Myanmar’s military junta has launched a deadly airstrike on its own citizens, targeting a school in the Sagaing region amid a supposed humanitarian ceasefire. At least 22 people, including 20 children, were killed in the attack on Monday, according to reports.
The bombing occurred around 10 a.m. local time in Thein Kwin village, approximately 100 kilometers northwest of the epicenter of the March 28 earthquake. Students were in class when the military aircraft dropped bombs without warning.
“We tried to move the children to safety, but the jet dropped bombs very quickly,” said a teacher who witnessed the attack, speaking anonymously. The casualties reportedly include two teachers as well.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of devastation—metal roofs torn apart, walls blown open, and dozens of schoolbags scattered near the ruins of the building.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the incident. “Schools should be safe spaces for children, not targets of violence,” said his spokesperson in New York.
The Myanmar junta has denied responsibility, claiming no airstrikes were carried out on civilian structures and labeling the reports as “baseless.”
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28, the military had announced a unilateral ceasefire for reconstruction efforts. However, clashes and military operations have continued unabated.
According to the United Nations, since the earthquake, Myanmar has witnessed at least 243 military operations—171 of which were airstrikes—killing more than 200 civilians.
