BANGKOK (AP) — An airstrike conducted by Myanmar's military has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 civilians and left more than 30 others injured in Let Pan Hla village, located in Singu township. The incident took place on Friday at 3 p.m., approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city. The Mandalay People’s Defense Force, a resistance group opposing the military government, confirmed the attack through a spokesperson.
As of Saturday, the military had not issued any comments regarding the incident. Myanmar has been engulfed in chaos since a coup d'état on February 1, 2021, when the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. This political upheaval has triggered widespread resistance, leading to a situation where many opponents have taken up arms after peaceful protests were violently suppressed. Currently, large parts of the nation are embroiled in conflict, particularly between the military and various ethnic minority guerrilla groups, alongside the armed pro-democracy People's Defense Forces.
The military junta has intensified airstrikes targeting these resistance groups, which have struggled to defend against aerial attacks. The Mandalay People’s Defence Force (MDY-PDF) gained control of Singu last July and has been a significant player in resistance operations against Myanmar's military rule.
The attack specifically targeted a busy market area in Let Pan Hla village, where civilians frequent daily. Among the deceased, six were children, according to a statement released by the resistance group via its Telegram channel. Osmond, a spokesperson for the MDY-PDF, reported that around ten houses near the market were destroyed by the bombing. He emphasized that the airstrike appeared to be deliberately aimed at civilian areas rather than any military target.
Due to restricted access to the internet and cellular networks in the area, further verification of the situation remains challenging. The independent media outlet Myanmar Now reported potentially higher casualty figures, stating that the death toll could be as high as 30, with seven individuals in critical condition following the attack that struck a tea shop near the village market.
A recent report by the Myanmar research and advocacy organization Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica highlighted the severe consequences of the military's air campaign since the 2021 coup. It noted that there have been 4,157 airstrikes resulting in 2,224 civilian deaths and 3,466 injuries, underscoring the human toll of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The repercussions of the military’s actions have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but also further complicated the already volatile political landscape in Myanmar. As resistance forces and civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of military aggression, the situation remains dire, warranting international attention and response.
