Military Airstrike on Myanmar Monastery Results in Multiple Civilian Deaths

A military airstrike in Myanmar’s central Sagaing Region has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, according to local opposition representatives and residents. The attack occurred on Friday in Swel Le Oh village, where a fighter jet reportedly dropped two bombs on a monastery compound hosting a meditation retreat. While the Civil Defense and Security Organization of Myaung Township confirmed 14 fatalities, including three women, other media reports have estimated the death toll to be between 10 and 14 individuals.

Witnesses stated that the strike caused significant damage to the monastery and nearby homes, forcing survivors to flee the area. The Myanmar military has not issued an immediate comment regarding the incident, though it has historically maintained that its aerial operations target armed resistance groups it labels as terrorists. This event occurs amidst ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, which has intensified since the military seized power in February 2021. The Sagaing region remains a primary site of fighting between the military and pro-democracy resistance forces, frequently resulting in civilian casualties.