Myanmar’s military struck a Buddhist monastery in the central Sagaing region on Friday, killing at least 14 people and wounding 20 others, according to an opposition group and local residents. The attack targeted a group of monks and laypeople participating in a weeklong meditation retreat at the monastery in Swel Le Oh village, Myaung township, approximately 75 kilometers west of Mandalay. The strike marks another grim chapter in the ongoing conflict between the military and pro-democracy forces, which has intensified since the 2021 coup. The attack unfolded shortly after dawn, when a fighter jet reportedly dropped two bombs within a 15-minute window, striking the monastery compound and adjacent structures. Local officials and survivors described the devastation, noting that the second bomb damaged a house where over 100 individuals had gathered for their retreat during Buddhist Lent. Among the dead were three women, while others sustained injuries requiring medical attention. A villager, speaking under anonymity due to fears of retaliation, confirmed the casualty figures to The Associated Press and recounted how families fled to nearby communities after cremating the deceased. The incident underscores the military’s continued reliance on aerial bombardment as a strategy against perceived threats. This tactic has become increasingly common in recent months, particularly in areas where armed resistance is concentrated. The military has previously justified these actions by claiming they target only legitimate combatants, though critics argue that such strikes frequently result in civilian casualties. The use of low-cost aircraft, such as motorized paragliders and gyrocopters, has also drawn international concern, as these platforms enable more frequent and unpredictable attacks. The monastery attack follows a UN report released two weeks prior, which highlighted a sharp rise in aerial assaults by the military against both armed anti-government groups and civilian populations. The report, issued by the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), documented a pattern of escalating violence leading up to the December and January elections, with attacks persisting even after the polls closed. The military has yet to officially respond to this assessment, despite repeated calls for transparency. Local authorities, including representatives from the Civil Defense and Security Organization of Myaung Township, corroborated the details of the strike. Nway Oo, a spokesperson for the organization, stated that the bombing resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, emphasizing the vulnerability of non-combatant locations in the current conflict. Meanwhile, independent media outlets, including the BBC’s Burmese-language service and Myanmar Now, have published photographs and video footage depicting the aftermath of the strike, showing charred remnants of buildings and bodies lying among debris. Despite the widespread reporting, the military has remained silent on the incident, maintaining its stance that all operations adhere strictly to the rules of engagement. This lack of official acknowledgment has fueled further skepticism about the legitimacy of military claims regarding targeted strikes. The situation reflects broader tensions in Myanmar, where the ruling junta continues to face mounting pressure from both internal resistance movements and international condemnation. As the conflict persists, the humanitarian impact grows more severe, with reports of increasing displacement and loss of life. The attack on the monastery adds to a growing list of incidents that highlight the urgent need for accountability and dialogue. With no immediate resolution in sight, the focus remains on the unfolding consequences of the military’s actions and the resilience of those caught in the crossfire.
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