The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF-05) in Myanmar sent a solidarity message to Rojava.

The message said: "Dear comrades in Rojava, We are saddened to hear about the recent air raids that targeted non-military objectives, including civilians and civil infrastructure in Rojava. We can relate to the difficulties, sacrifices, and bravery of our brothers and sisters in Rojava."

The message continued: "In our country, the military junta commits similar terrorist acts.Local schools, hospitals, religious structures, refugee camps, villages, and cities are frequently targeted by Junta airstrikes and heavy artillery, in addition to Junta troops committing war crimes against our civilian population. 

From one revolutionary movement to another that the international community has turned a blind eye to, we would like to say, 'We see your struggles, we see your fight for liberation and justice.' The absence of those who stand up against evil is more terrifying than evil itself. "

The message added: "We must continue to march together for the downfall of any tyrant. We stand in solidarity with all those revolutionary forces around the world that embrace racial, religious and gender diversity. 

Together, let us ensure that the administrative power over a country is in the hands of its people. May our political goals be achieved while laying a strong foundation for building a future federal democratic union with national equality, justice, and self-determination."

Background

On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power in a coup in the dead of night, hours before the newly elected parliament was due to convene for the first time. The military alleged voter fraud in the November 2020 election, when its proxy party was trounced by the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which won a landslide re-election victory.

A few days after the coup, mass protests erupted in Yangon and across the country. While there were some isolated incidents of violence, security forces largely allowed peaceful demonstrations to take place throughout the month of February. But towards the end of the month, the junta deployed increasingly violent tactics, from water cannon, beatings and rubber bullets to live ammunition.