At least 14 people were reportedly killed after military air strikes hit a monastery in Myanmar central Sagaing region on Friday, according to opposition fighters and a local rescue worker.
The reported attack took place in Myaung township, around 70km west of Mandalay, at approximately 09:00 local time. According to AFP, the site was struck twice, with the second attack reportedly occurring while people were searching for survivors.
Elderly Civilians Among Those Killed
A local rescue worker told BBC Burmese that all 14 people killed were elderly and that several monks were also injured.
The victims were reportedly attending a meditation retreat being held at the monastery to mark Buddhist Lent, when the site came under attack.
Nway Oo Myaung, a pro democracy rebel who spoke to AFP, said the victims included 11 men and three women. He said five of those killed came from one village, while the other nine were from a neighbouring township.
According to his account, the victims were between 50 and 70 years old.
Second Strike Reportedly Hit During Rescue Effort
The reported attack has raised particular concern because the site was allegedly struck again while people were attempting to locate and assist survivors.
An unnamed opposition fighter told AFP that he was among those involved in the rescue operation following the first strike.
He claimed that aircraft returned and carried out another bombing while rescuers were still searching the area.
The account could not be independently verified, and Myanmar’s military has not publicly commented on the reported attack.
Growing Civilian Toll in Myanmar Conflict
The incident comes amid Myanmar continuing conflict, which has created widespread insecurity across the country and particularly affected communities in regions where the military and armed opposition groups are active.
Sagaing has been one of the major areas affected by the fighting. Civilian locations have repeatedly become caught up in the conflict, while competing sides have accused each other of attacks and abuses.
In this case, however, the available reports are based on accounts from opposition figures and a local rescue worker, while there has been no immediate statement from Myanmar military accepting responsibility or explaining what happened.
Questions Remain Over the Attack
The reported deaths at a Buddhist meditation centre have prompted questions about how and why the site was targeted.
The fact that civilians had reportedly gathered there for a religious retreat makes the incident particularly significant, while the allegation that a second strike occurred during rescue efforts adds further concern.
However, the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear. Independent verification of the casualty figures, the identity of those responsible and the military intended target will be important as more information emerges.
For now, the reported deaths of 14 people have added another tragic chapter to Myanmar’s prolonged conflict, with families and local communities left to deal with the consequences of violence reaching a place intended for religious reflection and meditation.