Myanmar’s military junta has intensified its air strikes in the country, even after a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 1,600 lives. The earthquake, which struck the Sagaing region, has led to widespread destruction and has left many people trapped under rubble. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the military continues its assaults, prompting outrage from international observers.
The United Nations has condemned these military actions as "completely outrageous and unacceptable." Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur, expressed disbelief that the military would bomb areas while rescue operations are underway. He urged the junta to cease all military operations, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the earthquake.
Reports indicate that just hours after the quake, an air strike in Naungcho, a town in northern Shan state, killed seven people. Pro-democracy rebel groups have also reported bombings in Chang-U township, near the quake’s epicenter, and in regions close to the Thai border.
In contrast, the National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the ousted civilian administration, announced a temporary halt to offensive military operations in earthquake-affected areas, starting Sunday. This decision aims to focus on humanitarian efforts in the wake of the disaster.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake was felt not only in Myanmar but also in neighboring countries. Significant damage was reported in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, located over 150 miles away. The junta has acknowledged 1,644 deaths, with many more people still unaccounted for.
This earthquake comes amid four years of civil conflict following the military coup in 2021, which led to widespread protests and a violent crackdown. The conflict has escalated into a full-scale civil war, with various ethnic and pro-democracy groups fighting against the junta. The military, facing significant territorial losses, has increasingly relied on air power to combat resistance.
Despite the junta’s claims of control, recent investigations reveal that it now governs less than a quarter of Myanmar, while resistance groups control around 42% of the country. The military’s air strikes have a history of causing indiscriminate harm, often destroying civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
The international community is also concerned about the junta’s potential use of humanitarian aid as a weapon in the ongoing civil war. Historically, the military has blocked aid from reaching areas controlled by resistance groups, raising fears that this pattern will continue in the aftermath of the earthquake.
As the situation unfolds, the need for effective humanitarian assistance remains critical. There are calls for greater pressure on the military to allow aid to flow freely to those most in need.