The ruling military council in Myanmar recently labeled the Karen National Union (KNU) a “terrorist organization.” This declaration came on August 28, 2025. It also called KNU an “illegal association.” This move targets one of the country’s oldest and most active ethnic armed groups.
The Central Committee on Counter-Terrorism and the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision. They accused KNU forces of attacks that hurt public safety. These attacks allegedly caused damage to people’s lives and property. They also targeted vital infrastructure and destroyed government buildings. The military further claimed KNU used bombs, killed civilians, and forced people to join their ranks. Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs stated that KNU and its allies pose a severe threat. They undermine law and order, peace, security, and the well-being of the nation and its people.
This stern action followed KNU’s public rejection of upcoming elections. The Karen group sees these elections as a trick. They believe the military simply wants to keep its power. Saw Taw Nee, a KNU spokesperson, shot back fiercely at the military’s claims. He called their accusations a “complete lie,” like “a thief yelling, ‘Catch the thief!'” He pointed out that international courts, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), are already looking into the Myanmar military. Courts in Argentina are also preparing cases against the junta. This, he argued, shows who the real terrorists are.
Saw Thamain Tun, from the KNU Central Committee, agreed. He said the military’s planned elections are not even lawful under their own 2008 constitution. He believes the military government issued this declaration out of anger. They are upset that KNU refused to accept their election plan. This public spat highlights the deep divide and ongoing power struggle in the country.
The Karen National Union has a long history of fighting for self-rule. It was formed in 1948 after Myanmar gained independence from Britain. KNU wanted its people to have the right to govern themselves. General Ne Win’s coup in 1962 declared KNU an illegal group. However, a later civilian-led government under Thein Sein revoked that status. KNU then signed a nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) on October 15, 2015.
That agreement, however, fell apart after the Myanmar military’s coup in 2021. KNU announced it no longer considered the ceasefire valid. They returned to full-scale fighting against the military. Recently, Karen forces have made significant gains. They have taken control of key areas in Karen State. This includes the strategic town of Kokkareik, where heavy fighting continues.