As Myanmar reels from a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed approximately 1,700 lives, the country’s military junta has been criticised for continuing airstrikes against civilian areas instead of prioritizing relief efforts. Armed resistance groups and humanitarian organizations have condemned the junta’s actions, calling them a blatant disregard for human suffering.
Junta Prioritizes Warfare Over Relief
The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed groups, lambasted the junta in a statement on Sunday, accusing it of conducting airstrikes on villages even as survivors struggle amid the devastation.
“Under normal circumstances, the military would be prioritizing relief efforts, but instead, it is deploying forces to attack its people,” the KNU stated.
Despite widespread condemnation, the junta remains silent, with no response to inquiries from Reuters regarding its military operations during the crisis.
A Nation Caught Between War and Natural Disaster
Since the 2021 coup that toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has been locked in a brutal civil war. Armed opposition groups, including the KNU and the National Unity Government (NUG), continue to resist the military’s rule. The recent earthquake has only intensified the suffering of Myanmar’s population, particularly in conflict zones.
The epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake was located in an area controlled by junta forces, but its devastation extended into regions held by resistance groups. According to the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian organization, the military responded to the disaster by launching fresh airstrikes and drone attacks in Karen State, where the KNU is headquartered.
Opposition Ceasefire as Junta Doubles Down
In stark contrast to the junta’s actions, the NUG announced a temporary pause in offensive military operations for two weeks to allow for humanitarian relief. However, reports indicate that the military has not reciprocated.
Richard Horsey, senior Myanmar adviser at Crisis Group, confirmed that while some anti-junta forces have halted their offensives, fighting continues elsewhere. “The regime also continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas. That needs to stop,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses and relief workers describe a dire situation on the ground. “Local fire brigades, ambulance crews, and community organizations have mobilized, but the military—who would normally be providing aid in such a crisis—is nowhere to be seen,” Horsey added.
A Military That Abandons Its People
The junta’s failure to lead disaster response efforts mirrors its actions during past crises. During Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and Cyclone Mocha in 2023, the military restricted access to international aid and failed to provide adequate support to affected communities. Now, as thousands suffer in the aftermath of the earthquake, history appears to be repeating itself.
International relief organizations, including the United Nations, have begun mobilizing aid, but their operations face severe restrictions imposed by the military. Without the junta’s cooperation, humanitarian groups fear that critical supplies will not reach those most in need.
Conclusion: A Humanitarian Crisis Weaponized
Myanmar’s tragedy is twofold: a devastating natural disaster compounded by a regime that prioritizes warfare over the welfare of its people. The military’s actions—bombing villages while survivors dig through rubble—signal not just negligence but a calculated strategy to suppress opposition at all costs.
As the death toll rises and international pressure mounts, the question remains: How much longer will Myanmar’s people endure both the wrath of nature and the cruelty of their own rulers?
