Myanmar (MNN) —Myanmar’s military has murdered civilians and used them as human shields, according to a new human rights report. Soldiers have attacked homes, refugee camps, and even churches.
The actions may amount to war crimes. These attacks took place in Karenni State. The group, Fortify Rights, says the military has committed these crimes with internationally supplied weapons. They urged the UN Security Council to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar.
It’s been just over a year since the military of Myanmar seized power from elected officials.
Civilians fighting back
Brian Dennett with AMG International says, “One thing we’re hearing from our team is that they are losing many of their soldiers, as the locals learn how to fight. They are being more strategic and using more guerrilla warfare tactics.”
A defector from the military, who fled with his family to India last year, reported heavy military casualties while fighting civilian rebels in the Chin state. Leaked documents from the military describe being attacked by as many as 1,000 rebels at a time.
The military began harsh treatment of civilians shortly after the coup, shooting and imprisoning many who took part in protests. Dennett says, “And then, of course, when the military is attacked, it punishes by killing civilians, really innocent people close to where they were attacked. That sends shockwaves through each community.”
“It’s really banded the citizens together. They are pretty much uniformly united, which is one good outcome in such a tragic situation.”
AMG International continues moving aid into the war-torn country, supplying 12,000 families with food and 1,000 families with medical supplies. Dennett says, “And despite all of the difficulties of assembling people and moving around the country, we’ve also been able to hold 23 evangelistic events. We’ve had nearly 1,000 decisions made for Christ.”
Want to support the work AMG is doing in Myanmar? Donate or learn more at amghelps.org.
The header photo shows a young girl being baptized during an AMG event in Myanmar. (Photo courtesy of AMG)
