Myanmar Military Opens Fire on Chinese Red Cross Convoy Amid Earthquake Relief Efforts

In a shocking turn of events, Myanmar’s military forces fired upon a humanitarian convoy carrying vital earthquake relief supplies from the Chinese Red Cross Society.

The nine-vehicle convoy, en route to Mandalay and carrying aid for victims of the recent earthquake, was attacked near Ummati village in Nawnghkio township at approximately 9:21 pm on April 1st. Despite notifying the Myanmar junta before departing, the convoy came under fire as it made its way through the region.

Following the assault, the convoy was forced to retreat to Nawnghkiotown for safety. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), took responsibility for protecting the convoy. They confirmed that the convoy would resume its journey under their safeguarding.

Efforts to reach Myanmar’s junta spokesperson, Maj. General Zaw Min Htun, for comment on the incident have thus far been unsuccessful.

The attack occurred just hours after the Three Brotherhood Alliance announced a month-long ceasefire from April 1 to April 30, designed to ensure the effective and safe distribution of earthquake relief supplies in areas affected by ongoing conflict.

However, Myanmar’s junta leader, speaking at a donation ceremony for earthquake victims in Naypyidaw on April 1, declared that military forces would continue to target groups, including those that have declared ceasefires, in the pursuit of their strategic objectives.

This tragic incident underscores the growing complexity of delivering humanitarian aid in Myanmar, where violence continues to disrupt both civilian lives and international relief efforts.