‘Weaponization of aid’: Myanmar accused of blocking rescue efforts after deadly earthquake [Video]

Mere hours after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar last Friday, the head of the military junta controlling the country, Min Aung Hlaing, pleaded for any and all international assistance to be sent quickly to the isolated country. 

Hlaing claimed he had “opened all ways for foreign aid,” as he asked for countries and organizations to “come and help” with desperately needed rescue efforts after the quake buckled roads and toppled thousands of buildings, trapping an untold number of people. 

Nearly a week after the earthquake, the death toll was at 3,145 people, with more than 4,500 people injured and many more still stuck under debris. The actual numbers are expected to be much higher. 

Hlaing’s appeal was an extremely rare move for the military leader, who seized power in a coup that deposed the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in early 2021, and promptly …