On April 15, the military council’s spokesperson Zaw Min Tun announced last night that ethnic armed organizations including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Karen National Union (KNU), and People’s Defense Force (PDF) continue their offensive operations against military council troops. In Kani Township, Sagaing Region, airstrikes by the military council during the Thingyan Water Festival resulted in the death of four civilians, including a novice monk who had just entered monkhood for the festival period, according to local residents.
The military council forces conducted an airstrike on a monastery in Pinneikone village, Inntaw Township, Sagaing Region, during the Thingyan festival. The attack destroyed the monastery and injured civilians who were observing Buddhist sabbath. During the Thingyan period, military council forces have been targeting civilian areas and religious buildings in their attacks. The ongoing airstrikes have forced local residents to flee to safer locations, while homes, schools, hospitals, clinics, and religious buildings continue to suffer destruction.
The military council forces continue to commit war crimes through the killing of innocent civilians, torture, arbitrary arrests and detention. Ethnic armed organizations and People’s Defense Forces are fighting to end the military dictatorship system. The military council’s attacks during the traditional new year festival period demonstrate their disregard for civilian lives and religious sanctuaries, as they continue their campaign of violence against their own people. Local communities face ongoing displacement and destruction of vital infrastructure, including educational facilities, healthcare centers, and places of worship.
