The abbot of a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village, Hpapun Township, Karen State, passed away following an aerial attack by the military council forces on the evening of March 5. According to local residents, the military council conducted an unprovoked aerial bombardment of the monastery, with fighter jets also opening fire with machine guns. The attack occurred without any ongoing battles in the area, as confirmed by local sources.
The aerial assault resulted in the death of the monastery’s abbot, Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudda, who was struck by bomb fragments. Two other monks also sustained injuries during the attack. The injured monks, who suffered severe wounds, were transported to Hpa-an for medical treatment due to the severity of their conditions. The funeral ceremony for the deceased abbot was held on March 6, according to local sources.
Regarding the incident, a local resident stated, ‘We received news of the abbot’s passing. The aerial attack came suddenly, without any fighting in the area. The monastery compound suffered significant damage. The two injured monks are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.’ The monastery buildings sustained extensive damage from the aerial bombardment, with significant structural destruction reported throughout the compound. The attack represents another instance of the military council’s continued use of airstrikes against civilian targets, including religious buildings, in various parts of Myanmar.
