Myanmar has become a global flashpoint as violence escalates.
Violence against ethnic minorities has risen as well. The Karen National Union, a political organization in southeast Myanmar with an armed wing, claimed its Karen people were attacked by Myanmar army fighter jets in late-night airstrikes, according to Reuters. The attack breaches a 2015 cease-fire agreement.
Several ethnic minority groups are now teaming up to fight back against the country’s junta. Three forces in the country, including the Arakan Army have vowed to form an alliance and conduct a “spring revolution” if the violence doesn’t stop, Reuters reported.
In the latest move, the military has shutdown broadband internet services, according to Reuters.
The U.S. and its allies have imposed sanctions
The U.S. and European Union have imposed sanctions on military officials connected to the junta. In addition, the U.S. and U.K. placed sanctions on local companies that provide resources to the military.
In its most recent action, the U.S. suspended a trade deal with Myanmar until the elected government is brought back to power.
Canada and Australia have placed bans on the purchase and exportation of arms to and from Myanmar.
Several other countries including Japan, France and Thailand have suspended aid to Myanmar and have halted business operations within the country.
There are calls for UN sanctions, but China and Russia could stand in the way
However, Russia and China sit on the Security Council and hold veto power over any U.N. effort to impose sanctions or embargoes.
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