On Tuesday night, Myanmar's military engaged in a dangerous incident involving a Chinese Red Cross convoy that was transporting vital earthquake relief supplies. This convoy, consisting of nine vehicles, came under fire in eastern Shan State from military troops, as reported by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an armed rebel faction. The convoy was en route to Mandalay, a city severely impacted by the recent devastating magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck last Friday.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from this alarming encounter. In response to the incident, Myanmar's junta stated it is conducting an investigation but denied targeting the convoy directly. Instead, they claimed that their troops fired shots into the air after the convoy failed to stop when signaled.
On Wednesday, China's foreign ministry confirmed that its rescue team and supplies remained safe, expressing hope that all factions and parties in Myanmar would prioritize earthquake relief efforts. The ongoing violence in Myanmar, driven by a civil war between the military junta—which took control through a coup in 2021—and various ethnic militias and resistance forces, complicates the humanitarian landscape.
The humanitarian crisis has escalated significantly following last week's earthquake, with the government estimating over 2,700 fatalities. However, many believe that the actual death toll may be much higher. In light of this disaster, multiple international aid agencies and foreign governments have mobilized personnel and supplies to assist those affected in the quake-hit regions.
A military spokesperson elaborated on the situation, stating that troops recognized the aid convoy coming from Naungcho township on Tuesday night. The vehicles displayed Chinese stickers and Myanmar number plates, yet the military claimed they had not received prior notification regarding the convoy's movement. According to the spokesperson, when the convoy was spotted, the military attempted to stop it, but the vehicles continued. They then opened fire from approximately 200 meters away; as the vehicles did not halt, three warning shots were fired into the air when they were about 100 meters closer, prompting the convoy to turn back.
China's Blue Sky Rescue Team, actively providing support in Mandalay, had been assured of security while traversing this route. The military spokesperson emphasized that international agencies need to inform the Myanmar government before providing aid.
The TNLA, which was escorting the Red Cross convoy, countered the military's claims, stating they had notified the military council about their mission to Mandalay. Following their retreat to Naungcho, the TNLA announced their intention to continue their journey. Despite the ongoing violence, several rebel factions have unilaterally declared a ceasefire to facilitate earthquake relief efforts, although the military has not reciprocated these gestures.
In a disturbing turn of events, mere hours after the earthquake struck, the junta launched airstrikes in Naungcho township, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing justified ongoing military operations by citing the need to counteract ethnic armed groups that continue to prepare for potential attacks. The UN has condemned the airstrikes, labeling them as completely outrageous and unacceptable.
This troubling incident underscores the critical need for cooperation and communication among various factions in Myanmar, especially in the wake of such a significant humanitarian disaster.
