Over 140 civilians killed by airstrikes in Myanmar since ‘100-day peace offer’ from Min Aung Hlaing

Over 140 civilians killed by airstrikes since ‘100-day peace offer’

A total of 143 civilians have been killed and 264 have been injured by airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force in the first 40 days since regime leader Min Aung Hlaing announced his “100-day plan” on April 20, according to DVB data. Min Aung Hlaing invited all ethnic armed groups and resistance forces to engage in “dialogue” with his regime in the capital Naypyidaw before July 31.

A resident in Arakan State’s Taungup Township told DVB on the condition of anonymity that civilians living there have faced daily airstrikes in recent weeks. Taungup, seized by the Arakan Army (AA) on Nov. 24, 2024, is located 284 miles (457 km) south of the Arakan State capital Sittwe. The AA has seized 14 of 17 Arakan townships, as well as Chin State’s Paletwa Township since November 2023.

At least 298 airstrikes were carried out across the country from April 20 to June 1, according to DVB data. A total of 71 airstrikes occurred in Sagaing Region with 54 taking place in Chin State. In Magway Region, there were 36 with 20 taking place in Arakan State. The other 104 airstrikes documented by DVB occurred in other states and regions across the country. Read more

UN warns funding cuts could worsen Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned on Tuesday that declining humanitarian funding could significantly worsen conditions for around 1.2 million Rohingya living in refugee camps in Bangladesh—nearly nine ​years after they fled a military crackdown in Burma in 2017 labelled a genocide by the U.S.—as aid groups struggle to sustain ‌essential services.

As global crises multiply and donor budgets tighten, the UNHCR and its humanitarian partners on the ground are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain support for one of the world’s largest refugee populations. The pressure ​has grown with the arrival of about 150,000 more Rohingya Muslims since ​early 2024, fleeing renewed violence in Burma’s Arakan State, which borders Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the U.S. ⁠and some European countries have cut funding for international aid in recent years. Last month, the ​U.N. and the Bangladesh government launched a $710.5 million USD appeal to fund food, shelter, healthcare, ​education and protection services. However, the appeal—already 26 per cent lower than last year’s—remains only about 60 per cent funded. Read more