‘We operate in close proximity to the enemy, so it’s extremely risky’

Urban guerrilla groups, unlike their counterparts fighting Myanmar’s military junta in more remote areas, know that they are at constant risk of arrest. Dozens have been detained since the regime seized power in 2021, most recently in early February of this year, when six young men were caught in raids in Mandalay for targeting local authorities responsible for forcibly conscripting people into the army.No More Dictatorship, a group based in Myanmar’s second-largest city, has faced many challenges since its formation in August 2022. To learn more about its military objectives and how it conducts urban operations under the watchful eye of the regime, Myanmar Now recently spoke to one of its leading officers.Myanmar Now: What has the NMD group achieved since its formation more than two years ago? What challenges has it encountered during this period?No More Dictatorship: Over the past two years, we have executed more than 50 missions and plan to carry out many more strategic operations. Unfortunately, more than 25 of our soldiers have been arrested. The urban guerrilla operations are challenging due to the junta’s strong administrative system, with defence bases, police stations, and departmental offices in key locations, making it extremely difficult and risky to carry out our missions.MN: How risky were the operations?NMD: Urban guerrilla fighters cannot reveal their faces, and since we operate in close proximity to the enemy, it is extremely risky. Because of this, we cannot ask for donations, nor can we display weapons or forces like other battalions or units. Moreover, those who do donate often show little concern for urban guerrillas. As a result, we have to continue our operations despite facing significant funding shortages, as well as numerous problems and unmet needs.The shortage of funds has led to many unforeseen problems. Some groups and fighters have been arrested while trying to find donors and establish connections.MN: What difficulties are there in terms of spending?NMD: Urban guerrillas must carry out military operations while also working to cover expenses and blend in with civilians. The cost of missions varies—some require cars, which we have to arrange, while others can be done with motorcycles. There are also expenses for undercover operations, and since we don’t have a fixed budget, managing finances is a constant challenge. Members of an NMD unit in Mandalay Region in 2024 (Photo: Supplied) MN: Can you share some of the other challenges urban guerrilla fighters face?NMD: Operating in the city, within the enemy’s territory, limits our ability to transport weapons and ammunition freely, unlike in resistance-controlled areas. This poses major challenges, as we cannot openly move bombs, landmines, rifles, or other firearms.In the early days of the revolution, there were incidents where landmines accidentally harmed our own members due to the need to transport them in secrecy.Spies and informants are everywhere, including undercover junta operatives, as well as shop owners, drivers, and staff who support the regime.In the wards, informants operate both openly and covertly, blending in with the community. Ward administrators, 100-house-group elders, and other junta members also serve as informants, making it extremely risky—at any time and place, we could lose our lives or be captured.Even at home, the sound of a car engine keeps us awake, and we never feel safe sitting at a shop. We’re always on edge. Walking down the street is no different—there's constant fear that we might be identified as resistance fighters. Urban guerrillas face both physical and emotional hardships every day.MN: Since many civilians live in urban areas, have there been instances where they were harmed during operations? If so, what happened and how were they affected?NMD: No significant harm has occurred. We make it a priority to avoid causing any harm to civilians.MN: How are junta informants dealt with, and what actions are taken against them? Have there been any instances where innocent people were mistakenly targeted?NMD: When we receive information about a junta informant, we first verify it with local residents. Then, we confirm it through our ground scouts. If the threat level is low, we issue a warning. We use explosives as a warning measure if it requires a stronger message.MN: What is your group’s financial situation?NMD: Most of our members are not from wealthy backgrounds, so we rely on personal contributions from our salaries and pocket money. Everyone chips in, and we pool these funds to cover the expenses of our missions. Junta forces enter a low-cost housing estate in Mandalay on March 12, 2022 (Photo: Myanmar Now) MN: Which groups are allied with yours?NMD: We have numerous allied groups, but it is not convenient to disclose them. We systematically collaborate with battalions and units under the [National Unity Government’s] Ministry of Defence, organisations under the Ministry of Home Affairs, ethnic resistance organisations, and other independent groups committed to overthrowing the military dictatorship.MN: With resistance forces now advancing to locations near Mandalay, how significant is the threat to the city and the junta’s Central Regional Military Command?NMD: Our artillery strikes have put considerable pressure on the Central Command, compelling junta forces to establish positions in villages within a five-mile radius of Mandalay. I’ll just say this—stay tuned and watch.MN: What is your view on the current military situation in Madaya Township, the area closest to Mandalay with a strong resistance presence?NMD: In that area, the junta is deploying ground, naval, and air forces to enforce a blockade, while the resistance forces are fiercely fighting back.MN: What is the NMD’s relationship with the NUG? Does it provide any support?NMD: We operate according to the guidelines established by the NUG and have been carrying out strategic missions in Military Region 1 [of the NUG’s Ministry of Defence].MN: What is the military goal of NMD, and how close have you come to achieving it?NMD: Our main military objective is to overthrow the military dictatorship and establish a federal democracy. To achieve this, we focus on two key strategies: (1) executing strategic plans and missions that disrupt the pillars of the dictatorship, specifically targeting areas that will weaken the junta army as resistance forces fight to reclaim towns; and (2) collaborating with other revolutionary groups while working to expand our controlled territories.MN: What are your beliefs about the revolution?NMD: I believe that every citizen has a duty in this revolution. Regardless of where we are, we must do our part for our country. I am 100 percent confident that we will succeed in toppling the dictatorship and establishing a federal democracy. Members of the NMD urban guerilla group (Photo: Supplied) MN: Have the junta’s crackdowns affected the progress of urban guerrilla activities?NMD: To put it simply, our numbers have dwindled. In the early days of the revolution, there were a lot of urban guerilla fighters and many groups, which allowed us to carry out numerous missions.However, although some groups were captured and many fighters have been detained, causing delays, on the whole the urban guerrilla groups remain strong. While our numbers have decreased, our skills and experience have grown. We now have a better understanding of which tasks to focus on and which to avoid, allowing us to act more strategically.Nevertheless, we cannot underestimate the enemy. The junta council has been keeping a close watch on the urban guerrillas from the start and continues to do so.MN: What lessons have you learned in moving from ordinary civilians to fighting against the regime? How do you feel about this transformation?NMD: After being so involved in urban guerrilla activities, I think we’ll need some time to heal mentally once the revolution is over. The emotional toll and struggles have been the hardest part.Regardless of the dangers we face, our NMD group will keep carrying out urban missions. The role of the urban guerrillas remains crucial in the big cities, both now and in the future.When the time comes for the resistance to take control of the big cities, we’ll be the ones to open the door for them. We can gather intelligence, disrupt the junta’s networks, and take down their economic foundations if needed.Another thing we can do is disrupt the junta’s supply routes for rations, weapons, and reinforcements. The regime doesn’t care about casualties among their soldiers as long as it doesn’t directly affect them. Urban guerrilla groups still have a critical role, even in large-scale operations. Our involvement is essential because we play a key part in both the political and military efforts.

‘We operate in close proximity to the enemy, so it’s extremely risky’—NMD

The No More Dictatorship group from Mandalay shares insights into its activities and the challenges faced by urban guerrilla fighters

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