Myanmar’s military junta has continued its bombing campaign in the war-affected regions of the country, despite a major earthquake that claimed the lives of over 1,600 people.
The United Nations has condemned these attacks as completely outrageous and unacceptable.
Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews told the BBC that it was “nothing short of incredible” that the military continued to “drop bombs when you are trying to rescue people” after the earthquake.
He urged the military regime, which seized control through a coup nearly four years ago, to cease all military actions immediately.
“Anyone who has influence over the military needs to step up the pressure and make it very clear that this behavior is not acceptable,” he stated.
“I’m calling upon the junta to just stop, stop all its military operations,” he added.
According to BBC Burmese, an airstrike in Naungcho, northern Shan state, killed seven people. This occurred around 15:30 local time, shortly after the earthquake.
Rebel groups advocating for democracy have reported further bombings in Chang-U township in Sagaing, the quake’s epicenter, and near the Thai border.
The National Unity Government, representing the ousted civilian administration, announced a two-week suspension of offensive military operations, except for defensive measures, starting Sunday in quake-affected regions.
The 7.7 magnitude quake in Sagaing was felt across neighboring countries and caused extensive damage in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw.
The junta reports a death toll of 1,644, with many more feared trapped beneath the debris.
Following the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has experienced four years of intense civil conflict, marked by large-scale protests demanding civilian governance.
What began as a civil disobedience movement quickly evolved into a broad-based insurgency, culminating in a full-scale civil war.
Despite four years of conflict, clashes between the military and various armed groups continue.
The junta, facing numerous defeats and territorial losses, increasingly relies on aerial strikes to maintain control.
Currently, pro-democracy groups dominate large parts of Sagaing, the quake’s epicenter.
A BBC investigation revealed that four years after the coup, the military controls less than a quarter of Myanmar’s territory.
Ethnic armies and various resistance groups now govern approximately 42% of the national territory, with the rest being contested.
The military regime has an advantage in aerial warfare, a domain where resistance groups cannot effectively retaliate.
Indiscriminate aerial attacks by the military have destroyed vital civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. A particularly lethal airstrike claimed over 170 lives.
The UN has warned that the junta’s actions could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Despite international outcry, Russia and China continue to support the military with arms and training, undermining efforts to impose a UN arms embargo.
Both nations have also sent aid and rescue teams, raising concerns about their dual role as both supporters and rescuers.
The military’s tactic of using aid strategically in the civil conflict has been widely criticized.
Tom Andrews of the UN reported to the BBC that in previous relief efforts, the military impeded aid distribution and detained humanitarian workers.
“What we know from past humanitarian disasters, natural disasters, is that the junta does not reveal the truth. It also has a habit of blocking humanitarian aid from reaching where it is most needed,” he said.
“They weaponize this aid. They send it to areas they control and deny it to areas they do not.
“So, in areas where the most acute needs exist, you have aid trying to get through, trucks blocking the way, and people being arrested, and that has been the pattern of their response to natural disasters in the past.
“I’m afraid I fully expect that this will be the case with this disaster.”
