Myanmar Admits Festival Bombing, Blames Resistance Forces

Mizzima

Myanmar’s military has admitted responsibility for a deadly airstrike on a religious festival in Sagaing region, claiming resistance fighters used civilians as human shields. The attack, which took place on Monday night, killed at least 24 people, including children, and wounded dozens more, according to witnesses and local sources.

The strike targeted a primary school compound in Bon To village, Chaung-U township, where over 100 people had gathered for a traditional oil lamp ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The event also served as a peaceful protest against the junta’s planned December election, widely criticised as lacking legitimacy.

Eyewitnesses reported that motorised paragliders dropped four bombs—believed to be 120 mm mortar rounds—during two separate sorties. The military later confirmed the operation, describing it as a counterterrorism measure aimed at minimising civilian casualties. However, no armed clashes were reported near the site, and both resistance groups and local residents denied claims that civilians were coerced into attending.

A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General condemned the “indiscriminate use of airborne munitions,” calling the incident unacceptable. The Sagaing region has been a centre of armed resistance since the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. In the wake of violent crackdowns on peaceful protests, many citizens joined local defence forces loosely affiliated with the nationwide People’s Defense Force.

The military’s narrative has drawn sharp criticism, with survivors insisting the ceremony was voluntary and peaceful. One resistance fighter, speaking anonymously, said the victims included villagers, activists, and members of anti-junta groups.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on Thursday to discuss humanitarian cooperation and the upcoming election. Malaysia, which currently chairs ASEAN, has struggled to broker peace in Myanmar amid escalating violence and political deadlock.

The bombing marks a grim escalation in the junta’s campaign against dissent, raising fresh concerns over civilian safety and the prospects for democratic restoration. As Myanmar’s conflict deepens, international pressure is mounting for accountability and restraint.

-2025-10-13