UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expresses deep concern over escalating conflict in Myanmar

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Myanmar. The secretary-general appealed to all sides to protect non-combatants and open access to humanitarian aid. According to the UN, the number of people displaced by the fighting has reached two million.

 

Meanwhile, the country's military ruler 'Junta' spokesperson Zaw Min Tun last night said, the military was facing heavy assaults from a significant number of armed rebels in Shan, Kayah, and Rakhine State. The Junta have also



ordered all government staff and those with military experience to prepare to serve in case of emergency.

 

Local media reported that Volunteer People's Defence Forces, PDFs, have launched their attacks to take advantage of the military's setbacks in Shan State.

 

Another large ethnic force, the Karen National Union in south-eastern Myanmar, is also stepping up operations against military positions along the vital trade route to the Thai border, as per media reports.