With Myanmar reeling from a devastating earthquake that left about 1,700 people dead, the military junta is being roundly criticized for persisting with airstrikes in villages rather than responding with meaningful relief efforts.

The Karen National Union (KNU), which is one of the oldest ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar, criticized the military, saying that while the disaster caused immense suffering, the junta “continues to conduct airstrikes on civilian areas.” The organization accused the military of choosing to attack rather than provide humanitarian assistance.

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Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been involved in a civil war, with the military under siege from several armed opposition groups. After the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, military jets conducted air and drone attacks in Karen state, close to the KNU’s headquarters, said the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian group working in the area.

The earthquake struck at the junta’s own border and into territories under the resistance’s control, respectively. Reacting to the news, the National Unity Government – comprising leaders from the now overthrown government, called off for two weeks a no-attacks pledge on junta-led militia groups on offensive duties in favor of more search-and-rescue work.

Richard Horsey, a senior analyst on Myanmar at Crisis Group, said that although there are some groups which have suspended attacks, fighting continues elsewhere. “The regime also continues to carry out airstrikes, including in affected areas. That must stop,” he told Reuters. “Clashes continue in other areas,” he added.

He also condemned the junta for its apparent absence in areas affected by disasters, adding that their local fire brigades, ambulance teams, and community groups have taken over, while the military, which normally assumes command of disaster relief, is mostly absent.