MYAUNG, Myanmar: A Myanmar military airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in the central Sagaing region killed 14 people during a week-long meditation retreat, according to an opposition group and a local resident.
The attack took place on Friday morning in Swel Le Oh village, in Myaung township. The village lies about 75 kilometres west of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city.
Women Among Those Killed
Nway Oo, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence and Security Organization of Myaung Township, said a fighter jet dropped a bomb inside the monastery compound at about 9 a.m.
He said 14 people, including three women, died in the attack. Another 20 people suffered injuries.
A local resident also confirmed the reported death toll.
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Second Bomb Hit Nearby House
The resident, who spoke anonymously, said the military aircraft dropped two bombs about 15 minutes apart.
The second bomb damaged a house near the monastery.
More than 100 people had gathered at the site for a week-long meditation retreat during Buddhist Lent.
The resident said a relative died in the attack.
Residents Flee After the Strike
After the airstrike, residents buried the victims before fleeing to a nearby community, according to the local resident.
The attack has added to concerns over civilian casualties in Myanmar’s continuing conflict.
Military aircraft frequently target areas where pro-democracy fighters and ethnic armed groups operate.
Myanmar Conflict Continues
Myanmar has faced prolonged armed conflict since the military seized power in a 2021 coup.
Pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups have continued fighting the military in several parts of the country.
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Airstrikes have become a regular part of the military’s campaign against its opponents. Civilian areas have also suffered casualties during the fighting.
The latest attack in Sagaing highlights the continuing risks faced by civilians living in conflict-affected areas.
