At least 40 people were killed when bombs were dropped on a crowd protesting against Myanmar’s military government, the Daily Mail reported. The attack happened on Monday evening in Chaung U township at Myanmar Buddhist festival, as about 100 people gathered to mark a national holiday.
The bombs were released from a motorised paraglider, according to the country’s government-in-exile. Witnesses said the explosions tore through the crowd within minutes. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with many bodies badly damaged and difficult to identify.
Growing violence in Myanmar
The Sagaing region, where the attack took place, has been one of the main battlegrounds since the military seized power in 2021, reported BBC. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced since then. Armed resistance groups, known as the People’s Defence Force (PDF), control much of the area and had reportedly received warnings of a possible air attack.
The report further added that the military has recently regained some territory through heavy airstrikes and bombardments. Amnesty International said the use of paragliders to launch attacks shows a disturbing new trend in the junta’s tactics. Analysts say international sanctions have limited Myanmar’s access to military aircraft, leading it to rely on smaller air vehicles and technology supplied by China and Russia.
Calls for global action
Amnesty International has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take stronger action against Myanmar’s military rulers. The group said the attack shows the urgent need to protect civilians.
Monday’s protest had been organised as a peaceful vigil against military conscription and the upcoming national election, while also demanding the release of political prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar is expected to hold elections in December, but critics say the vote will not be fair and will only help the military keep control.