Myanmar military attacks Chinese red cross earthquake relief convoy

Myanmar’s military opened fire on a convoy of the Chinese Red Cross transporting earthquake relief supplies on Tuesday night, according to reports from an armed ethnic rebel group.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), one of several insurgent groups active in Myanmar’s eastern Shan State, stated that government troops used machine guns to attack the convoy, which consisted of nine vehicles. The attack took place in an area where clashes between the military and ethnic armed groups have intensified in recent months.

The convoy was reportedly carrying humanitarian aid from China to communities affected by a recent earthquake. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Neither the Myanmar military nor the Chinese Red Cross has publicly commented on the incident.

Tensions in Myanmar’s border regions have escalated amid a broader conflict between the ruling junta and various ethnic resistance groups. China, a key regional player, has previously called for stability in the region, particularly given its economic and diplomatic ties with Myanmar.

This incident risks further straining relations between Myanmar and China, which has urged the military government to ensure the safety of humanitarian operations.