On the evening of March 5, the military council conducted an unprovoked airstrike on a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village, Hpapun Township, Karen State, resulting in the death of the residing abbot, Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudda. Local residents confirmed that the aerial attack occurred without any ongoing conflict in the area, with military aircraft conducting both bombing runs and machine gun fire. The attack also resulted in injuries to two other monks, who are currently receiving medical treatment.
The two injured monks have been transferred to Hpa-an city for urgent medical care due to the severity of their injuries. The funeral ceremony for Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudda was completed on March 6, according to local sources. The monastery sustained significant structural damage during the attack. Local residents have expressed deep concern about the military council’s willingness to target religious buildings and structures, demonstrating a pattern of indiscriminate attacks against civilian infrastructure.
This incident has sparked fear and anxiety among local residents, who are increasingly concerned about deteriorating security conditions in the region. The military council has intensified its military operations in the area, deliberately targeting civilians and religious buildings. Many local residents have been forced to flee to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, living in constant fear for their daily safety. The attack on the monastery represents a significant escalation in the military council’s campaign of violence against civilian targets, including religious institutions that have traditionally been considered sanctuaries.
