UN Fears For Civilians After Myanmar's Military Build-Up

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the deployment of two high-ranking commanders in Myanmar represented a worrying escalation in the situation.

The United Nations voiced alarm Friday at Myanmar's military junta deploying heavy weapons and troops to particular townships, fearing for the civilian population.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the deployment of two high-ranking commanders represented a worrying escalation in the situation.

"Alarming reports indicate that there has been substantial deployment of heavy weapons and troops by the Myanmar military, the Tatmadaw, over the past few weeks," spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

The deployments have been to Kanpetlet and Hakha townships in Chin State; Kani and Monywa townships in the central Sagaing region; and Gangaw township in Magway region, she said.