The People’s Defence Force-Yenangyaung has confirmed that the military council’s forces conducted an aerial bombing attack on the historic Koetaungpyi Temple complex in Langyunyo village, Yenangyaung Township, Magway Region, resulting in damage to ancient pagodas. The attack occurred on August 8, 2023, at approximately 4:15 PM, when a military helicopter deliberately dropped three bombs on the temple compound.
The aerial assault caused significant damage to the historic pagodas within the complex, and one civilian sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the attack. The PDF-Yenangyaung has confirmed that the Koetaungpyi Temple complex is a sacred religious site for local residents and emphasized that no revolutionary forces were stationed or taking shelter within the compound. Local residents have stated that the military council is deliberately targeting innocent civilians and religious structures.
This attack on religious infrastructure serves as further evidence of the military council’s brutality and constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, according to human rights observers. The military council continues to systematically oppress the civilian population and deliberately target civilian infrastructure, as documented by revolutionary forces. The destruction of religious sites demonstrates the military council’s disregard for cultural heritage and civilian welfare, reflecting their ongoing campaign of violence against the people of Myanmar.
