On the evening of March 5, the military council forces conducted an unprovoked airstrike on a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village, Hpapun Township, Karen State, resulting in the death of the resident abbot, Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudha. According to local residents, the attack also injured two other monks and caused significant damage to the monastery compound. The military forces not only dropped bombs but also fired machine guns during the aerial assault, despite there being no active conflict in the area at the time of the attack.
The two injured monks suffered severe injuries and were transported to Hpa-an city for medical treatment. Local sources confirmed that the funeral ceremony for Venerable Bhaddanta Wisudha was completed on March 6. Residents emphasized that this deliberate aerial attack on a non-combat area constitutes a war crime against innocent civilians and religious figures. The monastery served as a crucial religious center for the local community, and its destruction has created significant concern and fear among the residents. Human rights observers note that such targeting of religious buildings by the military council violates international law.
The monastery in Kyauk Kwin village has been a vital spiritual and community center for local residents, and its destruction represents a significant loss for the community. The military council’s brutal attack has not only resulted in physical destruction but has also created an atmosphere of terror among the local population. The targeting of religious buildings and clergy members demonstrates the military council’s disregard for both international humanitarian law and traditional religious values that are deeply important to Myanmar’s people. Local residents report that the monastery suffered extensive structural damage, and the community remains deeply concerned about further potential attacks on civilian and religious targets in the area.
