Myanmar Airstrike on Village Kills 27 Civilians, Injures 30

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): An airstrike by Myanmar’s military on Let Pan Hla village, controlled by resistance forces, has killed at least 27 civilians and injured 30 others, according to opposition groups and local media reports. The attack occurred on Friday afternoon in the village, located about 65 kilometers north of Mandalay. Among the dead were six children, and several houses near the market area were destroyed. The military has not commented on the attack.

Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been in chaos. The military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, which led to violent protests and armed resistance against military rule. The government has since increased airstrikes on the opposition groups, who are unable to defend against air attacks.

The attack on Let Pan Hla village targeted a civilian market area, not a military position. The situation in the village remains unclear, as access to the internet and phone service has been cut off. Independent reports suggest that the death toll could have reached 30, with some people in critical condition. Since the coup, over 2,200 civilians have been killed, and thousands more injured in airstrikes.

Osmond, a spokesperson for the Mandalay People's Defense Force, described the tragedy, saying, “This airstrike was not aimed at a military target, but rather at the market area, where civilians visit daily.”