This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 21 in 2025. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
Since July 2024, the civil war in Myanmar has intensified, particularly in Mogok, located in the Mandalay region, an area historically tied to the ruby industry. The city was seized by resistance groups, including the TNLA (Ta’ang National Liberation Army), which took control of one of the country’s main sources of wealth. Since then, Mogok has become one of the epicenters of the conflict, marking a turning point in the civil war that is tearing the country apart.
The military junta, which seized power in the 2021 coup, has faced significant difficulties in confronting the resistance in a region characterized by mountainous and complex geography. Despite this, it has launched numerous airstrikes on the area, with significant attacks in August and December 2024, and again in February 2025. These airstrikes have devastated the city’s infrastructure, hitting shelters and extraction fields. The most recent airstrike, recorded in late August 2025, resulted in a high number of civilian casualties and further damage to the mines.
The junta continues to pursue the goal of regaining control of the region, not only to secure revenues from ruby extraction but also because of the strategic value of the area. Mogok is located along a vital trade route connecting Myanmar to the China border, a crucial passage for commerce and the supply of raw materials.
Gem news published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #21 – Autumn 2025.
