The military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, marked a critical moment in the country's ongoing struggle for democracy. After a decade of somewhat relaxed military control and an increasing civilian government presence, the military, known as the Tatmadaw, took drastic measures to reclaim full authority. In the aftermath of the November 2020 general elections, which resulted in a decisive victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the military seized the opportunity to assert its power by alleging that the election was marred by fraud. These allegations were dismissed by the electoral commission, leading the military to proceed with the coup.The coup was executed in the early hours, with Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior NLD leaders detained, while the military's Commander-in-Chief, Min Aung Hlaing, claimed control of the nation. The military declared a state of emergency for one year, justifying its actions under the pretext of safeguarding national security. This marked a return to direct military rule, which had been the norm for decades prior to the 2011 shift towards a quasi-democratic government. The international community quickly condemned the coup, calling for the release of detained leaders and the restoration of democratic governance, while widespread civil unrest began to emerge in multiple cities across Myanmar.In response to the military's power grab, citizens took to the streets in large numbers, organizing protests against the military's actions. The civil disobedience movement gained momentum, unifying various groups within Myanmar's diverse population against the common enemy of military rule. The coup set off a wave of resistance, with many activists, young and old, participating in protests and strikes, highlighting the people's desire for democracy despite increased crackdowns by the military regime. Over time, this unrest would escalate, leading to significant confrontations and revealing the deep-seated divisions within Myanmar's political landscape.