US calls on Myanmar regime to end violence against civilians

By Admin 16 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
16 September 2024, Sittwe

With Myanmar’s military regime facing a string of military defeats across the country and responsible for an increasingly deadly campaign of violence against civilians and arbitrary arrests, the United States Embassy in Yangon issued a statement on September 15 calling on the junta to change its ways.

“We stand with the people of Myanmar in their aspirations for freedom and democracy and call on the military regime to end its violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, provide humanitarian access to those in need, and respect the will of the people,” the statement said.

“On this International Day of Democracy, we are reminded that democracy — government of the people, by the people, and for the people — is humanity’s most enduring means to advance peace, prosperity, and security,” the statement began.

Civilian casualties are increasing by the day across Myanmar as the regime conducts airstrikes against both military and civilian targets.

From the military coup on February 1, 2021, to September 13, 2024, at least 5,654 were killed by the regime, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

A total of 27,371 people have been arrested, 20,883 people remain detained and 9,395 have been sentenced to prison over that period, the AAPP said.

“In the past, civil society organisations and other organisations have called for action against the military regime. This is why the US Embassy in Yangon is requesting action against the military regime,” said U Pe Than, a political analyst and former lawmaker for Arakan State. “The US’s sanctions against the military regime are currently not effective, but if they [Myanmar generals] continue to commit [atrocities], there may be some action. Should the US sanction the military regime or support democratic forces? The US can also exert political pressure on the military regime.”

At least 494 civilians were killed and 886 others were injured by junta airstrikes, artillery attacks, gunfire and landmine blasts during the latest fighting in Arakan State, which began in November, according to a DMG tally.

“As the regime is committing war crimes, civilian deaths are increasing. For those who tried to avoid the fighting, it became more difficult with each passing day. The Arakkha Army (AA) should work to allow international aid to flow in Arakan State and protect people from junta airstrikes,” said a female official from a civil society organisation in Arakan State.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance issued a statement on September 10 saying the conduct of the Myanmar military constituted war crimes, and that records of the junta’s atrocities would be sent to neighbouring countries and international organisations.