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During the evening last month, Iang Za Kim listened to explosions in a neighbouring village, followed by fighter jets flying overhead. She dashed from her home to see a smoke cloud far away.

"We were horrified. We thought the junta's planes could strike us too. So we seized our essentials – provisions and garments and ran into the forests around our village."

Her face trembles as she narrates the events of what transpired on 26 November in her community, located in Myanmar's western Chin region. She's among numerous people who've abandoned their homes in recent weeks after the Myanmar army initiated a fierce campaign of aerial attacks, coupled with a land assault in rebel-held areas throughout the nation.

Residents of Chin state have characterized the regime's newest campaign as the most brutal it has launched in over three years. Countless refugees have found shelter in different areas of the state. Iang is among a group that entered into the Indian state of Mizoram. Currently sheltered in a dilapidated badminton court in Vaphai, the group's few belongings they were able to carry are stored in plastic sacks.

An elderly man has had to flee his home at the age of 80, staying in temporary huts in the wilderness for days, prior to eventually finding refuge.

"We're afraid of our own government. They are incredibly harsh. Their military has invaded our and other villages in the past, they've detained individuals, abused them, and burned down homes," he says.

It isn't easy to interview Burmese civilians openly. Myanmar's ruling junta does not allow open movement in the country for overseas correspondents. It assumed power in the country in a coup in February 2021, soon after the last election.

Humanitarian Cost and Deliberate Strikes

During its latest offensive, the junta in the past week attacked a clinic in Rakhine. Rebel groups in Rakhine say at least 30 people were lost their lives and more than 70 hurt.

A human rights organization says that from September onward at least several educational institutions and a number of places of worship in Chin State have been hit by junta airstrikes, killing 12 people comprising six children.

Reports indicate the shelling of a school in Vanha village on 13 October. Two students lost their lives as they were studying. The bombs ripped through their classrooms wounding more than a dozen other students.

This is the second time, a father and his small family – a wife and two young children - have been displaced. Previously in 2021, shortly after the coup, their home was razed in an air strike. They rebuilt their lives in another village. Now they're homeless again.

"It's hard to express to explain how agonizing and challenging it is and what a tough choice it was to make to leave. But we had to do it to stay alive," he says.

A Questioned Electoral Process

A prominent political group, which won decisive victories in the two elections preceding the coup, is not participating as the majority of its leadership are imprisoned.

"We reject this election. Because the military is incapable of govern our country. They only work for the gain of their senior officers. When the civilian leadership was in power, we experienced a bit of democracy. But now all we do is cry and shed tears," says Ral Uk Thang.

Another displaced woman believes the election will be manipulated. "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 poll will be held in phases, with a result projected around the end of January. Rebel groups have declared it a pretense.

Resistance Frontline and Sacrifices

In a headquarters of a prominent rebel group operating in the state, a vice chairman states: "This process is only being held to extend military dictatorship. It's not about the will of the people."

He highlights the areas where the fiercest combat is ongoing. "There are columns of hundreds of soldiers trying to enter the northern part of Chin state from several axes," he says. "The soldiers are being supported by air strikes, artillery fire and by unmanned aerial vehicles."

Entry to such bases is extremely rare. Situated in wooded hills, it is the core of the opposition to the junta in Chin state.

Within a clinic at the base, a group of injured fighters were brought in overnight and had to undergo lengthy operations. Some of them have had to undergo limb removals.

A significant number were just teenagers when the coup occurred in 2021. Just about adults now, they've abandoned their dreams to fight on the frontline against the junta.

"As the enemy was retreating we ran forward and I detonated a landmine. We were injured in the explosion. Then we were struck from above. The airstrikes make things very hard for us," states a wounded rebel. "Although I am amputated, should I lose my life I'm happy to make the sacrifice so that those who follow have a brighter future."

The effect of the ferocity of the ongoing operation is apparent in room after room at the hospital.

Yet, it's the support and grit of tens of thousands of youths who joined the fight that have helped the rebels make notable progress against a much more powerful rival.

People including 80-year-old the man hope that post-poll, the junta will retreat, and he will be able to repatriate.

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