Myanmar’s military carried out an airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Swae Le Oh village in Myauk Township, Sagaing Region, central Myanmar, on Friday, killing 14 people and injuring about 20 others, according to a local civil defence organisation. The victims were attending a week-long meditation and religious retreat at the monastery.
The attack took place at around 9 a.m. local time in Swae Le Oh village, about 75 kilometres west of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. At the time, a week-long meditation and religious retreat was underway at the monastery, with several people participating.
Nwe Oo, a spokesperson for the Myauk Township Civil Defense and Security Organization, said people had gathered at the monastery for meditation and religious activities when a fighter aircraft dropped a bomb on the compound.
According to the local organisation, those affected included worshippers and civilians attending the retreat. Initial information confirmed that 14 people, including three women, were killed. About 20 others were injured, with some believed to be in serious condition.
The full identities of those killed and detailed information about the condition of all the injured were not immediately available.
Sagaing Region is among the areas of Myanmar where prolonged armed conflict has continued between the military and pro-democracy armed groups and other organisations opposing military rule. The political crisis expanded into widespread armed conflict after the military seized power in February 2021.
The military has continued operations against rebel and opposition armed groups in various parts of the country, including the use of fighter aircraft and airstrikes. Opposition organisations, local groups and human rights activists have alleged that civilians have repeatedly been affected by such attacks.
Air power has become a major component of military operations during Myanmar’s ongoing conflict. Local and opposition organisations say airstrikes on villages and civilian-populated areas have caused deaths and injuries.
The situation remains complex in areas such as Sagaing, where clashes between military forces and opposing organisations continue to be reported. Rural residents, religious institutions and community centres can also be affected by the conflict.
The reported attack on the monastery occurred while a religious and meditation programme was being held there rather than any reported military activity. The incident has renewed concerns over the protection of non-combatant civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law in conflict-affected areas.
