YANGON/UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned about an escalation of fighting in Myanmar, his spokesman said Thursday, amid clashes between security forces and ethnic armed groups.
Combat in western Rakhine state "has caused further civilian suffering and displacement," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, while also blaming "indiscriminate aerial attacks" for civilian casualties in many parts of the country.
Fighting has rocked Rakhine since the Arakan Army attacked security forces in November last year, ending a ceasefire that had largely held since the junta's 2021 coup.
This week the Arakan Army claimed complete control of a key region along the Bangladesh border, piling further pressure on the junta as it battles opponents elsewhere across the country.
"The secretary general reiterates his call on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end violence and recalls all of their obligations under international law to protect civilians," Dujarric said.
He called on all parties to avoid inciting intercommunal tensions.
Meanwhile, at least three people were killed and 39 others injured in an explosion at a festival in western Thailand, according to media reports on Saturday.
An unknown individual allegedly threw an improvised explosive device near a dance stage, according to the reports.
The incident is said to have occurred in the Tak province near the border with Myanmar.
The motives behind the act were initially unclear.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims' families on the social media platform X.
She stated that she has directed the police and security authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. - Agencies
