The rebels at the front line of Myanmar’s civil war

In the five years since Myanmar’s military chief led a coup to overthrow the democratically elected government, civil war has torn the country apart.

Thousands have been killed and millions displaced by the conflict between the military and an alliance of ethnic and rebel groups.

More than two years ago, the rebels made a series of sweeping gains, but things have taken a turn for the worse for them. Forced conscription and increased drone power has put the military on the offensive in most parts of the country.

The BBC’s Quentin Sommerville travelled to Myanmar without the permission of the authorities – the only way to report from rebel-held territory.

During his 10 days there, he spent time with rebel fighters and travelled to hospitals and front-line positions in Bago and Karen states to see how the war is unfolding.