A military airstrike on a monastery in Kyachat village, Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, has resulted in the death of six people, including three novice monks and three civilians, according to local residents. The attack occurred on April 12, 2025, at approximately 1:55 PM when fighter jets from the Tataoo Air Base conducted the bombing raid. The airstrike caused immediate casualties among those present at the monastery, including three novice monks, a student, an elderly monastery worker, and a woman who were killed instantly.
Additionally, three other novice monks and two local residents who were inside the monastery compound sustained severe injuries from the attack. According to a local resident’s account, the military deliberately targeted the monastery, causing extensive damage to the buildings within the compound. This attack on religious buildings and the targeting of monks and innocent civilians serves as another testament to the military council’s brutality. The destruction of religious infrastructure and the loss of life at a sacred space has deeply affected the local community.
Local sources report that the military council has intensified its air operations in the Depayin area over recent days, causing widespread fear and anxiety among residents. The targeting of the monastery has raised serious concerns about deteriorating security conditions in the region, with civilians facing the risk of forced displacement. The attack represents a significant escalation in the military’s campaign of violence against civilian targets, including religious institutions that have traditionally been considered sanctuaries. The local population now faces increased uncertainty about their safety and the potential need to evacuate their homes in search of secure locations.
