Escalation of Military Tactics in Myanmar
In 2024, Myanmar’s military junta intensified its brutal “scorched earth” tactics against opposition strongholds as armed resistance surged. Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025 reveals unlawful attacks that include indiscriminate airstrikes, killings, rapes, torture, and arson, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Violations Against Civilians
Human Rights Watch highlights alarming violations against civilians, emphasizing that the junta’s response to anti-junta groups’ resistance has resulted in increased suffering. Bryony Lau, the deputy Asia director, noted, “The suffering of villagers has been made all the worse by the junta’s determination to block humanitarian aid from reaching those in need.”
Humanitarian Crisis and Restrictions
As military strategy escalates, aerial and artillery strikes using explosive weapons in populated areas raise the specter of indiscriminate assaults. Myanmar remains one of only four nations deploying banned cluster munitions and landmines. The junta’s restrictions on humanitarian aid and maintenance of telecommunications serve as collective punishments, further exacerbating the plight of millions.
Consequences of Armed Conflict
With the situation deteriorating, Myanmar faces a humanitarian disaster, with millions at risk of starvation and half its population living in poverty. Over three million people are displaced internally. These crises are deepened by forced conscriptions of young adults and children, often used as human shields and porters on the front lines.
Attacks on Rohingya Civilians
In Rakhine State, the junta and ethnic Arakan Army have perpetrated mass killings, arson, and unlawful recruitment of Rohingya civilians, worsening their already precarious situation. The international community is urged to take a stand against these violations.
Call for International Action
Human Rights Watch advocates for a United Nations Security Council resolution to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar, along with targeted sanctions against junta leaders and military-owned enterprises. Additionally, it encourages support for civil society groups and independent organizations in aiding the suffering populace effectively.
– Myanmar’s junta escalated “scorched earth” tactics in 2024. – Military actions include unlawful airstrikes and attacks on civilians. – Humanitarian aid is severely restricted, leaving millions starving. – Over three million people are displaced internally. – Calls for UN action to impose an arms embargo and support civil society efforts.
Myanmar’s military continues to inflict grave human rights violations and humanitarian crises as conflicts intensify. With millions displaced and at risk, the international community’s intervention is urgently needed to halt the atrocities and support the vulnerable populations affected.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
