Myanmar Junta Rejects Ceasefire Amid Quake Death Toll of 2,719

In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the military junta has rejected ceasefire proposals from ethnic armed groups aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing insisted that military operations would continue, claiming that rebel groups are using the ceasefire to regroup and prepare for future attacks. Meanwhile, the death toll from the earthquake has risen to at least 2,719, with concerns that ongoing conflict could hinder relief efforts. In contrast, the Three Brotherhood Alliance of ethnic armed groups has declared a unilateral one-month ceasefire to allow aid organizations to operate freely. This announcement follows a similar two-week ceasefire declared by the opposition National Unity Government, which lacks direct military command. The situation in the affected regions remains dire, with significant destruction reported across central Myanmar, particularly in Mandalay and Sagaing.