Myanmar’s Military Is Still Bombing The Country Even After The Huge Earthquake That Killed 2,000

Myanmar's military government has continued bombing parts of the country right after the country was hit by the most powerful earthquake in more than 100 years.

In recent years, the military government — known as a junta — has increasingly been carrying out airstrikes as an attempt to crush the resistance, which has sprung up all around the country and gained control over of substantial territory since the military coup in February 2021.

However, the airstrikes have repeatedly attacked civilians, with the military bombing schools, religious buildings and other civilian infrastructure, including displacement camps, according to Amnesty International.

Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people on Friday, March 28, the military still continued to conduct airstrikes in civilian areas controlled by rebels.

Independent outlet, Irrawaddy News, reported that the junta carried out airstrikes Chang-U township in Sagaing region, which was the epicenter of the quake, just two hours after.

BBC Burmese also confirmed that seven people were killed in Naungcho in northern Shan state in an airstrike at around 3:30 pm local time, which is less than three hours after the earthquake struck.

There have also been reports of airstrikes in regions near the border with Thailand, according to the BBC.

The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar's oldest ethnic armies, said in a statement that the junta should be prioritizing relief efforts but is instead but focused on "deploying forces to attack its people".

The UN has condemned the attacks as "completely outrageous and unacceptable", according to the BBC.

On Sunday, March 30, the National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow government made up of the ousted lawmakers and activists, announced that all anti-junta militias under its command are pausing all fighting, except self-defense, in earthquake affected areas for two weeks to assist with humanitarian relief efforts.

The NUG said that its armed wing, the People's Defence Force, would “collaborate with the UN and non-governmental organisations to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps” in the areas it controls.

Rescue operations are continuing hard-hit areas, including Sagaing and Naypyidaw, but relief efforts have been slowed by damaged roads, fallen bridges and poor communication.

At least 2,056 people have been confirmed killed, with more than 3,900 injured and nearly 300 others missing as of Monday, according to the military government.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated that the final death toll could surpass 10,000 people.

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