The military council conducted an unprovoked airstrike on a monastery in Kyaukkwin village, Papun Township, Karen State, on the evening of March 5, resulting in the death of the residing abbot Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudda. According to local residents, two other monks were injured in the attack, and the monastery buildings sustained significant damage. The airstrike was reportedly carried out without any ongoing battles in the area, with the military deliberately targeting the religious site using heavy weapons and aerial bombardment.
Local sources confirmed that Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudda was fatally struck by bomb fragments during the attack. His funeral ceremonies were completed on March 6. The two injured monks suffered severe injuries and were transferred to Hpa-an city for medical treatment. The monastery buildings were extensively damaged in the assault, which residents say demonstrates the military council’s continued use of violence against civilian and religious targets. The attack on the monastery, a protected religious site, and its occupants occurred without any military provocation or conflict in the area.
This incident adds to the growing evidence of the military council’s attacks on religious institutions and clergy members, according to local residents. The targeting of innocent civilians and religious personnel, along with the destruction of religious buildings such as monasteries, shows how the military council continues to operate without regard for protected sites or religious institutions. The attack has caused significant concern among the local population about the safety of religious buildings and their occupants in the region.
