The Three Brotherhood Alliance of northern Myanmar, comprising the Arakan Army (AA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), announced on June 2 that they would extend their unilateral humanitarian ceasefire until June 30. This extension comes as a response to the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck in March. The alliance stated that the extension is necessary to continue humanitarian work and clearing operations in affected areas.
Between March 28 and 30, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck various parts of Myanmar, including Sagaing, Mandalay Region, Shan State, Bago Region, and Naypyidaw. The natural disaster caused extensive damage to residential buildings, religious structures, and historical heritage sites. The Three Brotherhood Alliance had initially declared a ceasefire in April and May to facilitate search and rescue operations and to help clear debris from collapsed structures.
However, the clearing operations have not yet been completed, and the situation has been further complicated by the arrival of the rainy season, which has caused additional structural collapses. This has prompted the alliance to extend the ceasefire period from June 2 to June 30 to allow continued humanitarian operations. The northern alliance groups have stated that they will not initiate offensive operations in areas where fighting with the military council occurs, except for defensive responses when necessary.
While the military council announced its own ceasefire from June 1 to June 30, it has continued to conduct airstrikes and military operations on the ground. According to the Ministry of Human Rights of the National Unity Government, since the March 28 earthquake, the military has conducted 505 airstrikes across various regions and states, excluding Yangon and Naypyidaw. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 436 civilians and injured 821 others. The military’s actions demonstrate a stark contrast between their announced ceasefire and their actual operations on the ground, continuing to inflict violence upon civilians despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake.
