Myanmar Junta Continues Air Strikes Despite Earthquake Aftermath
Myanmar’s military junta has continued air strikes despite a recent earthquake that resulted in over 1,700 deaths. Rebel groups reported casualties in subsequent air attacks. The reliance on aerial assaults is increasing amid military setbacks on the ground. Human rights groups have condemned these actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Myanmar’s junta has continued its air strike campaign following a devastating earthquake, which occurred on March 28, resulting in over 1,700 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes. According to reports from a rebel group, seven of its fighters were killed by an aerial attack shortly after the earthquake.
Despite the substantial destruction caused by the earthquake, the junta, facing challenges from anti-coup fighters and ethnic armed groups, has escalated its reliance on air strikes. The Danu People’s Liberation Army, active in Shan State, reported that their base was attacked by five military aircraft, resulting in casualties among their personnel—including five female soldiers killed in a bunker.
As the military grapples with significant territorial losses amid the ongoing civil conflict, it continues to possess air superiority due to fighter jets supplied by its ally, Russia. The number of air strikes targeting civilians has surged, with nearly 800 reported in 2024, reflecting a reliance on aerial assaults in response to increased military pressure on the ground.
The junta’s persistence in conducting air strikes post-earthquake has incited outrage from human rights organizations and international representatives. Elaine Pearson, Asia director for Human Rights Watch, criticized the junta’s actions, stating they underscore its obsession with suppressing civilians at any human cost. Similarly, UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews condemned the military’s actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and emphasizing the unconscionability of bombing civilians after such a disaster.
Earlier in March, an air strike targeted a village near Mandalay, known for being held by anti-coup fighters, resulting in at least twelve civilian deaths. The situation remains critical as the military continues its operations while the nation grapples with the earthquake’s aftermath.
In summary, despite the catastrophic earthquake that has devastated Myanmar, the junta has intensified its airstrike campaign against rebel forces, resulting in significant loss of life and further complicating the humanitarian crisis. This ongoing military aggression has drawn widespread condemnation from rights organizations and the United Nations, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and protective measures for civilians.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
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