Myanmar coup leader defends military actions amid rising civilian casualties from airstrikes

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has intensified airstrikes across the country while urging ethnic armed groups to prioritize national unity over their own interests. He claimed that ethnic communities are suffering due to the destruction of state infrastructure, attributing the damage to armed resistance groups.

His remarks were made in a message on the 78th Shan National Day (Shan State Day) on 7 February, where he also asserted that the country’s human resources are being wasted as young people are conscripted under the military service law.

Despite his claims, independent research organizations have reported that the Military Council’s airstrikes have devastated civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and religious buildings, leading to increased casualties.