Myanmar’s military junta is facing backlash from an armed resistance group for conducting airstrikes on villages, even as the nation deals with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has resulted in approximately 1,700 fatalities.
The Karen National Union, one of the country’s oldest ethnic armed organizations, has accused the junta of persisting with airstrikes on civilian populations despite the extensive suffering caused by the natural disaster.
In a statement released on March 30, the group asserted that rather than concentrating on relief efforts, the military is prioritizing assaults on its own citizens.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck a region under junta control, but its effects were felt across various areas, including those held by armed resistance factions.
On the same day, the opposition National Unity Government, which comprises remnants of the administration ousted in 2021, announced that anti-junta militias under its command would suspend all offensive military operations for a period of two weeks.
Mr. Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar at Crisis Group, noted that while some anti-junta forces have ceased their offensives, fighting persists in other locations.
“The regime continues to carry out airstrikes, including in the areas affected by the earthquake. This must come to an end,” he stated. He further remarked that the junta is not visibly contributing to support efforts in the regions impacted by the quake.
“Local fire brigades, ambulance services, and community organizations have stepped up to assist, but the military, which would typically be expected to provide support in such crises, is conspicuously absent,” Mr. Horsey added.
