**Fourteen Killed in Military Air Strikes on Monastery in Myanmar**
In a tragic incident on Friday morning, military air strikes targeted a monastery in the village of Chhay Hoe O, located in Myaung township within Myanmar's Sagaing region, resulting in the deaths of fourteen individuals. Reports from opposition fighters and local rescue workers indicate that all of those killed were elderly, with several monks among the injured.
The air strikes occurred around 9:00 AM local time (02:30 GMT) as civilians had gathered at the monastery for a meditation retreat to observe Buddhist Lent. According to a local rescue worker who spoke to BBC Burmese, the monastery was struck twice during the attack. The victims included eleven men and three women, with ages ranging from 50 to 70 years old. Notably, five of the deceased were reported to be from the same village, while the remaining nine hailed from a neighboring township.
Nway Oo Myaung, a pro-democracy rebel, provided details about the victims and emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering. He stated that older individuals had entered the meditation centers to participate in the retreat, highlighting the tragic circumstances of the attack.
Eyewitness accounts from opposition fighters reveal the chaos that ensued following the initial strike. One unnamed fighter recounted the harrowing experience of searching for survivors when a second air strike occurred, further complicating rescue efforts.
Since the military coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil conflict. The military junta has faced widespread condemnation for its actions, including air strikes on civilian locations. While the military has not commented on this specific incident, it has previously defended its operations by asserting that it targets only legitimate military objectives.
The attack on the monastery underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where violence has escalated and civilian casualties continue to rise. The international community remains concerned about the impact of the military's actions on the country's civilian population, particularly in regions where ethnic and pro-democracy groups are active.
As the situation develops, local and international organizations are calling for accountability and an end to the violence that has plagued Myanmar since the coup. The tragic loss of life at the monastery serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in the country, where many continue to suffer amidst the ongoing conflict.