Min Aung Hlaing- Mayanmar’s military chief (AP file photo)
Myanmar’s military junta has continued air strikes even after a massive earthquake hit the country. While some armed groups halted fighting to focus on the disaster, the junta carried on with aerial attacks, reported news agency AFP.
The 7.7-magnitude quake struck Myanmar on Friday, killing at least 1,700 people and destroying thousands of homes and buildings. Tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand and Vietnam.
One of the air strikes targeted the Danu People’s Liberation Army (DPLA), an ethnic armed group in northern Shan state. Five military aircraft bombed their base in Naungcho township, killing seven fighters, including five female soldiers. A DPLA officer said their soldiers tried to reach bunkers when they heard the aircraft, but a direct bomb hit killed those inside. Other reports of air strikes have also surfaced.
Human rights groups and UN officials have condemned the military’s actions. Tom Andrews, the UN special rapporteur for Myanmar, called for an immediate ceasefire, saying it was “incredible” that the junta continued bombing people after the earthquake.
“Anyone who influences the military needs to step up the pressure and make it very clear that this is not acceptable. I’m calling upon the junta to just stop, stop any of its military operations.” Andrews told BBC.
Human Rights Watch also accused the military of prioritising its war over humanitarian needs.
The National Unity Government (NUG), representing the ousted civilian administration, announced that its armed forces would pause offensive military operations for two weeks in earthquake-affected areas, starting Sunday. However, defensive actions would continue if necessary.
The military has struggled in ground battles over the past year, losing large areas of land to anti-coup forces. However, it still dominates the skies, using fighter jets supplied by Russia. The number of air strikes on civilian areas has increased sharply. In 2024 alone, there have been nearly 800 air attacks—three times more than the previous year.
