On April 15, 2024, during the Thingyan Water Festival, the military council conducted an unprovoked aerial attack on Thaungtan village in Oaktwin Township, Bago Region, resulting in the death of two civilians. According to local residents, the attack occurred around 3 PM when there was no active fighting in the area. The aerial bombardment targeted the village while local civilians were peacefully celebrating the traditional water festival.
The military council’s airstrike killed one man and one woman, while two other civilians sustained severe injuries. Additionally, one house was completely destroyed in the attack, as confirmed by local sources. Human rights observers note that such deliberate attacks on civilians constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. The incident represents another example of the military council’s systematic targeting of civilian populations, particularly during cultural celebrations and festivals.
According to eyewitness accounts, the military aircraft conducted the bombing raid without any provocation or presence of armed resistance forces in the area. Activists point out that this attack is part of a pattern of deliberate targeting of civilian areas by the military council. The timing of the attack during the Thingyan festival period is seen as a calculated move to disrupt and terrorize civilians during their traditional cultural celebrations. The incident has further heightened concerns about the military council’s continued use of airstrikes against civilian targets, particularly in areas where there is no active conflict or military engagement.
