Myanmar: 14 dead after airstrike on monastery

09:34

An airstrike attributed to the Myanmar military has resulted in 14 deaths at a monastery in central Myanmar where civilians were participating in a meditation retreat. This tragedy comes as violence against civilian populations continues to escalate in the conflict between the junta and its opponents.

A new deadly attack highlights the extreme violence of the conflict ravaging Myanmar. On Friday morning, an airstrike hit a monastery located near Myaung, in central Myanmar, as civilians had gathered there for a meditation retreat.

14 people were killed, including 11 men and three women. The victims were aged between 50 and 70, according to a pro-democracy rebel official who participated in the evacuation operations.

Civilians gathered for a meditation retreat

The monastery was hosting elderly individuals observing a period of spiritual retreat during the Buddhist lent. Some had planned to stay for several weeks at the meditation center.

According to testimonies gathered on site, those present were not directly participating in combat.

A local fighter claims that the attack was followed by a second strike as residents attempted to rescue the victims. These allegations could not be independently confirmed immediately.

The Myanmar military has not been able to respond to requests regarding this attack.

A new illustration of violence against civilians

This strike occurs amidst a surge in air bombardments conducted by the junta forces against areas considered supportive of their opponents.

The conflict erupted in its current form after the 2021 military coup, which overthrew the elected government and triggered widespread armed resistance across the country.

Since then, fighting has pitted military forces against various rebel groups and armed organizations, including those arising from the pro-democracy movement.

Civilians regularly find themselves caught in the crossfire, leading to mass displacements and significant destruction in several regions.

Over 100,000 dead since 2021

The human toll of the civil war is particularly heavy. Over 100,000 people are believed to have been killed since the conflict began, across all factions.

The situation of civilians is also raising increasing concern within the international community. United Nations investigators recently published a report indicating an intensification of airstrikes by the military against civilian populations.

The increase in air attacks is one of the main factors exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, particularly in areas difficult to access for humanitarian organizations.

A war that is bogged down

Five years after the overthrow of the elected government, Myanmar remains mired in a deep political and military crisis. The military retains control of some major institutions but faces armed resistance in many regions.

The strike on the Myaung monastery adds another tragedy to a conflict whose victims are predominantly facing insecurity, forced displacements, and deteriorating living conditions.

The fate of civilians remains at the heart of international concerns, as bombings continue to hit areas where non-combatant populations live or seek refuge.