Myanmar rebel leader Bo Nagar surrenders to junta amid resistance infighting
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Myanmar's resistance movement suffered a significant blow as Bo Nagar, a prominent leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA), surrendered to the country’s military junta. This surrender came after Bo Nagar’s group faced attacks from rivals aligned with the mainstream opposition force, highlighting deep divisions within the anti-junta movement. The move has underscored the growing infighting among resistance groups, which has weakened their collective efforts against the military regime.
The BNRA, once seen as a key player in the decentralized resistance, had been struggling to maintain control over territory amid internal conflicts. Bo Nagar’s surrender in Sagaing region was described as a dramatic turning point, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the fragmented armed opposition. The junta, which has long sought to neutralize dissent, is likely to view this as an opportunity to further consolidate its grip on power.
This development raises questions about the future of Myanmar's resistance movement and the ability of anti-junta forces to mount effective opposition. With internal divisions deepening, the military is expected to continue exploiting these fractures to isolate and dismantle groups like the BNRA. The situation also underscores the increasingly dire humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with civilians caught in the crossfire of both military operations and factional disputes.
For readers interested in global affairs, this highlights the ongoing instability in Myanmar and its implications for regional security. The surrender of Bo Nagar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by pro-democracy movements against authoritarian regimes, particularly when internal divisions undermine their efforts to unite against a common adversary.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/19/2026