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Flames of Rebellion

by Lynn Zay
Lynn Zay 2 comments 1K views

Mandaing June 13, 2025.

Since the military coup in 2021, Sagaing division has become one of the new frontlines of Myanmar’s armed resistance. The region hosts both NUG-affiliated battalions and other independent armed groups. Among them, Shwebo District People’s Defense Force Battalion No.12 in Military Zone 1 operates as part of the National Unity Government.

Within this battalion, weapons manufacturing and repair unit has also been established. Formed in November 2021 by privtaes from Mandalay, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, and Sagaing who were passionate about weapons engineering, the unit initially produced 5.56mm Bolt-action rifles and 3D-printed FGC-9 MKII firearms.

Today, the team manufactures drone bombs, hand grenades branded as ‘ANS,’ and magazines for KA rifles
manufactured by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Photo – Thu Myae

A member works on drone bomb production. As the war drags on, the team shifts its focus to weapons that better suit the current battlefield conditions.

A member heat-treats a drone bomb to enhance its explosive power. Drone warfare is first introduced by resistance groups, but since 2023, the military began retaliating with drone strikes.

Members manufacture small drone bombs for testing purposes, helping reduce material costs during experimentation.

A private cleans a handmade 5.56mm bolt-action rifle, one of the first firearms developed by the unit after the 2021 military coup.

Members install a drone bomb for a live detonation test. Weapon production is a precise task, and each model must be field-tested multiple times to ensure reliability.

After a detonation test, fighters assess the impact zone. Although purchased weapons offer better quality, the high cost and transportation difficulties in central Myanmar remain significant challenges.

Privates repair a broken water tank. Sagaing division has become one of the battlegrounds between the military junta and the People’s Defense Forces (PDF). In areas under PDF control, water scarcity remains a major challenge, especially summer season.

Unit sing and play guitar during a break. Amidst the hardship of war, young people seek out their own moments of peace and entertainment in the jungle.

Resistance members receive donations following an invitation from local initiate a novice ceremony. Since 2021, the armed revolution has been sustained by support from citizens inside and outside the country.

Members produce magazines for use in combat. To meet demand during battles, they manufacture their own magazines and distribute them to frontline units.

A member tests a newly made magazine. The magazines they produce are designed for KA rifles manufactured by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

PDF fighters operate a checkpoint in Sagaing division. Most troops operating within the Sagaing division use KA rifles.

A member makes installation for a hand grenade named “ANS,” in honor of Aung Naing Soe, who died during early grenade testing.

Members pose for a photograph with weapons manufactured by themselves . Using captured weapons from battle or purchasing weapons originally produced by the military junta, can pose serious risks to resistance fighters, as these arms may be sabotaged by the enemy.

Members work at a weapons production site. For PDFs, manufacturing weapons on a national scale is still not possible until now.

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