Myanmar's anti-coup fighters declare partial ceasefire amid earthquake relief efforts

After a huge earthquake struck the war-torn nation on Sunday, anti-coup fighters in Myanmar announced a two-week temporary truce, which the military started on Sunday to aid rescue efforts and other relief efforts.

The People’s Defence Force (PDF) would “implement a two-week pause in offensive military operations, except for defensive actions, in earthquake-affected areas starting March 30, 2025,” according to a statement from the shadow “National Unity Government.”

According to a statement posted on social media, the government in exile plans to “collaborate with the UN and NGOs to ensure security, transportation, and the establishment of temporary rescue and medical camps” in regions under its control.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Friday, and also affected Thailand. At least 1,644 people were killed in Myanmar, the junta said, while around 10 others were killed in Bangkok.

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Myanmar’s military has been fighting a civil war on multiple fronts since it ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in February 2021.

It is opposed by both the PDFs and ethnic armed organisations, many of which have been fighting for decades. The “National Unity Government” consists mostly of lawmakers ousted in the coup who are working to topple the junta.