A devastating air strike by the Myanmar military has struck the city of Mogok, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and damage to 15 homes. The attack, which occurred in the Shwegu ward of Mogok Township, comes amidst the ongoing civil unrest that has plagued the nation since the military’s coup in February 2021.
According to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the air strike took place approximately 115 kilometers northeast of Mandalay. Lwe Yar Oo, a spokesperson for the TNLA, confirmed the incident and stated that the attack targeted a Buddhist monastery.
Among the victims were a pregnant woman, members of armed groups, and local residents. The TNLA, a prominent ethnic militia, has been actively fighting against the military in the region near the Chinese border. The recent air strike resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
The TNLA reported that the air strike specifically targeted a Buddhist monastery in Shwegu ward, leading to the deaths of 16 women. In addition, the attack caused damage to 15 residential homes. The incident has highlighted the escalating violence and disregard for civilian lives amid the ongoing conflict.
Independent reports suggest that the total number of fatalities may be higher, with some sources indicating a death toll of approximately 30. However, accurate figures remain difficult to ascertain due to the ongoing conflict and the military’s control over information. The military has not yet issued any public statement regarding the air strike.
The military continues to claim that it only targets legitimate military objectives and accuses resistance forces of terrorism. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture, with civilian areas repeatedly bearing the brunt of the violence.
The situation in Myanmar remains extremely volatile, with widespread armed conflict. The military has been systematically targeting opposition groups and ethnic militias, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Resistance forces lack the means to defend against aerial attacks, leaving civilians vulnerable to the indiscriminate use of air power.
Since the coup, the military has intensified its offensive against resistance groups, including the pro-democracy People’s Defence Force and various ethnic militias. The military’s aim is to regain control over areas held by opposition forces before the upcoming elections planned for later this year. Critics say the elections are a sham.
In the first two weeks of August, air strikes in areas controlled by the TNLA resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including two Buddhist monks, and injured 20 others. Furthermore, recent air strikes near Sagaing in central Myanmar claimed the lives of approximately 16 people, primarily truck drivers.