UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern about the increasing conflict in Myanmar

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the increasing conflict in Myanmar. According to spokesman Stephane Dujarric, Guterres strongly condemned the recent attacks by the Myanmar military, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region.

The Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, is grappling with the largest armed resistance nationwide since seizing power in 2021. An alliance of three ethnic insurgent groups, known as the ‘Three Brotherhood Alliance,’ has launched a coordinated offensive called ‘Operation 1027,’ causing significant personnel losses for the Tatmadaw. Additionally, the ‘People’s Defence Forces,’ formed after the coup, have intensified attacks against the junta.

Guterres emphasized the urgent need to protect all communities, citing ongoing human rights violations and indiscriminate aerial bombings. The statement stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Guterres highlighted the regional implications of Myanmar’s deteriorating situation and urged a unified international response.

He also advocated for support for his Special Envoy Julie Bishop in facilitating an inclusive Myanmar-led process toward sustainable peace, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighboring countries. The Rohingya crisis, stemming from a brutal military crackdown in Rakhine State in 2017, was also underscored, with Guterres noting the relocation of about 35,000 Rohingya to the island of Bhasan Char since late 2020, in addition to those housed in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.