Myanmar’s Warning Shots At Aid Convoy Ignite International Protest

Myanmar’s military junta has fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering earthquake aid, drawing global condemnation as desperate survivors face mounting obstacles to receiving life-saving assistance.

Quick Takes

Myanmar’s military fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross aid convoy in earthquake-affected regions, highlighting the junta’s obstruction of humanitarian relief efforts
The death toll from the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to 2,886 with 4,639 injured, while critical aid delivery is delayed by military checkpoints
Despite declaring a 21-day ceasefire, the military continues airstrikes in affected regions, according to rebel groups
Human Rights Watch and international agencies have condemned the junta’s actions, demanding unrestricted access for humanitarian aid
Australia has pledged A$6.5 million in humanitarian support, emphasizing it won’t legitimize the military regime

Military Obstructs Critical Earthquake Relief

Myanmar’s military junta has admitted to firing warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross convoy delivering humanitarian aid following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed nearly 3,000 people. The incident occurred in the hard-hit Sagaing region, an area largely controlled by armed resistance groups opposing the military government that seized power in a 2021 coup. According to junta statements, the convoy entered a conflict zone without informing authorities, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots, though no casualties were reported.

The earthquake has compounded an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where civil conflict, economic collapse, and military oppression have severely disrupted basic services including healthcare. Information from affected areas remains scarce due to internet and mobile network blackouts imposed by the junta, while international journalists have been denied access to cover the disaster. These restrictions have hampered coordination of relief efforts at a time when rapid response is crucial.

Humanitarian Aid Weaponized Amid Crisis

Aid workers report that military-imposed curfews, roadblocks, and extensive security checks have significantly delayed rescue operations during the critical 72-hour window when finding survivors is most likely. The junta has established a pattern of weaponizing humanitarian assistance, directing it primarily to areas under its control while restricting delivery to regions where resistance forces operate. This approach effectively punishes civilian populations not aligned with the military government.

“I’ve talked to a few people now that were part of the rescue efforts in both Sagaing and Mandalay, and they said that [the military] imposed a curfew… the roads were blocked, the checkpoints were really long, and there was a huge checking of goods and services going in and a lot of questioning,” said John Quinley, director of international human rights group Fortify Rights.

The United Nations reports over 28 million people have been affected by the earthquake and has allocated $12 million for emergency aid. Meanwhile, Australia has pledged A$6.5 million in humanitarian support while emphasizing that this assistance will be delivered through channels that avoid legitimizing the military regime. Local assistance groups attempting to provide aid independently face substantial challenges without military permission.

Questionable Ceasefire Amid Continued Hostilities

In an apparent response to international pressure, Myanmar’s military declared a 21-day ceasefire from April 2 to April 22, ostensibly to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s office stated the pause was intended “to express sympathy for affected citizens, facilitate humanitarian aid and ensure stability during the recovery period.” However, armed rebel groups report that military airstrikes have continued despite this announcement, casting serious doubt on the junta’s commitment.

Researcher Joe Freeman at AI Myanmar said, “You cannot ask for aid with one hand and bomb with the other. Carrying out air strikes and attacking civilians in the same region where the earthquake struck is inhumane and shows a blatant disregard for human rights.”

Human Rights Watch and other international organizations have urged the junta to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid access. Despite widespread homelessness and devastation, authorities in Mandalay are proceeding with plans for a festival, further highlighting the disconnect between the regime’s priorities and the urgent needs of earthquake survivors. The international community continues to seek effective ways to deliver aid that bypasses military restrictions while reaching those most affected by both the natural disaster and ongoing conflict.