Local residents reported that four people, including a novice monk who was observing Buddhist Lent during Thingyan festival, were killed in airstrikes conducted by the military council in Kani Township, Sagaing Region. The attacks began at 7:30 AM and continued throughout the day, targeting villages including Mutho, Natgyi, and Samingyan villages. The military forces used various aircraft including drones, jet fighters, helicopters, and paramotors to carry out at least 15 airstrikes within half an hour.
The military council specifically targeted residential areas and schools using Y-12 aircraft and Mi-35 helicopters. In Natgyi village alone, more than twenty bombs were dropped, primarily targeting a school. In Samingyan village, one novice monk was killed and another monk was severely injured. The attacks have resulted in numerous casualties, with some victims sustaining severe injuries. Local residents have been forced to flee to safety during the Thingyan festival period due to fear of the military council’s aerial attacks.
The novice monk who was killed was in the process of giving religious precepts when the airstrike occurred. Two other monks also sustained severe injuries in the attack. Local sources have confirmed that the total death toll has reached four people. The military council’s deliberate targeting of civilian areas, including religious buildings and schools, demonstrates their continued use of violence against the civilian population, forcing people to abandon their homes and seek shelter elsewhere during what should have been a festive period.
