According to a statement from the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Defense, the military council forces conducted aerial bombardments using MI-2 helicopters on villages in Hummawlin Township, Sagaing Region, despite there being no active fighting in the area. On April 3rd at approximately 9:30 AM, military forces dropped 13 bombs targeting Phaneint village, Sansein village, Peihnot Swut village, and areas near gold mining sites in Hummawlin Township using MI-2 military helicopters, as detailed in the statement.
Additionally, on the same day, the military council forces carried out continuous aerial bombing operations using mechanized paragliders against villages in Thaungtha Township and Kani Township. While the military council had announced a nationwide ceasefire from the evening of April 2nd until April 22nd, they have continued to conduct airstrikes and military column operations. The NUG Ministry of Defense has declared this announcement to be merely deceptive, as the military continues its offensive actions despite the declared ceasefire.
These aerial attacks on civilian areas where no active fighting is taking place constitute violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes. Despite declaring a ceasefire, the military council has demonstrated through its actions that it continues to perpetrate violence against civilian populations without cessation. The targeting of civilian settlements with aerial bombardments in areas where there is no active conflict clearly shows that the military council’s announced ceasefire is merely a facade while they continue their campaign of violence against the civilian population.
