Witnesses Report At Least 53 Killed In Myanmar Military Airstrike

Listen to this article Witnesses Report At Least 53 Killed In Myanmar Military Airstrike

Introduction

A recent airstrike by the Myanmar military in the Sagaing region has resulted in the deaths of over 50 people, according to survivors. The attack, which targeted a village that had been actively opposing military rule, is one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing civil war. Among the victims were at least 15 women and children. This tragic event highlights the continued violence and instability in Myanmar since the military seized power in February 2021.

Context

The military government in Myanmar has increasingly relied on air strikes to combat opposition groups since they took control. Ground troops have struggled to move around safely due to frequent ambushes and the presence of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As a result, the military has turned to Russian and Chinese aircraft to bomb opposition-controlled villages, causing significant casualties among non-combatants. The National Unity Government, which was formed after the coup, reports that air attacks have killed 155 civilians between October 2021 and September 2022.

Details of the Attack

The attack occurred on Tuesday and targeted a village in the north-western Sagaing region. The community in this region has been among the strongest opponents of military rule, forming their own militias and running their own schools and clinics. The village was hosting a ceremony to mark the opening of a new People’s Defence Forces (PDF) office, which is a volunteer anti-coup militia. The military jet flew over the village at around 7:00 local time (01:30 BST) and dropped a bomb, followed by a helicopter gunship which attacked the village for twenty minutes. Residents uploaded videos showing scenes of devastation, with dismembered bodies lying on the ground and several buildings on fire.

Aftermath

The survivors tried to count the number of bodies, but many were in pieces and scattered among shredded clothing and burned motorbikes. The village was packed with people from nearby communities attending the ceremony, and the death toll could be even higher than the reported 50. The attack is one of the deadliest single incidents in the ongoing civil war, which has already caused the deaths of thousands and displaced over 1.4 million people. The United Nations estimates that almost one-third of the country’s population is in need of humanitarian assistance.

General Min Aung Hlaing’s Response

In response to the ongoing violence, General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, has promised to deal decisively with what he calls “acts of terror” by armed resistance groups. However, many civilians are caught in the crossfire, and the continued use of air strikes against non-combatants is unacceptable. The international community must take action to condemn these attacks and support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

Conclusion

Overall, the recent airstrike in Sagaing is a tragic reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in Myanmar. The military government must prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, and the international community must provide support to those affected by the conflict. Only through cooperation and peaceful resolution can Myanmar hope to achieve lasting stability and progress.

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