Myanmar junta continues attacks despite ceasefire amid quake crisis

Friday 25 April 2025 - 08:36

By: Zahouani Ilham

Myanmar junta continues attacks despite ceasefire amid quake crisis

Despite announcing a ceasefire after a deadly earthquake in March, Myanmar's junta has continued its military campaign, including airstrikes and artillery fire, according to the United Nations and data from a crisis monitor. The earthquake, which struck on March 28, is the deadliest natural disaster the country has seen in decades, leading to a global relief effort to assist those already affected by ongoing conflict.

On April 2, Myanmar's military declared a 20-day ceasefire to support humanitarian efforts, a move following similar declarations by opposition groups. This was extended until April 30 after diplomatic talks led by Malaysia's prime minister. However, reports from the UN and an analysis of data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project show that military attacks have persisted, and in some cases, intensified, particularly airstrikes. Between March 28 and April 24, the military launched at least 207 attacks, including 140 airstrikes and 24 artillery barrages. Over 172 of these occurred after the ceasefire was declared, with 73 happening in earthquake-affected areas.

James Rodehaver, head of the UN Office on Human Rights in Myanmar, criticized the military's actions, noting that the ceasefire should have halted all military operations and redirected forces to humanitarian aid, which has not occurred. Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war, with widespread protests and opposition.

In one tragic incident during the ceasefire, airstrikes hit South Kan Ma Yaik village on April 16, killing a pregnant woman and injuring several children. The incident occurred during Burmese New Year celebrations, and while Reuters could not independently verify the report, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project confirmed the attack.