Impact of Land Mines in Myanmar’s Ongoing Civil War

Bu Ri lost a leg to a mine in Myanmar decades ago. In recent years, six other family members have faced similar tragedies, highlighting the devastation caused by civil war.

John New Min, one of Bu Ri’s grandsons, tried to remove land mines placed by Myanmar’s military. The mines were near homes, farms, and churchyards in the country’s eastern regions. In September 2023, Min stepped on a mine while taking a break. The blast took his right leg and blinded him. With this incident, he became the seventh family member injured or killed by mines. Before him, his grandfather, an uncle, and a cousin lost legs. Three other cousins died from such explosions.

It pains me to see that from my generation to my grandchildren’s generation, we are all still suffering because of land mines, said Bu Ri, 88, referring to his injury in the same region 32 years ago.

The threat from these explosives has intensified in Myanmar over the years, attributed to a civil conflict now in its sixth year. As per a Landmine Monitor report dated December 2024, Myanmar recorded 2,029 mine casualties, becoming the country with the highest number for the second year. Children often fall victim to these mines.

Myanmar descended into disorder after the military toppled a democratically elected government in 2021. The junta’s takeover — with the country historically under military control — accelerated armed resistance. However, failing to defeat the rebels, the military has often attacked civilians. Their tactics include launching airstrikes on weddings and temples and planting mines in civilian-prone areas.