The United States Government has condemned the attack by unknown gunmen on ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) convoy under the military escort in Burma on May 7, 2023.
According to the State Department Spokesman, Matthew Miller in a statement on Monday, said the United States is concerned by reports that unknown assailants in Burma shot at the officials in Shan State.
He said, “Just ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, these attacks in Shan State come as the regime’s violence and disregard for the rule of law have led to greater instability on the ground.
“All while the regime has continued to neglect its commitments under the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus, including ceasing its violence and enabling unhindered humanitarian access”, Miller added.
He stressed that the United States calls on Burma’s military regime to meaningfully implement the Five- Point Consensus and respect the democratic aspirations of the people who have demonstrated they do not want to live another day under the military’s tyranny.
“The military regime must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including rules on the protection of diplomatic personnel and civilians.
“The United States will continue to work with ASEAN and our allies and partners across the international community to support Burma on the path to long-term inclusive, democratic governance”, the Spokesman noted.
Meanwhile, it was reported that unknown gunmen attacked convoy heading to Hsihseng from Taunggyi to deliver supplies to temporarily displaced persons in Yayphyu Village of Hsihseng Township in Shan State (South) in Burma.
On the morning of 7 May, the representatives of the AHA Centre, Indonesia and Singapore Embassies to Myanmar, to provide humanitarian assistance which is the fourth out of five-point ASEAN consensus, went to Hsihseng from Taunggyi with the members of the security force.
The report further said when they arrived about 200 metres north of Nanaw village of Hsihseng, the gunmen shot at them using small weapons while the security forces launched a counterattack. No one was injured and some bullets hit one of the cars.
The government is participating in providing humanitarian assistance which is mentioned in the fourth out of the five-point ASEAN consensus and making efforts to assist holding the principle that no one is left behind.
Moreover, it also cooperates with dutiful people ensuring security and transport in addition to sending relief items to the residents who face hardships due to the doings of terrorists.
According to the report which stated that the Security Force will conduct Counter Terrorism Operations to ensure the rule of law, peace and tranquillity under the law and the people should inform officials regarding the movement of terrorists.