Opposition Forces in Myanmar Use Elephants in Fight Against Junta

Opposition forces aligned with Myanmar’s Government of National Unity have employed Indian elephants in their fight against the military junta.

Local publication Maun Media reported the involvement of these animals, citing video evidence showing operations in the Kyaukse area by the 3rd Battalion of the 515th Kyaukse Regiment.

The video depicts infantry equipped with small arms, primarily local and Chinese variants of the AK-47, as well as 60mm mortars. The convoy includes six adult Indian elephants, each carrying soldiers and drivers. Their likely role is to transport supplies across rough, roadless terrain.

Despite the use of elephants for logistics, the conflict also involves modern warfare techniques. Both opposition forces and junta troops utilize FPV drones, attack drones, and counter-drone defenses such as “barbecue” grills mounted on equipment.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, sparking armed resistance from pro-democracy groups and ethnic factions seeking autonomy. The junta maintains economic and military ties with Russia and China, with Russia supplying weapons and drones while importing artillery ammunition from Myanmar.