This escalation follows a warning of retaliation by the junta's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, who accused rebel groups of using government buildings and innocent civilians as shields. The military's increased aggression comes in response to significant territorial gains made by ethnic armed organizations in the northeastern Shan State.
Recent airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 40 civilians, including children, in the first week of this month alone. Notable incidents include a bombing in northern Shan State's Namkham area, which killed 13 civilians and injured 11 others, and another attack on a refugee camp in southern Shan State's Pekhon region, resulting in 10 fatalities and 14 injuries.
The military's actions have sparked outrage among resistance forces and raised concerns within the international community. Ethnic minority groups opposing the junta are calling for the regime to be referred to the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Meanwhile, the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) is gathering evidence to prosecute those responsible for atrocities.
In a recent report, the IIMM stated that it has amassed substantial evidence indicating an alarming increase in war crimes, including acts of cruelty and inhumane treatment, across Myanmar. The situation continues to deteriorate as the military struggles to maintain control in the face of growing opposition from allied rebel groups, who have successfully captured key military bases and border trade hubs.
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