BBC Journalist Observes Junta Breaching Ceasefire Agreement

Days after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, killing over 3,700 people, the ruling junta declared a ceasefire in its ongoing military campaign. However, reports indicate that this ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with military operations continuing in rebel-held territories. Eyewitness accounts from the eastern Karenni state reveal a grim reality, where civilians, including families seeking safety, have been caught in the crossfire of renewed violence, leaving many in despair and mourning.

Ceasefire Violations and Civilian Casualties

Despite the junta’s announcement of a ceasefire on April 2, violations have been rampant. Reports from the Karenni state highlight daily attacks by military forces, including rocket and mortar strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties. One tragic incident involved Khala, a 45-year-old father who was killed by military warplanes while he and his family sought refuge in their village, Pekin Coco. His wife, Mala, recounted the harrowing moment when artillery shells struck their home, claiming her husband’s life in what was supposed to be a safe space. The family had returned to their village after years in a displacement camp, only to find it abandoned and devastated by ongoing conflict.

Mala, who is seven months pregnant, expressed her grief and anger over the attacks, stating, “I hate them. They always attack people without reason.” She and her young son, Zoe, have since returned to a displaced persons camp, grappling with the loss of Khala and the uncertainty of their future. The junta’s continued military operations have left many families feeling unsafe, as airstrikes and artillery fire remain a constant threat.

The Broader Context of Conflict

Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the military coup in 2021, which ousted the democratically elected government. The conflict has escalated, with ethnic groups and young insurgents rising against the military regime. The United Nations estimates that tens of thousands have died since the coup, with millions more displaced. The recent earthquake has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, pushing an additional two million people into need.

In the Karenni state, where the earthquake’s impact was felt but not directly reported, the region has become a battleground for resistance forces. The thick jungles provide cover for those opposing military rule, yet the poor infrastructure and ongoing military presence complicate the situation. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries from both the earthquake and ongoing military strikes, as civilians continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict.

Resistance and Resilience Amidst Violence

Eyewitness accounts from the front lines reveal a stark reality for those resisting the junta. Young fighters, like 23-year-old Stefano, are actively engaged in combat against military forces. He described the junta’s relentless attacks during the ceasefire, utilizing drones and heavy artillery. Stefano and his platoon have fortified their positions, prepared for ongoing conflict. He dismissed the ceasefire as a “joke,” expressing skepticism about the junta’s intentions and commitment to peace.

As the military escalates its assaults, the resistance forces maintain their resolve. They have pledged to respond to attacks while suspending offensive operations during the ceasefire. However, the reality on the ground shows that civilians are often caught in the crossfire, with military strikes hitting not only resistance positions but also farmland and residential areas, resulting in further casualties.

The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate as violence persists. Local hospitals, often hidden deep in the jungle to avoid airstrikes, are struggling to cope with the influx of war-related injuries. Medical professionals report treating numerous patients, including resistance fighters, who have sustained serious injuries from military attacks. The ongoing conflict has left many communities in despair, with families mourning lost loved ones and grappling with the trauma of violence.

In the rebel-controlled areas, the aftermath of the earthquake is still felt, with damaged infrastructure and ongoing threats from military airstrikes. Local leaders, including priests and community members, express their fears about the lack of safety and the uncertainty of their future. As the ceasefire approaches its end, many residents feel that the brief respite from violence was merely an illusion, with the reality of conflict looming large over their lives. The struggle for peace and safety continues, as the people of Myanmar seek to reclaim their lives amidst the chaos.

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