Amid Quake Devastation, Myanmar Military Escalates Attacks, Rejects Ceasefires

The Myanmar junta has conducted at least 21 airstrikes and artillery attacks since Friday’s earthquake across Sagaing, Magwe, Shan, Kachin, Rakhine and Karenni, by The Irrawaddy’s count, and the number is expected to increase as more reports of attacks are verified. On Tuesday alone, following the announcements of temporary halts in offensive operations by several ethnic armed groups, the junta conducted at least five attacks.

Even as his regime intensifies its attacks, the junta leader has dismissed ceasefires called by rebel groups, vowing continued military operations.