Despite the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar (also known as Burma) on March 28, the country’s military has continued its offensive operations—including airstrikes—violating the ceasefire it announced for April 2. According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least 61 attacks have been recorded nationwide since the disaster, with 16 of them taking place after the ceasefire was supposed to begin.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged the immediate suspension of military operations and called for humanitarian aid to be prioritized. “I hope this tragedy can be a turning point toward a more inclusive political solution for Myanmar,” he stated.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Regions most affected by the earthquake include Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Magway, and the eastern and southern Shan states. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that ongoing power and water supply disruptions are impeding access to healthcare and raising the risk of disease outbreaks.
The UN has already provided nearly 100 tons of medical supplies, equipment, and tents, targeting the urgent needs of around 12.9 million people. UNHCR launched a $16 million appeal to assist 1.2 million survivors. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that 136 townships were affected by the quake, with roughly 25% located in non-government-controlled areas, complicating relief efforts.
Unconventional Military Tactics
Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, has reportedly used unconventional methods such as motorized paragliders to drop bombs on civilian areas. James Rodehaver, of the UN Human Rights Office in Myanmar, described a tactic involving “a single operator using a glider with a backpack fan to silently fly over targets and drop explosives.”
Although a broad coalition of opposition groups declared a temporary halt to offensive operations to facilitate humanitarian aid, military attacks persist—worsening the suffering of civilians already reeling from the natural disaster.