United Wa State Army

The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is a major ethnic armed group in Myanmar, representing the Wa people. It operates mainly in Wa State, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Myanmar. Originally formed as a militia during conflicts with the Burmese government, the UWSA has grown into a powerful force with its own military. It maintains a ceasefire and government-led peace negotiations, but it functions with significant autonomy, controlling territory, border trade, and security. The UWSA is considered one of the strongest non-state armed groups in Southeast Asia, with links to drug trafficking and cross-border trade, impacting regional stability.