BANGKOK — The recent sanctions levied by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Canada against individuals and organizations supplying aviation fuel and equipment to Myanmar’s military government have been met with appreciation by its opponents. These new measures come in response to the military’s increased reliance on airstrikes, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Currently, the military is facing fierce resistance from various ethnic militias and a network of armed groups known as the People’s Defense Forces. This collective emerged to restore democracy after the military’s takeover of the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021. Over the past year, the military has endured substantial setbacks in combat situations and has increasingly resorted to indiscriminate aerial and artillery bombardments to reclaim control.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, condemned the ongoing human rights abuses carried out by the Myanmar military, which have included airstrikes on civilian facilities. “The impact on innocent civilians is intolerable,” she remarked in her statement. She emphasized that the latest sanctions aim to sever the military’s access to essential funding, resources, and equipment.

The list of six entities subject to the sanctions includes Asia Sun Group Company Limited, Swan Energy Company Limited, Myan-Oil Company Limited, Rich Ray Trading Company Limited, Progress Technology Support Company, and King Royal Technologies Company Limited. Notably, August 2024 marked a record high for airstrikes conducted by the military, resulting in numerous civilian deaths, according to West.

In addition to the EU and UK measures, Canada has pronounced its own sanctions targeting three individuals, including Myanmar’s Industry Minister Charlie Than. Nay Phone Latt, a representative of Myanmar’s leading opposition group, the National Unity Government, expressed gratitude toward the Western nations for their actions and urged for further sanctions against additional firms and resources that bolster the military.

An independent research group, the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, reported that since the military coup, there have been at least 7,186 airstrikes conducted across 156 townships, leading to hundreds of civilian fatalities. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar continues to draw international attention and condemnation, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and justice in the region.