Myanmar Democratic Forces Declare 'Resistance War' Against Military Regime... Effectively Entering Civil War (Comprehensive)

"All Citizens Must Rise... Ordered Rebels to Attack Military-Controlled Areas"
Strong Warning to Senior Officials to "Step Down Immediately"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The National Unity Government (NUG), the interim government of Myanmar's pro-democracy camp, has declared war against the military junta that seized power through a coup.

On the 7th, Acting President Duwa Lashi La delivered a national address via a video posted on Facebook, declaring a state of emergency and announcing the start of the people's "resistance war" against the military regime.

The NUG is an interim government composed of pro-democracy politicians who were stripped of their parliamentary seats following the military coup.

In his national address, Acting President Lashi La stated, "Out of a sense of duty to protect the lives of our people, our National Unity Government declares a resistance war against the military regime."

He continued, "This is a people's uprising, and I urge all citizens to resist the military terrorists."

Acting President Lashi La added, "The military regime has committed war crimes. All ethnic minorities must immediately attack the military. I order the resistance forces to attack the areas occupied by the military and the assets they hold."

He also called on high-ranking officials appointed by the military to immediately resign from their positions and join the resistance war.

He warned, "From today, all public officials within the military regime must immediately cease their duties."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Acting President Lashi La declared, "We will remove Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and overthrow the dictatorship," and added, "We will build a peaceful federal democratic union that all citizens have long sought."

Earlier, on February 1, the Myanmar military staged a coup, claiming that the November general election last year was fraudulent. Although citizens' civil disobedience movements against the military regime continued for months, hundreds of civilians died due to the military's harsh crackdown.

In particular, in Myanmar's border regions, armed resistance groups opposing the military regime clashed with the military, resulting in tens of thousands of refugees.

Amid escalating chaos, the international community sought diplomatic solutions, but the political turmoil within Myanmar has not subsided.

Min Aung Hlaing Myanmar Commander-in-Chief
[Photo by Yonhap News]