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Anti-Junta “Ba Htoo Army” Engages Myanmar Military Column
Published 10 months ago
This compilation of GoPro and drone footage shows the perspective and positioning of Ba Htoo Army (BHA) forces as they attack elements of Myanmar’s pro-Junta military. At this stage, very little is known about BHA outside Myanmar, save for that the name is probably in reference to Col. Ba Htoo, a national hero famed for resisting and pushing occupying Japanese forces out of upper Myanmar (then Burma).
Given the World War Two namesake of his unit, it’s ironic that the BHA soldier shown here is using an M1 Carbine, whether that’s by serendipity or design. For all the technological advances of war enjoyed by both sides, including drones as seen here, the M1 is still as effective a weapon in this theater as it was during the original Ba Htoo’s day. It is an easy weapon to shoot, with relatively little recoil. While it may seem underpowered as compared to the 5.56’s and 7.62’s of today, jungle fighting makes for comparatively close-range work. Furthermore, armor plates aren’t as common a commodity in Myanmar- both in the Junta military and particularly in the local police forces PDF-type units such as this are likely to attack.
All of that aside, the drone attack here is objectively terrible as compared to drone work in other conflicts, and even as compared to other PDF and anti-Junta units in Myanmar. This suggests the comparative new-ness of the BHA, and that this particular operator needs more practice.
About the Author
Cole Simms
Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.
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