Intensifying Conflict and New Allegations
In Myanmar, anti-coup forces are accusing the military of employing banned and restricted weapons, including chemical and incendiary arms, against resistance fighters. These accusations have emerged as the conflict, which has been ongoing since the military coup in February 2021, has intensified. Fighters from multiple states are reporting unusual injuries and symptoms that suggest the use of these prohibited weapons.
Incident in Kachin State
In Kachin resistance fighters in northern Kachin State experienced a drone attack by the Myanmar military. Two drones released their payload over the fighters, causing significant injuries. Aung Nge, a fighter with the Kachin People’s Defense Force (PDF), described how he fell to the ground when the bombs dropped but remained conscious. Three men were seriously injured in the attack and were taken to a hidden hospital deep in the jungle for treatment.
Unusual Symptoms and Medical Anomalies
Within a day of receiving treatment, one of the injured soldiers began to show mysterious symptoms that puzzled the doctors. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he exhibited symptoms not typically associated with blast wounds. Another man from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), who had been injured in a separate drone strike, also died unexpectedly despite initially appearing to be on the mend.
Doctors reported that the men experienced rapid onset necrosis, a condition where the cells in an organ or tissue die due to disease or a lack of blood supply. This type of necrosis was unusual for blast wounds and could not be explained by sepsis or other common causes. Dr. Soe Min, a veteran trauma doctor, noted that the wounds became blackish with foul-smelling discharge and required amputations to prevent further deterioration.
Historical Context and Legal Framework
Myanmar’s military has faced previous accusations of using banned weapons, notably against the Kachin in 2014 and the Karen in 2005, though these claims were never definitively proven. Under international law, specifically the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which Myanmar ratified in 2015, the use, production, and storage of chemical weapons are prohibited. However, Myanmar has not ratified the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), which aims to limit or ban weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or indiscriminately affect civilians.
Recent Allegations Across Multiple States
In March, the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PLNA) reported that the military used chemical weapons during clashes in southern Shan State. The following month, a resistance group in eastern Karen State’s Kawkareik Township made similar allegations. The group claimed that their fighters experienced severe symptoms after being exposed to what they described as “poison gas bombs.”
Calls for Investigation and International Scrutiny
Human rights experts and organizations are calling for independent investigations to verify these claims. David Scott Mathieson, an independent analyst, emphasized the need for substantial evidence to meet the high evidentiary threshold required for international legal proceedings. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), a United Nations agency, is investigating these allegations but has not provided detailed information about their findings.
The Role of the National Unity Government
The National Unity Government (NUG), a parallel government composed of ousted politicians and lawmakers, is also investigating the claims. NUG spokesperson Nay Phone Latt stated that it is highly probable that the military is using prohibited weapons to maintain its dominance. The NUG is urging the international community to monitor these developments closely and apply pressure on the military.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chemical Exposure
Residents and fighters have provided firsthand accounts of suspicious attacks. In April, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) temporarily took control of the town of Myawaddy near the Thai border. In response, the military conducted airstrikes, causing widespread destruction and health issues among the locals. Nay Min, a local resident, recounted how the bombings caused him and others to experience symptoms consistent with chemical exposure, such as burning eyes and dizziness.
Use of Incendiary Weapons
Reports from various resistance groups suggest that the military is also using incendiary weapons, which are designed to cause intense burning. These weapons include substances like white phosphorus, which ignites upon contact with air and can cause severe respiratory injuries. Phoe Thaike Maui, deputy commander of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), described how these weapons create white smoke that burns more intensely with increased oxygen exposure.
Documentation by Free Burma Rangers
The Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a nonprofit organization providing medical assistance in conflict zones, has documented multiple instances of the military using incendiary weapons and high-content tear gas. Dave Eubank, the founder of FBR, reported experiencing the effects of these weapons firsthand and confirmed their use in Karen and Karenni States. High-concentration tear gas used by the military poses severe health risks compared to the low-level concentration typically used in crowd control.
Ongoing Suffering and International Appeals
In the hidden makeshift clinic in Kachin State, Aung Nge continues to recover from his injuries. Lying on a bamboo platform with blood seeping through his bandages, he expressed his ongoing suffering and called for international assistance. He emphasized the need for global action to address the use of banned weapons and bring the conflict to an end.
Conclusion
The allegations of Myanmar’s military using banned and restricted weapons against resistance forces and civilians have raised serious human rights concerns. Independent verification and international scrutiny are essential to address these claims and provide necessary support to affected populations. As the conflict continues, the international community must keep a close watch on these developments and apply pressure on Myanmar’s military to uphold international laws and norms.
