Continued Attacks Amid Humanitarian Crisis

In a shocking turn of events, Myanmar's junta has continued its brutal military campaign, including airstrikes and artillery assaults, despite a proclaimed ceasefire following a devastating earthquake in March that claimed thousands of lives. This alarming situation, highlighted by the United Nations, shows a stark contrast between the junta's promises and their actions on the ground.

The Earthquake's Aftermath

The March 28 earthquake was the deadliest natural disaster to strike Myanmar in decades, prompting an extensive international relief effort aimed at supporting hundreds of thousands affected by both the quake and ongoing violence. Calls for a halt to the military conflict echoed across the globe, resulting in a 20-day ceasefire announced by the military on April 2, which they later extended through April 30 after high-level discussions with Malaysia.

Ceasefire? What Ceasefire?

However, data from the UN reveals a startling truth: the military's aggressive actions have persisted. A Reuters analysis of information from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) confirms that the frequency of junta aerial attacks surged since the ceasefire announcement, contradicting claims of halting military activities.

Deadly Airstrikes on Civilians

Between March 28 and April 24, the junta reportedly executed at least 207 military operations, including 140 airstrikes and 24 artillery barrages. The situation is particularly dire, with over 172 incidents occurring after the ceasefire, including 73 attacks launched in regions already devastated by the earthquake.

"It's business as usual," stated James Rodehaver, the UN’s representative in Myanmar. He condemned the junta’s failure to cease military operations and redirect their efforts toward humanitarian assistance.

Civilian Casualties: The Human Cost

The brutality of the junta became tragically evident when, just two weeks into the ceasefire, airstrikes targeted the village of South Kan Ma Yaik, killing a pregnant woman and injuring her children during Burmese New Year celebrations. Eyewitness accounts detail the horror, stating, "All the children were bleeding all over." This incident represents just one of many civilian casualties amidst continued military aggression.

Rising Death Toll

Statistics paint a grim picture: before the ceasefire, the junta averaged 7.6 attacks daily, resulting in more than five civilian deaths each day. Since April 2, this number rose to 9.7 attacks per day, claiming over six lives daily. A staggering total of 105 individuals have lost their lives to junta aerial assaults since the ceasefire declaration.

A Lopsided Battle

In contrast, opposition forces conducted only three aerial attacks during the ceasefire, primarily utilizing drones, as they remain severely outmatched by the junta's military might, which boasts advanced aircraft from China and Russia. ACLED Senior Analyst Su Mon remarked that the junta's strikes are indiscriminately targeting civilian populations, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Junta’s Justifications and Irony of Ceasefire

Despite announcing the ceasefire, the junta has made it clear that it will retaliate against any actions perceived as threats, including recruitment or territory expansion by rebel forces. However, Rodehaver pointed out the absurdity in the junta’s approach: "Whenever you get attacked by small arms fire, your response is to launch airstrikes on an area and you end up killing a dozen people who were not involved in the fighting at all. Is that a ceasefire?"

As Myanmar spirals deeper into crisis, the grim reality remains: while the world watches, the junta’s violence continues unabated, leaving countless civilians to bear the brunt of their relentless assault.