A local resident was killed and two others were seriously injured in an airstrike by military council forces in Katha Township, Sagaing Region, according to local sources. Starting from around 10 AM on July 26, military council forces systematically bombed villages along the Ayeyarwady River in the upper part of Katha Township, including Motar village, Myenu village, and other riverside communities. The attacks resulted in the death of one civilian from Myenu village while two others sustained life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by local residents.
The military council forces conducted the airstrikes while moving along the Ayeyarwady River with naval vessels, using air support to attack the villages. Approximately 25 aerial attacks were carried out, which also damaged the Wish-Fulfilling Pagoda. The Buddha statues inside the pagoda were severely damaged, with their heads being separated from the bodies. Local residents have been forced to flee far from the riverbanks due to reports of approaching military vessels and are currently unable to return to their villages. The military council’s support vessels departed from Mandalay port in mid-July and are reportedly heading toward Banmaw city, according to revolutionary forces.
Local residents pointed out that the military council is deliberately targeting civilian areas while using air cover for their naval vessel movements along the river. These attacks have resulted not only in the loss of civilian lives and property but have also caused destruction to religious buildings. The systematic nature of these attacks demonstrates the military council’s continued use of excessive force against civilian populations, causing widespread displacement and destruction of both civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage sites in the region.
