Weekly Analysis: Airstrikes, Artillery Attacks Persist in the Aftermath of the Earthquake in Burma

April 7, 2025

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake across Burma on 28 March 2025 was the latest in a series of catastrophic events for innocent civilians. The natural disaster follows Typhoon Yagi, which flooded communities nationwide at the end of last year. In the aftermath, local people are being bombarded with attacks from the air and ground by the terrorist junta. There are significant risks for civilians who have been repeatedly displaced and are fearful of further assaults. Even amidst earthquake relief efforts, the junta has not hesitated to fire upon innocent villagers.

During these difficult times, the junta insists on war. Only a dictator as ruthless as coup leader Min Aung Hlaing would seek attacks on the most vulnerable during a dark moment as survivors grieve and attempt to cope in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Even as communities across the country continue to suffer from the devastating impacts of war and natural disasters, the military junta has once again shown blatant disregard for civilian lives. One day after the earthquake on March 29, at 10:45 PM, junta forces launched indiscriminate artillery shelling from Waw Township, Lat Pan village in Bago Region, near the Mon border. The shells struck Khaywe village in Monsu Ward, Kyaik Hto Township — areas already suffering from the earthquake’s aftermath. An elderly couple were hit and sustained injuries. This incident is a heartbreaking reminder that even in the wake of a natural disaster, the junta continues to disregard civilian safety and international humanitarian law.

Despite the devastating earthquake on March 28, the junta showed no regard for humanitarian principles and deliberately fired heavy artillery at civilian areas.

Then, at 5:30 PM on April 1, 2025, junta Battalion Light Infantry Battalion No. (12), positioned at a newly established artillery base, fired five rounds of 120mm artillery shells into Wait Sar Kone village, Kyon Doe Township, Karen State—despite the absence of any active fighting in the area.

Tragically, a 57-year-old woman was killed. Witnesses say she was struck with such shock by the blast that she fell backwards, hitting her head and suffering fatal brain injuries. While thousands of civilians are already displaced and struggling to survive after losing their homes and possessions, the junta continues to target peaceful villages. Their attacks have not spared religious sites, hospitals, schools, or residential communities.

This incident serves as another tragic reminder of the daily dangers innocent people face.

The international community is urged to support local relief efforts that ensure aid is delivered safely and swiftly. HURFOM joined a statement with over 265 civil society organizations calling for localized support in response to the devastating earthquake in Burma. Relief must be ensured through trusted and dignified channels that meet the needs of the most vulnerable.

Overview of Main Cases

• Junta Targets Families and Friends of Wanted Individuals in Dawei
In addition to routine guest registration checks, junta forces in Dawei are now specifically targeting the families and friends of those who have had arrest warrants issued against them. Nighttime raids have intensified across several wards, where soldiers are searching for individuals connected to resistance groups, People’s Defense Force (PDF) members, and others listed in their arrest records. These lists reportedly include full names, addresses, and details of those they intend to locate.

• Junta’s Municipal Department Threatens to Demolish Over 100 Homes in Mawlamyine, Mon State by April 10
Residents in Mawlamyine, Mon State, are facing distress after the junta’s municipal department issued threats to demolish more than 100 homes by April 10, claiming the buildings were constructed illegally. The affected homes are located in Oak Pho Quarter, Hlaing Ward—a residential area where land plots were originally sold during the NLD government’s administration, with prices ranging between 10 and 20 million kyats each.

• Junta Arrests Civilians and Forces Locals to Flee
Junta forces that entered the Zar Dee village tract in #Yebyu Township, Dawei District, on March 31 have started arresting local residents, prompting widespread fear and forcing nearly 1,000 people to flee their homes, according to local sources.

Two men in their early 50s and another in their late 30s were arrested in Khaung Pyan village. Several residents of Zar Dee have also reportedly been detained, but due to ongoing communication blackouts, the total number remains unclear.

Since the military arrived, villagers from at least five communities within the Zar Dee tract have been displaced. As of April 2, troops remain stationed in Zar Dee and Khaung Pyan, and most villagers have already fled to seek safety.

• Junta Troops Kill Local Man in Kyaikhto Over Unconfirmed Accusations
In Kyaikhto Township, Mon State, junta forces shot and killed a local man based on unverified accusations that he was supporting local resistance groups. After the killing, they also took away his body. The incident took place near the cemetery in Sootpanu Village. The victim, U Aung Kyaw, owned a local fish farming business. At 5 AM, on April 4th, a convoy of five military trucks carrying over 50 junta troops arrived at his fish farm. Shortly after, they shot and killed U Aung Kyaw.