Despite a declared ceasefire to aid recovery from Myanmar’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, the State Administrative Council (SAC) has intensified airstrikes and drone attacks across multiple regions, displacing civilians and undermining humanitarian efforts.

On April 5 and 6, the military and its allied Pa-O militia (PNO) launched repeated drone and artillery strikes on Phayar Taung and Ye Pu villages in Nyaungshwe Township, Southern Shan State despite no active conflict in the area. Local sources report that nearly 40 attacks have occurred since March 18, destroying homes and forcing residents to flee to nearby Samka.

In a direct violation of the ceasefire, SAC forces conducted airstrikes in Mongkut (Mogok) Township, controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The TNLA had declared a unilateral ceasefire from April 2 to April 22 to facilitate earthquake relief, yet two bombs were dropped on western Mongkut on April 5, further endangering civilians.

The March 28 earthquake, which ravaged Sagaing Region, prompted rare agreements between the military junta, ethnic armed groups, and the NUG’s People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) to pause hostilities. However, the SAC has since continued air assaults in Shan State, Karenni State, Bago Region, and parts of Sagaing and Mandalay, causing civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

The ongoing attacks not only violate the ceasefire but also hinder critical aid delivery to earthquake-affected communities. With homes destroyed and civilians displaced, the military’s actions deepen the humanitarian crisis in conflict zones.