Civil war has intensified in Myanmar after the military seized power, the three members of the Northern Alliance — the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) — said in a statement on September 4.

“More armed groups, which are resorting to fighting against the Myanmar military due to the Myanmar military’s violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters after the February 1 coup, have appeared across the country, and fighting has intensified and occurred almost every day,” the statement said.

Because the Tatmadaw has bolstered its military forces in several states and regions; launched offensives in villages and urban environs using heavy weapons; and killed and arrested innocent civilians by the thousands, fighting has intensified in these regions, said the three Northern Alliance members.

The Northern Alliance trio also urged the respective armed groups and organisations to reduce, avoid and cease military movements that affect people’s security, and to refrain as much as possible from acts that cause anxiety among the public.

The alliance emphasised that Myanmar’s people are already suffering from the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the resurgence in conflicts across the country adding insult to injury.

While noting that rates of infection and related deaths have eased in recent weeks, the Northern Alliance said cooperation with neighbouring countries and international organisations involved in combating Covid-19 is needed to vaccinate Myanmar’s eligible population as quickly as possible.