Along with the recent democratization, the ongoing peace process has transformed the Counter Insurgency (COIN) strategy and tactics of the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). Political reforms after 2010 created the new dynamic of civil-military relation, shifting paradigm in the COIN activities. Taking off from the old strategy of four-cut policy, COIN tactics vary, depending on the regions. From the conventional tactics with peace process as leverage in Kachin state, use of militia with the four-cut policy is also active in Shan States. Although militias still remain the backbone of the COIN operations, as the result of the Standard Army reform process, their role has soon to change.
Introduction
- Militias – Backbone of the COIN
- COIN Operations in the Kachin State
- Background of the conflict
- Tatmadaw’s Tactics in Kachin State
- Tatmadaw’s types of operations in Kachin State
- Resources
- COIN Operations in the Northern Shan States
- Background of the conflict
- Tatmadaw’s tactics
- Conflict between non-state actors
- Challenges
- COIN Operations in the Rakhine State
Conclusion: Myanmar COIN in transition