After Bombing The Country Despite The Earthquake, Myanmar’s Military Has Finally Declared A Ceasefire

Myanmar's military government has finally declared a temporary ceasefire to support relief efforts for the massive magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country.

The earthquake, which struck on March 28, was the biggest in more than 100 years and killed more than 3,000 people, injured nearly 4,500 and left 370 missing.

However, in the aftermath, the military government — also known as a junta — conducted at least 21 airstrikes in civilian areas held by rebels, with some strikes launched just hours after the earthquake hit, according to Irrawaddy News, an independent news outlet.

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.

In recent years, Myanmar's military junta has stepped up airstrikes to crush the growing resistance by rebel groups, which has sprung up all around the country and gained control over substantial territory since the military coup in February 2021. 

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

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.

Faced with widespread criticism,the junta finally declared a temporary truce on Wednesday, April 2, set to last until April 22.

In a statement, the junta said the ceasefire aims to speed up "relief and reconstruction efforts, and maintain peace and stability."

However, the military also warned that if rebel groups used the ceasefire for regrouping, training or launching attacks, it would take “necessary” action against them.

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