(Adnkronos) – The rebel coalition in Burma, made up of the National Democratic Alliance Army, the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army, has announced a unilateral and temporary ceasefire following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country last Friday, killing over 2,700 people so far.
The three armed groups, which in October 2023 launched the so-called “Operation 1027” against the Burmese army, announced in a statement that they will suspend attacks to facilitate and “support” the “international humanitarian response” aimed at mitigating the effects of the earthquake. The ceasefire will last at least a month, although the rebels will maintain their defensive positions. “The earthquake caused enormous destruction in many areas of Burma, including the regions of Mandalay, Sagaing, Shan, Bago, and Naypyidaw. As a result, many people have lost their lives, their property, their livelihoods, their homes, schools, hospitals, and temples,” said the Three Brotherhoods Alliance.
“We have carefully monitored and analyzed the consequences of this earthquake and sincerely hope that volunteers, both local and foreign, can carry out their operations in peace,” the statement continued, which also called for “strengthening humanitarian efforts.” “In view of all this, we will not engage in any fighting against the Burmese forces, except in self-defense. For this reason, we declare a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian purposes to ensure that relief operations can proceed unhindered,” the rebels concluded.
