Myanmar military defies ceasefire amid ongoing civil conflict

Myanmar, after experiencing a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake at the end of March 2025 that resulted in at least 3,700 fatalities, saw the country's ruling junta initially agreeing to a ceasefire. Despite this, evidence has surfaced indicating that the military has repeatedly violated this truce. Reports suggest that they have continued attacks on rebel-held areas using warplanes, drones, and ground soldiers, despite calls from the United Nations for a complete halt to military operations. Quentin Sommerville from the BBC observed firsthand the situation where a father named Khala was killed during an airstrike in a location his wife believed was safe. Khala's tragic end demonstrates the ongoing peril faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of an extensive civil conflict that has persisted for decades. The situation has only been exacerbated by ongoing military actions, with rebel groups acknowledging that while they have suspended offensive activities, they are prepared to fight back when attacked. The ceasefire, which many hoped would bring a temporary respite from violence, appears to have been rendered ineffective. Civilians are suffering as they hide in the jungle to avoid airstrikes, and the medical facilities are also attempting to operate discreetly for the same reason. The attacks on farmland have resulted in additional casualties, underscoring a pattern of instability that continues in Myanmar despite international declarations. For many residents, this ceasefire feels like a myth; instead of a breather, they view it as a mere illusion with little credibility. Rebel and ethnic groups have voiced that they will only trust a ceasefire if it accompanies a definitive end to the junta’s reign. As the ceasefire concludes at the end of the month, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve as the path forward is fraught with uncertainty and ongoing conflict.