The three Northern Alliance groups, consisting of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Arakan Army (AA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), have announced an extension of their ceasefire period for the entire month of May. According to their announcement, the ceasefire will be in effect from May 1 to May 31. This decision comes as a continuation of their humanitarian efforts following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.
The primary reason for extending the ceasefire is to facilitate ongoing rescue and recovery operations in earthquake-affected areas. The alliance groups explained that the initial one-month ceasefire during April proved insufficient to complete the necessary humanitarian work, including clearing damaged buildings and conducting search and rescue operations for both people and animals trapped in the debris. The earthquake and its aftershocks caused significant destruction, requiring extended time for comprehensive recovery efforts. The groups emphasized that this extension is purely humanitarian in nature, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of affected civilians.
The Northern Alliance groups have clearly stated their defensive position during this period, confirming they will only engage in retaliatory actions for self-defense in areas where conflicts with military council forces are ongoing. They will not initiate offensive operations during this period. In contrast, while the military council had announced two separate ceasefires during April, they have not extended their ceasefire into May. This development suggests a potential resumption of military activities by the council forces, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis and recovery efforts in earthquake-affected regions. The situation highlights the continuing complex dynamics between ethnic armed organizations and the military council in Myanmar’s conflict zones.
