SAC forces.
Massacres by type: incidences
There have been over 56 massacres across the country, resulting in the deaths of 1,217 civilians.
Massacres by type: deaths
There have been over 56 massacres across the country, resulting in the deaths of 1,217 civilians.
When comparing these incidents geographically, the mass killings are concentrated in 10 states and regions. Sagaing Region, a stronghold of rebellion, has experienced the highest number of massacres, with at least 29 incidents resulting in at least 619 deaths. Rakhine State has the second highest number of fatalities, with over 132 people killed. Significant numbers of mass killings have also been reported in the Kachin State and Magway Region.
Massacres by region: incidences
Sagaing saw the highest number of massacres, with at least 30 incidents resulting in at least 629 deaths.
Massacres by region: deaths
Sagaing saw the highest number of massacres, with at least 30 incidents resulting in at least 629 deaths.
Airstrike
Mass Killing
Inhumane Burning
Extrajudicial Killing
Artillery Attack
These massacres occurred in 35 townships across the country. Notably, Gangaw Township, Kanbalu Township, Matupi Township, Myinmu Township, and Yinmarbin Township have each experienced multiple instances of different types of mass killings.
SAC Airstrikes
There were approximately 15 incidents of massacres caused by SAC’s airstrikes, resulting in at least 462 fatalities. The highest number of these tragic events occurred in Sagaing Region. Additionally, these incidents have also been found in Kachin State, Chin State, and the Magway Region.
On April 11, 2023, SAC launched an airstrike on Pazi Gyi Village in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region. As a result of this attack, over 165 civilians were killed, including 112 males, 24 females, and 38 children.
Video: Kyunhla Activist GroupThere have been over 15 incidents of SAC airstrikes, resulting in atrocities and the deaths of more than 462 civilians nationwide.
Mass Killings
There were a total of 26 incidents of mass killings of civilians during SAC’s military operations, resulting in 467 deaths. The highest number of these incidents occurred in Sagaing Region and, with additional incidents reported in Shan State, Rakhine State and the Magway Region.
On May 29, 2024, SAC battalions and militias entered Byine Phyu Village in Satt Yoe Kya Ward, Sittwe Township, Rakhine State. They arrested over 200 civilians and killed more than 76 people.
Video: Google EarthThere have been over 26 incidents where SAC forces arrested and killed civilians while advancing into front areas, resulting in the deaths of over 467 civilians nationwide.
Inhumane Burning
Due to mass killings by SAC forces, there were about six incidents of massacres, resulting in at least 106 civilian deaths. Most of these incidents occurred in Sagaing Region, followed by Bago Region and Karenni State.
On December 24, 2021, 44 civilians who had been displaced to Moso Village in Hpruso Township, Karenni, were killed and burned by SAC forces. Among the victims were two staff members from the INGO, called the “Save The Children”.
There have been over six incidents where SAC forces burned and killed people, resulting in the deaths of more than 106 civilians nationwide.
Extrajudicial Killing
Following the military coup, there were approximately 5 incidents of mass killings carried out by revolutionary forces. These events occurred in Sagaing Region, Karen State, and Shan State, resulting in about 97 deaths.
On November 24, 2023, 37 residents of Thanan Village in Tamu Township, Sagaing, were arrested and killed by the Kuki armed group. However, there have been accusations among armed actors such as the SNA/SNF, KNA/KNO, and SAC regarding this incident.
Video: Google EarthThere have been over five incidents where non-SAC armed forces committed atrocities against civilians, resulting in the deaths of more than 97 people across the country. However, these extrajudicial killings remain controversial, with the alleged perpetrators issuing denials.
Artillery Attacks
Following the military coup, the artillery attack of the military council poses a significant threat to both the civilian population and revolutionary forces. These large-scale shootings have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage to civilian residents. Additionally, there have been 4 incidents of massacres by the artillery attack of the SAC, with 3 occurring in Rakhine State and 1 in Mandalay Region. At least 65 civilians lost their lives in these tragic events.
During the clashes between SAC forces and PDFs in Sone Village, Myingyan Township, Mandalay Region, on May 9, 2024, at least 32 civilians from the village died due to an artillery attack by the SAC.
Video: Google EarthThere have been over four incidents where SAC launched artillery attacks, causing collateral damage to civilians and resulting in the deaths of more than 65 people nationwide.