Dozens Killed in Myanmar Army Attack on Opponents

Media reported today, Tuesday, that "at least 50 people were killed in a region of central Myanmar after the army launched an attack on an event organized by opponents of the military government." Reuters cited a member of the People's Defense Forces in Myanmar, an armed group opposing the ruling military council, stating that fighter jets bombed the opening ceremony of their local office. Burmese BBC Service, Radio Free Asia, and the Irrawaddy news portal reported residents saying that the death toll ranges between 50 and 100 people due to the attack, including civilians. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack in the strongest terms and called for accountability for those involved, according to a spokesperson. The spokesperson added that Guterres "reiterates his call for the military to end the campaign of violence against the people of Myanmar across the country." The Myanmar army, which overthrew the elected government in 2021, has faced global condemnation for its deadly attacks on civilians and pro-democracy opponents. Western countries have also imposed sanctions on the ruling military council and its extensive business network in an attempt to cut off its revenues and prevent it from acquiring weapons from key suppliers such as Russia.