The Myanmar military junta, facing significant challenges and territorial losses, has reportedly recruited Rohingya members into its army to bolster its strength in the fight against armed rebel groups. This revelation comes amid ongoing conflict and human rights abuses against the Rohingya ethnic group, as documented by the BBC on Monday.

For nearly seven years, the Rohingya have faced systematic repression and torture by the Myanmar army, leading millions to flee to neighboring Bangladesh to escape persecution. Now, in a surprising turn of events, the military junta is seeking assistance from the Rohingya, whom they have historically oppressed and denied citizenship.

According to BBC journalists, at least 100 Rohingya individuals have been recruited into Myanmar's army, with their identities protected through name changes. These relatively young recruits have undergone military training at various army camps, raising concerns about their involvement in the ongoing conflict.

It's noteworthy that the Rohingya have not been officially granted citizenship in Myanmar and face discriminatory restrictions, confining them to segregated communities and camps. Thousands continue to endure inhumane conditions, with the memories of the 2017 military campaign that led to the mass exodus of 700,000 Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh still fresh.

The International Court of Justice has accused the Myanmar army of genocide against the Rohingya, with the case still ongoing. Meanwhile, the military junta's recent losses in territory, particularly to the Arakan Army in the Rakhine region, have prompted desperate measures, including the recruitment of Rohingya soldiers.

Despite denials from Myanmar's military spokesman, Rohingya recruits have reportedly been trained in firearm usage, raising fears of sectarian violence and complicating the already volatile situation in the country. Analysts warn that pitting the Rohingya against the Arakan Army risks exacerbating tensions with the Buddhist Rakhine population, potentially fueling further conflict.

Rebel groups have been engaged in armed resistance against the military junta since the overthrow of the democratic government, leading Myanmar into a protracted civil war that shows no signs of abating. As the country grapples with internal strife and humanitarian crises, the plight of the Rohingya continues to be a critical issue on the international stage.