Myanmar Junta Attacks Post-Earthquake, UN Reports

Myanmar’s military has carried out dozens of attacks since a devastating earthquake struck the country last week, including at least 16 airstrikes after a temporary ceasefire was declared, the United Nations said Friday.

The Southeast Asian nation has been embroiled in a brutal conflict since the military, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, seized power from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Despite a brief truce announced Wednesday to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, fighting has persisted.

Ceasefire Violations and Aid Restrictions
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has documented over 60 military attacks since the earthquake, which has killed more than 3,000 people. At least 16 of these strikes occurred after the ceasefire took effect on April 2, according to James Rodehaver, head of OHCHR’s Myanmar team.

“We have received credible reports of ongoing airstrikes in different parts of the country, including areas affected by the earthquake,” Rodehaver told reporters in Geneva, speaking from Bangkok.

The military has also been accused of restricting aid to quake-hit regions where local communities oppose its rule. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for an immediate halt to hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian access.

“I urge a halt to all military operations, and for the focus to be on assisting those impacted by the quake,” Türk said in a statement. “I hope this terrible tragedy can be a turning point for the country toward an inclusive political solution.”

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Amid Communication Blackout
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the military’s internet and telecommunications shutdowns have exacerbated the disaster by obstructing critical information flow.

Opposition armed groups have declared their own temporary truce to allow emergency aid, but the military’s tactics—including silent paraglider bombings—have continued. “These operatives drop hand-held munitions onto targets below,” Rodehaver explained.

Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates that up to 80% of buildings in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, have collapsed. The agency has appealed for $16 million to assist 1.2 million survivors.

As relief efforts struggle, Myanmar’s military leader made a rare international appearance at a regional summit in Thailand—his first trip outside allied nations China, Russia, and Belarus since 2021.