Myanmar Military Fires on Relief Convoy Amid Earthquake Crisis

The Myanmar military fired shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying earthquake supplies, escalating fears during a humanitarian crisis that has already claimed over 2,700 lives. The situation highlights the ongoing violence in the country, as the military claims it was responding to a failure to halt the convoy, while rebel groups assert prior notification was given.

Myanmar's military opened fire on Tuesday night at a convoy from the Chinese Red Cross, which was transporting vital earthquake relief supplies in eastern Shan State. This incident occurred as the country grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck near Mandalay last Friday, claiming more than 2,700 lives according to government estimates.

The Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed rebel group, reported that military troops fired machine guns at the convoy of nine vehicles while en route to the hard-hit region. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the shooting.

In response to the event, Myanmar's junta expressed that it is conducting an investigation, denying any direct targeting of the convoy. Their account states that troops fired warning shots into the air after the convoy did not comply with signals to stop. China's Foreign Ministry confirmed that its rescue team and supplies remained safe and urged all parties in Myanmar to prioritize relief efforts.

The civil unrest in Myanmar has intensified following a military coup in 2021, sparking ongoing conflict between the junta and various ethnic militias. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent earthquake, which international aid agencies and foreign governments are reacting to by sending personnel and resources to the affected areas.

A military spokesperson explained that upon spotting the aid convoy, which bore identifiable Chinese symbols, measures were taken to halt its progress. They claimed vehicles fired upon did not heed the directive to stop, resulting in warning shots from about 200 meters away.

The TNLA, which provided escort to the convoy, asserted they had notified the military about their mission to Mandalay. After facing the military's warning shots, they retreated but indicated intentions to continue their journey. Despite rebel factions announcing a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate aid distribution, the junta has not reciprocated with similar declarations. Following the earthquake, the military engaged in further strikes in Naungcho township, escalating tensions in an already volatile environment. The UN condemned the airstrikes as “completely outrageous and unacceptable,” highlighting the ongoing crisis affecting the nation.