FILE PHOTO: A view shows debris after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar, in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 29, 2025. -Reuters
YANGON: Myanmar's junta on Tuesday (April 22) prolonged a ceasefire declared after last month's devastating earthquake to April 30, after aid groups and international mediators called for an extension to ease relief efforts.
The junta - which seized power in a 2021 coup sparking a many-sided civil war - said it would cease attacking its myriad armed opponents following the magnitude-7.7 quake which has killed more than 3,700.
Conflict monitors and residents in combat zones say fighting continued on both sides during the 20-day truce, declared to spur aid delivery in Myanmar's central belt and which was due to expire at midnight (1730 GMT).
The ceasefire was extended to April 30 "aiming to continue the rebuilding and rehabilitation process with momentum", the junta information team said in a statement. - The Daily Star/ANN
