MYANMAR: At least 50 people were killed in central Myanmar on Tuesday in an airstrike by the military on an event attended by opponents to its rule, according to media and members of a local resistance movement.
Citing residents in the Sagaing region, BBC Burmese, Radio Free Asia, and the Irrawaddy news portal reported between 50 and 100 people, including civilians, had died in the attack.
Reuters could not immediately verify the reports, and a spokesperson for the ruling military did not answer a phone call seeking comment.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a strong condemnation and called for those responsible to be held accountable, his spokesperson said, adding that Guterres “reiterates his call for the military to end the campaign of violence against the Myanmar population throughout the country.”
The military has denied international allegations it has committed atrocities against civilians and says it is fighting terrorists determined to destabilize the country.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 coup, with attacks by ethnic minority armies and resistance fighters challenging the rule of the military, which has responded with airstrikes and heavy weapons, including in civilian areas.
The U.S. State Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the reported airstrike, adding Washington will continue working with the international community to “hold the regime accountable for violations and abuses committed” in Myanmar.
(VOA/Reuters)
Comment