Myanmar, May 2, (V7N) — Despite a declared ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid after a catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, the country's military has carried out at least 243 attacks, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 civilians, according to the United Nations.
 
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk confirmed the information in an official statement, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence. He emphasized that the Myanmar junta has blatantly disregarded the agreed-upon ceasefire and has escalated attacks, including a significant number of airstrikes.
 
On March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, claiming the lives of approximately 3,800 people and leaving thousands more injured or displaced. In response to the disaster, both the military regime and opposition groups announced a temporary ceasefire on April 2 to allow unhindered delivery of relief and rescue operations in quake-affected areas.
 
However, the UN reports that the military has since launched 243 separate attacks, including 171 airstrikes, in various regions affected by the earthquake. These assaults have killed over 200 civilians, many of whom were already struggling to recover from the natural disaster.
 
"The continuation of military aggression in the midst of a humanitarian crisis is unacceptable," Türk stated. "This not only violates the principles of international humanitarian law but also exacerbates the suffering of those already devastated by the earthquake."
 
Human rights organizations and international observers are urging the international community to apply pressure on the Myanmar junta to halt its violence and allow humanitarian aid to reach affected populations without obstruction.
 
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