Myanmar's NUG Halts Attacks as Quake Death Toll Nears 2,000

• Mar 30, 2025

Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) has announced a temporary pause in military operations to focus on earthquake rescue efforts as the death toll from the devastating 7.7 magnitude quake in the Sagaing region nears 2,000. Survivors continue to search through collapsed buildings with their bare hands, hoping to find those still trapped.

In an official statement, the NUG, which operates in exile, declared that its military wing, the People’s Defence Force (PDF), would suspend all offensive actions for two weeks in the quake-affected areas. The suspension, effective from March 30, 2025, aims to allow rescue operations to proceed without interference. However, the PDF will still engage in defensive actions if necessary.

The earthquake, which struck on March 28, was felt in neighboring countries, including Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. By late March 29, Myanmar’s ruling military junta reported at least 1,600 deaths, with estimates from other sources suggesting the number could be closer to 2,000. Many more remain trapped under the rubble, with ongoing rescue operations facing significant challenges.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 military coup that led to mass protests and later escalated into a full-scale civil conflict. The military junta has suffered heavy losses in the past four years, ceding large areas of territory to pro-democracy and ethnic resistance groups. Despite these setbacks, the junta continues to rely on airstrikes against what it deems insurgent forces.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, an airstrike in an NUG-controlled area reportedly killed seven people, raising concerns about the junta’s priorities during the crisis. Meanwhile, the NUG has allocated an initial $1 million for emergency rescue and medical aid, particularly in areas under its control. The statement also urged all ethnic groups and citizens to cooperate in providing assistance to those affected.

International aid has started arriving, with China and Russia among the countries sending rescue teams and supplies. However, there are fears that the military junta may use this aid for political leverage. Burmese activist Julie Khine voiced skepticism, telling the BBC that it is difficult to trust aid from nations that continue to supply the junta with weapons used against civilians.

As Myanmar grapples with both a humanitarian disaster and ongoing conflict, the suspension of military operations offers a brief window for relief efforts. However, with deep political divisions and fears of aid manipulation, the coming weeks may test the country’s resilience further.