According to a statement from a representative of the Thaung Tha Township People’s Movement Committee, buildings within a monastery compound in Magyi Pin Tae village, Thaung Tha Township, Mandalay Region, were damaged following an airstrike conducted by the military council’s forces using helicopter gunships. On the morning of March 18, two helicopter gunships from the Meiktila Air Base deliberately targeted the monastery and its surrounding area with eight bombs.
While the aerial attack caused damage to buildings within the monastery compound and destroyed one civilian residence, there were no reported casualties. The military council continues to conduct daily airstrikes against civilian populations, prompting the Thaung Tha Township People’s Movement Committee to strongly advise local residents to immediately seek shelter in bomb shelters upon hearing aircraft or helicopter sounds.
The military council forces not only subject local civilians to psychological intimidation but also deliberately target religious buildings. This intentional targeting of monasteries represents a pattern of violence by the military council and constitutes a violation of international law, according to local residents. The systematic attacks on religious structures demonstrate the military council’s continued aggression against civilian infrastructure and cultural sites, further emphasizing their disregard for civilian safety and religious sanctuaries.
