On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 3,700 lives. In the aftermath of this disaster, the military junta, which has been conducting a brutal campaign against various ethnic groups and rebel factions since the coup in 2021, declared a temporary ceasefire. However, just days into this promised halt of hostilities, reports emerged of rampant violations, underscoring the chaotic and untenable situation in the country.
Quentin Sommerville, a reporter from BBC News, embedded himself in the rebel-held regions of Karenni state in mid-April to document the reality for civilians caught in the crossfire. Over ten days, he observed firsthand the ongoing violence perpetrated by the Myanmar military, which included relentless rocket and mortar strikes that injured and killed both civilians and resistance fighters alike. One poignant case highlighted was that of Khala, a 45-year-old father whose life was cut short when military aircraft targeted a supposed safe space. Mala, Khala’s wife, recounted their harrowing experience as they returned to their village, Pekin Coco, after years of displacement, only to come under fire again.
Describing the tragic circumstances leading to Khala’s death, Mala expressed the feeling of betrayal that surfaced when the military ignored its pledge of a ceasefire. The couple had cautiously dared to hope that they could finally return to their home, which they found devastated and mostly abandoned. Tragically, just as they were packing to leave, artillery shells descended upon them. “He died in the place where he thought he was safe,” Mala lamented. This heartbreaking narrative underscores the crisis facing families; amidst the chaos, Mala, who is pregnant, was left to navigate the future with her young son Zoe, who is grappling with the loss of his father.
The article further delves into the broader context of the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar, where ethnic groups and young insurgent forces have risen against decades of military control and oppression. The death toll since the 2021 coup has been staggering, with tens of thousands reported dead, compounded by the recent earthquake that has pushed millions more into dire situations requiring humanitarian assistance. Previously displaced populations have increased, exacerbating the existing crisis brought on by years of conflict.
Notably, Karenni state, although not directly within the earthquake’s epicenter, faces its own challenges as it grapples with the aftermath of both the natural disaster and ongoing military engagements. Sommerville’s observations reveal a stark reality—hospitals are flooding with injuries from both the earthquake’s aftermath and military skirmishes, as the healthcare infrastructure is already overwhelmed. He noted significant geographical challenges in the area, which is characterized by dense jungle terrain, ideal for those resisting military rule but difficult for aid and resources to navigate safely.
Amid the accounts of violence and human tragedy, local soldiers, including Stefano, a young commander in the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, expressed their disbelief in the junta’s commitment to the ceasefire. Claiming that the military continued its offensive operations under the guise of peace, Stefano articulated a sentiment of frustration and mistrust shared by many combatants and civilians. “We did not believe the military council from the beginning, and we won’t believe it in the future,” he asserted.
As reports of ongoing hostilities arose, including air assaults that resulted in civilian casualties, it became evident that the military’s acts were damaging not only to combatants but also to non-combatants, with one incident claiming the life of a 60-year-old woman due to a rocket strike on farming land. This brings to light the indiscriminate nature of violence in this protracted conflict, highlighting the severe impact on everyday life.
From the vantage of those humanitarian workers and local resistance fighters, there remains hope for resolution and reconstruction despite the persistent threat of violence from above. Locations like the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, though damaged by the earthquake, symbolize resilience. Father Philip, the parish priest, noted that while natural disasters posed significant threats, the looming shadow of military aircraft presents a more urgent danger to his congregation.
Stories of courage are interspersed with the daily realities of war, underscoring the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Ultimately, in a region beset by instability due to natural disaster and civil unrest, the quest for peace and safety remains fraught with challenges. As the truce nears its end, the residents of Karenni state, like Stefano and Mala, await what the future holds, carrying with them both the weight of their grief and a glimmer of hope for liberation from oppression.