Myanmar Military Bombs Villages Even as Earthquake Devastation Mounts
Even as Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake that has claimed around 1,700 lives, the country’s military continues to carry out airstrikes on villages instead of focusing on relief efforts, drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups.
The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed groups, condemned the junta’s actions, stating that military forces should be prioritizing aid and rescue operations. Instead, they are “deploying forces to attack their own people” at a time of national crisis.
Airstrikes Amid Disaster
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been in the grips of a civil war, with multiple armed resistance groups fighting against the junta. Despite the widespread destruction caused by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, military jets launched fresh airstrikes and drone attacks in Karen State, near the KNU headquarters, according to the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief group.
While the epicenter of the earthquake was in junta-controlled territory, the impact has been widespread, affecting both military-held and opposition-controlled areas.
Calls for Ceasefire Ignored
In response to the disaster, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), which includes members of the civilian government ousted in the 2021 coup, announced that its allied resistance militias would pause all offensive actions for two weeks. However, despite some anti-junta forces halting their offensives, reports indicate that military operations and airstrikes are still ongoing in affected areas.
Richard Horsey, a senior Myanmar adviser at Crisis Group, emphasized the urgent need for the military to stop its attacks. “The regime continues to launch airstrikes, even in areas devastated by the earthquake. That needs to stop,” he said.
Lack of Relief Efforts
Criticism has also been mounting over the military’s failure to provide substantial support for earthquake survivors. “Local fire brigades, ambulance crews, and community organizations have stepped up to help, but the military—who would normally play a key role in disaster relief—are nowhere to be seen,” Horsey added.
With Myanmar facing both a natural and humanitarian crisis, the continued military strikes have only deepened the suffering of its people. As the death toll rises, urgent calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid grow louder, but for now, the country’s most vulnerable continue to bear the brunt of both war and disaster.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
