Explosive violence in Myanmar

AOAV’s Explosive Violence Monitor, launched in October 2010, uses English-language media reports to capture information on the harm caused by explosive weapons around the world. This data is used by international organisations, researchers, journalists and advocacy groups to campaign for reduced civilian harm as a result of explosive violence. 

Over the past decade (2014-2023), AOAV has recorded 1,797 incidents of explosive violence in Myanmar, resulting in 10,802 casualties, of which 39% (4,172) were reported as civilians. Civilian casualties include at least 665 children, 537 women and 538 men. Of the civilian casualties, 34% (1,415) were reported as killed.

The five most affected regions in terms of civilian harm as a result of explosive violence over the past decade are Sagaing (1,045 civilian casualties), Rakhine (681), Shan (639), Karen (358), and Chin (298).

Ground-launched weapons were the deadliest form of weapon, accounting for 34% (613) of all incidents recorded between 2014-2023, 45% of total civilian casualties (1,893), and 40% (560) of all civilians killed within the decade. 

The majority of harm from explosive weapons use in Myanmar over the past decade was reportedly perpetrated by state actors, who account for 40% (718) of all incidents and caused 74% (3,081) of all civilian casualties, as well as 80% (1,136) of all civilians killed.