11 Lives Lost as Myanmar Junta Bombs Buddhist Monasteries During New Year Festivities

Myanmar’s military junta has launched a series of airstrikes targeting Buddhist monasteries during the Burmese New Year, known as Thingyan, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and injuring over 50, RFA reported. The attacks occurred despite a ceasefire declared after a devastating earthquake on March 28, which killed more than 3,700 people.

The deadliest strike took place on April 14 at a monastery in Kanni village, Kayin State, where six civilians were killed and at least 25 others, including 10 monks, were wounded. Residents reported ongoing fighting between junta forces and the Karen National Liberation Army in the area. Injured victims are being treated at Mawlamyine General Hospital in Mon State.

Additional airstrikes from April 12 to 14 hit monasteries across Sagaing, Mandalay, Kayin, and Rakhine states. In Sagaing’s Kani township, two novice monks died and two were critically injured when a monastery was bombed early on April 14. Other attacks injured civilians and monks in Indaw, Kyauktaw, Natogyi, and Thabeikkyin townships.

Buddhist monasteries, often serving as shelters for displaced people, have been repeatedly targeted amid escalating conflict between junta forces and rebel groups.