Myanmar's military has sharply escalated attacks on civilians since its new administration took power in January, a conflict monitor said today, even as regional governments intensify efforts to halt the fighting.
The escalation includes a 35 percent rise in airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas, according to the monitor's assessment. Ground assaults and artillery shelling have also intensified in contested regions. The attacks have displaced an estimated 250,000 additional people since the start of the year, pushing the total number of internally displaced persons past 2.6 million and straining aid organizations.
The surge in violence comes as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ramps up diplomatic engagement. Foreign ministers from five member states met last week to discuss a new peace initiative. The military junta has shown little willingness to engage with those proposals, maintaining its hold on power through force. The United States maintains sanctions on military leaders and state-owned enterprises. President Trump has called for a unified international response to the humanitarian crisis, citing grave concerns over human rights.
The conflict has hit foreign investment hard, particularly in Myanmar's energy and mining sectors. Total foreign direct investment fell 12 percent in the first quarter compared to the previous year, according to economic reports. Companies with direct ties to the military continue to profit from resource extraction despite international pressure. China remains Myanmar's largest trade partner and investor, with significant stakes in infrastructure projects. Beijing has consistently advocated for non-interference in Myanmar's internal affairs, protecting its economic interests.
ASEAN leaders are scheduled to hold a special summit on Myanmar next month in Jakarta. The meeting will focus on reviewing the bloc's Five-Point Consensus peace plan and considering new measures to address the escalating conflict.
