A bomb blast in Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Sagaimg region has killed at least 40 people, including women and children, according to local health officials. The attack, which struck a remote village near the Indian border, is the latest escalation in the ongoing civil war between the military junta and ethnic rebel groups. British aid workers on the ground have issued an urgent appeal for international intervention to enforce a ceasefire, warning that civilian casualties are rising sharply.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday evening during a gathering at a community hall. Witnesses reported that a vehicle laden with explosives detonated outside the building, causing the structure to collapse. The rebel group Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has denied responsibility, accusing the junta of carrying out the attack using airstrikes. The military has not commented, but state media blamed “terrorists” for the incident.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup that ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta has faced widespread armed resistance from pro-democracy militias and ethnic armed organisations. The United Nations estimates that more than 2,000 civilians have been killed in clashes this year alone. The Sagaimg region has been a hotspot, with frequent battles over control of trade routes and mineral resources.
British NGOs operating in the area, including Save the Children and the British Red Cross, have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of humanitarian corridors. “Each day, we see families torn apart by this senseless violence,” said a spokesperson. “We urge the UN Security Council to take concrete steps to enforce a halt to hostilities and ensure aid can reach those in need.” The UK Foreign Office has condemned the attack and reiterated its support for a diplomatic solution, but has not signalled any shift in policy.
International efforts to mediate have stalled. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has failed to implement its five-point consensus plan, and the junta has refused to engage with opposition groups. China, a key ally of the junta, has called for restraint but continues to provide economic and military support to Naypyidaw. Analysts suggest that without sustained international pressure, the conflict is likely to intensify.
The blast comes as the junta prepares for a widely criticised election scheduled for 2025, which it claims will restore democracy. Critics argue the vote is a sham designed to consolidate military rule. The death toll in Sagaimg underscores the fragility of the situation. For now, the international community’s response remains a matter of urgent debate but limited action.
