Guerrilla warfare

Guerrilla war

Nature

Guerrilla characteristics are shared by private armies, mercenaries, terrorists, militants, revolutionaries, freedom fighters, irregulars, outlaw gangs, highwaymen and brigands. Hit-and-run tactics are their hallmark although, when in force, they are capable of pitched battles. Modern communications and weapons have transformed the lonely, independent bands of men, each armed with a rifle, into well-disciplined forces. They are armies that are mobile, frequently fighting a defensive war whose only objectives are harassment, destruction, and, if possible, attrition of the enemy. Given this, they strike at will with no overall military strategy that can be anticipated, unless they are on near-equal terms with their enemy, at which time they act more like regular military forces.

Background

Guerrillas are legitimatized when reconstituted as government forces. This occurred in the former Soviet Union after World War I, and after the Cuban Revolution under Fidel Castro. Otherwise they are illegitimate and their fighters come under no international treaty for protection of combatant human rights. Likewise, guerrilla fighters may not observe Geneva Conventions or other so-called humane conventions of warfare. Viet Cong guerrilla terrorism directed against villagers is a conspicuous example.

Incidence

Guerrilla warfare continues to be a significant global phenomenon, affecting regions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Its incidence is marked by protracted conflicts, civilian displacement, and destabilization of governments, often prolonging humanitarian crises and impeding development. The persistence of such tactics by non-state actors and insurgent groups underscores its enduring relevance in both rural and urban settings, with far-reaching consequences for security and governance worldwide.
In 2023, Myanmar experienced a surge in guerrilla warfare as ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy militias intensified attacks against the military junta. These operations, particularly in Sagaing and Chin states, resulted in widespread violence and civilian casualties.

Claim

Guerrilla warfare is a deeply troubling and urgent problem that destabilizes nations, prolongs conflicts, and inflicts immense suffering on civilians. Its unpredictable, hit-and-run tactics undermine peace efforts and make traditional military responses ineffective. This form of warfare breeds chaos, erodes trust in governments, and perpetuates cycles of violence. Ignoring the threat of guerrilla warfare is reckless; it demands immediate global attention and coordinated action to prevent further devastation and insecurity worldwide.