Myanmar junta’s attacks kill 72 civilians amid earthquake crisis

Mizzima

At least 72 civilians, including six children and 30 women, were killed by airstrikes and artillery shelling carried out by Myanmar’s military junta over the past week, according to a statement from the Human Rights Department of the National Unity Government (NUG) issued on 9 April.

Based on verified data collected between 28 March, the day a major earthquake struck Myanmar, and 8 April, the junta reportedly launched more than 90 assaults, killing six children under the age of 18 and 30 women, primarily targeting areas controlled by ethnic armed organisations and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF), the NUG said.

This wave of violence comes despite the junta’s announcement of a temporary nationwide ceasefire from 2 to 22 April. Statements from the NUG and various ethnic armed groups indicate that hostilities have persisted in regions including Rakhine State, southern Shan State, and Mandalay, Sagaing, Magway, Bago, and Tanintharyi Regions.