Myanmar military prolongs ceasefire following earthquake amid allegations of violations
Myanmar's military, better known as the Tatmadaw, has declared a ceasefire extension until the end of April. But it seems the truce hasn't entirely halted their operations. On the contrary, reports suggest the military continues its attacks on rebel territories.
The junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, announced the ceasefire extension, aiming to expedite reconstruction and peace-building efforts in areas hit by the March 28 earthquake. Yet, the military is ready to retaliate if ethnic armies attack military bases, recruit, or build up forces during the temporary ceasefire.
This news comes after the Three Brotherhood Alliance, representing three diverse groups, announced their own ceasefire extension to the end of May. The 7.7-magnitude quake in late March resulted in over 3,800 fatalities and the destruction of more than 55,000 homes across multiple provinces.
During the supposed ceasefires, the military has reportedly launched at least 243 attacks, including 171 airstrikes. Bellingcat identified at least 22 villages damaged by airstrikes, with over 200 civilians killed in these attacks since the earthquake[2][4].
These ongoing military actions contribute to a worsening humanitarian crisis. With over 17 million people in urgent need of aid following the earthquake, the continuation of hostilities undermines relief efforts and deepens the misery of affected communities[2].
The international community has condemned the military's actions, but specific sanctions related to these ceasefire violations have not been detailed recently. The UN and other international bodies have urged a genuine ceasefire and an end to hostilities, but imposing new sanctions may encounter hindrances from veto-wielding members like China and Russia in the UN Security Council[1][4].
This political stalemate prolongs the instability and ongoing violence in the region. Plans for elections by the military are controversial, with opposition groups like the National Unity Government (NUG) viewing them as illegitimate[1][3].
- Despite the ceasefire extension announced by Myanmar's military, reports indicate that they have been accelerating attacks on rebel territories, potentially undermining the peace-building efforts.
- The Three Brotherhood Alliance, representing diverse groups, has also agreed to a ceasefire extension until the end of May, aiming to alleviate the crisis caused by the earthquake in Myanmar.
- General news and crime-and-justice sections have been filled with stories about the continuing war-and-conflicts in Myanmar, with over 17 million people in urgent need of aid following the earthquake.
- The international community has agreed on the need for a genuine ceasefire and an end to hostilities, but imposing new sanctions on Myanmar may encounter challenges from veto-wielding members like China and Russia in the UN Security Council, prolonging the political stalemate and instability in the region.
