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Late one night last month, a resident heard explosions in a neighbouring village, followed by military aircraft flying overhead. She hurried outside her home to see plumes of smoke far away.

"We were terrified. We thought the junta's planes might attack us too. So we grabbed what we could – some food and clothes and fled into the woodlands around our village."

Iang's face quivers as she tells the account of what happened on 26 November in her village, located in Myanmar's western Chin State. She belongs to countless residents who've fled their homes in recent weeks after the national armed forces initiated a intensive operation of aerial attacks, and a ground offensive in insurgent-controlled zones nationwide.

People in Chin state have described the junta's latest offensive as the most brutal it has unleashed in more than three years. Countless refugees have sought refuge in other parts of the state. Iang belongs to a group that made the border crossing into the Indian state of Mizoram. Now housed in a decrepit badminton court in a village, the group's limited items they were able to carry are contained in polyethylene bags.

An elderly man has had to escape his village at the age of 80, staying in temporary huts in forests for days, prior to eventually making it to safety.

"We fear our own government. They are exceptionally brutal. Their military has come into our and other villages in the past, they've taken citizens, mistreated them, and burned down homes," he says.

It is challenging to speak to Burmese civilians freely. Myanmar's military government does not allow free access in the country for international reporters. It seized control of the country in a military takeover in February 2021, not long after the last election.

Humanitarian Cost and Targeted Strikes

In its most recent campaign, the junta last week targeted a clinic in Rakhine. Insurgent forces in Rakhine claim at least 30 people were slain and more than 70 hurt.

An advocacy group reports that since mid-September at least several educational institutions and six churches in Chin State have been hit by junta airstrikes, killing 12 people including six children.

Evidence confirms the destruction of a school in Vanha village on 13 October. Two students were killed as they were attending lessons. The bombs devastated their classrooms injuring more than a dozen other students.

This is the second time, Bawi Nei Lian and his small family – a wife and two young children - have been displaced. Previously in 2021, shortly after the coup, their home was burnt down in an air strike. They started over in another village. Now they're without a home once more.

"I can't find the words to explain how painful and hard it is and what a tough choice it was to make to leave. But we had to do it to preserve our lives," he says.

A Disputed Vote

The former ruling party, which won decisive victories in the two elections preceding the coup, is not participating as the majority of its leadership are in jail.

"We reject this election. Because the military lacks the ability to govern our country. They only work for the benefit of their top officials. When the civilian leadership was in power, we experienced a bit of democracy. But now all we do is grieve and lament," says the elderly man.

Another displaced woman believes the election will be rigged. "Should we cast a ballot for a party independent from the military, I believe they will tamper with the results and claim we voted for them."

The election will occur in rounds, with a result anticipated around the end of January. Rebel groups have called it a pretense.

Resistance Frontline and Losses

In a headquarters of a key resistance organization operating in the state, a vice chairman states: "This process is only being held to prolong military dictatorship. It's not about the people's choice."

He indicates the areas where the most intense fighting is taking place. "Battalions of hundreds of soldiers trying to advance into the northern part of Chin state from multiple fronts," he says. "The troops are being supported by air strikes, artillery fire and by unmanned aerial vehicles."

Access to such bases is highly unusual. Situated in dense jungle highlands, it is the core of the opposition to the junta in Chin state.

In a hospital at the base, several injured fighters had arrived overnight and had to undergo lengthy operations. Some of them have had to undergo limb removals.

Several were just teenagers when the coup occurred in 2021. Recently come of age, they've abandoned their dreams to serve in the conflict against the junta.

"As the enemy was retreating we ran forward and I stepped on a landmine. We were injured in the explosion. Then we were targeted by aircraft. The airstrikes make things very hard for us," explains a combatant. "I've lost a leg, should I lose my life I'm happy to make the sacrifice so that future generations have a improved existence."

The effect of the brutality of the latest offensive is visible in ward after ward at the hospital.

Yet, it's the determination and resolve of many thousands of young people who joined the fight that have helped the rebels make rapid advances against a far stronger rival.

People including 80-year-old the elderly refugee hope that post-poll, the junta will withdraw, and he will be able to go back home.

"But I don't think I will live to see democracy reinstated in Myanmar," he says. "I wish my children and grandchildren can witness it some day."