Fighting Persists in Myanmar Despite Earthquake Ceasefires

Despite both Myanmar's military junta and an alliance of rebel groups announcing temporary ceasefires to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, reports of ongoing fighting continue to emerge. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, the military has conducted at least 14 attacks since the ceasefire was declared.

The military has accused two rebel factions from the ceasefire alliance of launching attacks. One of the rebel groups has stated that the fighting resumed in response to military offensives.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for an immediate halt to all military operations and emphasized the need to focus on assisting those affected by the devastating earthquake. He also urged unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid in the aftermath of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28.

Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the military junta took power in a 2021 coup, facing opposition from ethnic militias and resistance groups across the country. In an attempt to address the crisis, the military declared a 20-day ceasefire on April 2, following the announcement of a similar ceasefire by the rebel alliance, which includes three major groups.

As of Monday, the official death toll from the earthquake has risen to 3,564, with 5,012 people injured and 210 still missing, according to state media.