Myanmar Military Destroys Two Churches in Chin and Kachin States

Myanmar’s military forces have destroyed two churches in separate incidents during October, drawing condemnation from international advocacy groups. On October 9, military jets conducted bombing runs over the town of Mindat in Chin State, resulting in the destruction of a Presbyterian church compound. No casualties were reported in the attack.

Three days later, on October 12, troops from the military’s 33rd and 88th Light Infantry Divisions reportedly burned down the Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church in Bhamo Township, Kachin State. Local residents noted that the church had previously been burned following military losses in the area. The Kachin Independence Army, an armed resistance group, confirmed the destruction occurred amid ongoing clashes near Bhamo.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has characterized these actions as violations of international humanitarian law and religious freedom. The organization’s founder, Mervyn Thomas, stated that targeting houses of worship, which serve as vital community centers for vulnerable populations, constitutes a grave crime. The military has been engaged in a campaign to regain territory in the region following significant losses to resistance forces over the past two years.