Myanmar military has been potentially using chemical weapons in its conflict against resistance forces, a recent report revealed. Published by Al Jazeera, the report followed drone attacks in late April that severely injured Kachin resistance forces. These accusations contribute to the growing evidence of war crimes committed by the military regime since it seized power in February 2021.
Drone Attacks and Unusual Injuries
Kachin People’s Defense Force (PDF) fighters were caught off guard when two Myanmar military drones dropped bombs on their positions. “I fell down to the ground when the bombs dropped,” said Aung Nge, a PDF fighter. Although he remained conscious, Aung Nge, along with his comrades, sustained severe injuries. Despite prompt medical attention in a jungle hospital, the fighters experienced rapid onset necrosis, an uncommon complication for blast wounds.
“After two days, all the wounds became blackish with foul-smelling discharge,” explained Dr. Soe Min, the trauma doctor who treated the fighters. One soldier succumbed to his injuries, while Aung Nge had to undergo an arm amputation to prevent the spread of the infection.
Allegations of Chemical Weapon Use
Under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which Myanmar ratified in 2015, the use of chemical weapons is prohibited. However, Myanmar’s military, known as the State Administration Council (SAC), has faced previous allegations of using banned weapons against ethnic groups, though these claims were not definitively proven. Recently, resistance groups like the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PLNA) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) have reported symptoms consistent with chemical weapon exposure.
“In close examination of the wounds, they are rapidly necrotising, easily decomposed, and not associated with metallic foreign bodies,” noted Dr. Soe Min, raising suspicions of chemical involvement.
International and National Reactions
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) and the National Unity Government (NUG) are both investigating these allegations. Nay Phone Latt, spokesperson for the NUG Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized the need for international oversight, stating, “The international community needs to keep a close watch on these developments and put pressure on the terrorist military.”
Human Rights groups demand probe
Human rights experts have called for a thorough and credible investigation following the report. David Scott Mathieson, an independent analyst, highlighted the importance of substantial evidence, which could lead to sanctions and other international actions.
Incendiary Weapons and Civilian Impact
Reports of incendiary weapons, including napalm and white phosphorus, have also emerged. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and the Free Burma Rangers (FBR) have documented instances of these weapons causing severe burns and respiratory injuries. “When there’s nothing to burn, it creates this smoke. It reacts with the oxygen and creates white smoke,” said Phoe Thaike Maui, deputy commander of the KNDF.
Dave Eubank, founder of the FBR, confirmed multiple encounters with such weapons, noting, “We’ve also been hit by white phosphorus, not on my body but close to me here in Burma.”
Call for International Action
Aung Nge, who was injured by the weapons, told Al Jazeera, recuperates in a makeshift clinic in the Kachin jungle, he voices a plea for global intervention. “We need help and assistance from the international community. They must take action. I want this situation over. I want to go home,” he said.
The allegations against the Myanmar military represent a grave humanitarian issue, necessitating urgent international attention and action to prevent further atrocities.