Following a severe earthquake in central Myanmar that has left civilians in distress, the military council conducted multiple airstrikes in Karen State, Sagaing Region, Northern Shan State, and Bago Region. The powerful earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck at 12:52 PM on March 28, with its epicenter near Mandalay. While people across central Myanmar, including in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing, were dealing with significant losses of life and property due to the earthquake, the military council proceeded with their aerial attacks.
Just hours after the earthquake, around 4 PM, the military council launched drone attacks targeting the area above Lay War near the Karen National Union (KNU) headquarters in Brigade 7 territory, as confirmed by local sources. Later that evening, they conducted attacks using powered paragliders on Nway Khway village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region. The military council also carried out airstrikes on villages along the eastern bank of the Sittaung River in Pyay Township, Bago Region, after 2 PM. Additionally, they bombed Kan Gyi village in Naung Cho Township, Northern Shan State, at approximately 1:30 PM.
These continued airstrikes by the military council during a time when civilians were already traumatized by the earthquake have caused increased fear and anxiety among local residents, with many forced to flee to safer locations. Local sources report that communities are facing dual threats from both natural disaster and military attacks, making their situation particularly precarious. The military council’s decision to continue offensive operations during this humanitarian crisis has been met with concern from local revolutionary sources and civilian populations across the affected regions.
