The Junta’s Ethnic Allies: What Motivates EAOs Fighting for the Myanmar Military?

The 2021 coup has seen an increase in the number of ethnic armed organizations fighting the Myanmar military, but some are cooperating with the regime. A number of these junta-friendly ethnic armies have considerable strength, and should not be underestimated. Two such groups are the southern Shan State-based Pa-O National Organization/Pa-O National Army (PNO/PNA) and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), mainly active in Sagaing Region. This piece examines their histories as well as their motivations for aligning with the junta and going to war against members of their own ethnic groups.

Pa-O National Organization/Pa-O National Army