Myanmar Airstrike Kills Dozens at Buddhist Monastery
A devastating airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar's Sagaing region has resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people. The overnight attack targeted the monastery in Lin Ta Lu village, where over 150 people were seeking refuge from ongoing conflict.
Casualties and Details
Around 30 others were injured, with 10 in critical condition. According to a resistance group member, a jet fighter dropped a bomb on the monastery around 1 am, resulting in the deaths of civilians, including children. Myanmar's Democratic Voice of Burma reported a potential death toll as high as 30.
The military has not yet commented on the incident, but in the past has maintained it only targets legitimate military objectives.
Ongoing Conflict
Myanmar has been experiencing turmoil since the military seized power in February 2021. The military has increasingly used airstrikes against opposition forces in the Sagaing region, a resistance stronghold. This attack follows an offensive by hundreds of soldiers near Lin Ta Lu.
Political Context
Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the opposition, stated that the military is attempting to regain control of resistance-held areas before planned elections, viewed as an attempt to legitimize military rule.