A monastery in Tone Taw village, Laymyethna Township, Ayeyarwady Region, was destroyed by fire following an airstrike conducted by the military council forces. According to local sources, the attack occurred around 11 PM on March 19, when the military council’s fighter jets targeted Tone Taw village. The extent of casualties and property damage from this attack remains unconfirmed, though the monastery was confirmed to have been burned down in the bombing.
Local sources report that intense fighting has been ongoing in the area since March 17 between the military forces and the Arakan Army (AA). The clashes have been particularly severe in villages within the Wat Kone village tract, including Wat Kone, Let Khon Lay, Let Khon Gyi, Set Set Yo, Chin Lay, and San Kone villages. The military forces have reportedly suffered significant casualties in these confrontations, with their deceased being transported to and cremated at the crematorium in Oak Twin Kone village in the Kwin Kauk area of Ingapu Township. The ongoing conflict has created a atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents.
Additionally, on March 18 around 8 PM, the military council’s aircraft conducted airstrikes between Wat Kone village and Taw village along the Pathein-Monywa road. These strikes targeted an uninhabited area, resulting in no reported casualties or damage. The local population is currently facing significant concerns due to the ongoing battles and airstrikes, with many facing the possibility of displacement. The targeting of religious buildings by military airstrikes has particularly heightened the anxiety among local residents, who are increasingly worried about their safety and the preservation of their religious and cultural heritage sites.
