Military Attack on 'Rebel' Forces in Myanmar

A spokesman for Myanmar's ruling military council, Zaw Min Tun, announced that "the army carried out an attack in the Sagaing region on a gathering held by its armed opponents," claiming that "if the attack resulted in casualties or injuries among civilians, it was because they were forced to assist the opponents." In an interview with the military-affiliated "Mya Wadi" channel, he added that "Tuesday's assault aims to restore peace and stability to the region." Media reports indicated that "up to 100 people, including children, were killed in an airstrike in the Sagaing region in the northwest of the country, marking the deadliest attack in a series of recent air raids by the military." Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 coup ended a decade-long temporary reform period led by civilian government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Some opponents of the military rule have taken up arms and joined ethnic minority militants in some areas. The military has responded with airstrikes and heavy weapons, targeting civilian areas.