The Myanmar junta’s air force launched another airstrike in Myaing Township, Magway Region, on the morning of 4 March, leaving two locals seriously injured.
The latest attack adds to a series of deadly air raids that have killed 26 civilians and wounded at least 40 since 25 February, according to local resistance groups.
The Anyar Myae Resistance Coalition reported that a junta fighter jet dropped three 500-pound bombs on a monastery in Sin Sein village at 9:50 am on 4 March, severely injuring two men.
“Both are in critical condition,” said a spokesman from the Anyar Myae Resistance Coalition.
The airstrike damaged the monastery, several vehicles, and caused pagodas to collapse. Sin Sein village is located seven miles from the Kyauk Khwak oil field, which was targeted by airstrikes on 25 February. Locals believe the junta deliberately attacks civilian areas.
On 25 February, the junta bombed a wedding hall in Sonkon village, near Kyauk Khwak oil field, killing 11 civilians and injuring at least 20.
On 3 March, the Anyar Myae Resistance Coalition reported that junta forces conducted at least eight airstrikes near the Latpan oil field and surrounding villages in Myaing Township, resulting in 15 deaths and about 20 injuries.
According to the Myaing People’s Defence Force (PDF) and the Anyar Myae Resistance Coalition, junta airstrikes in Myaing Township on 25 February, 3 and 4 March have caused a total of 26 civilian deaths and at least 40 injuries.
Oil drilling activities have come to a halt as locals fear further attacks. In response to the escalating airstrike threat, the Myaing Township People’s Defence Force issued an order on 3 March, urging villagers to dig bunkers, monitor people entering the area, and block all communication channels except those used by revolutionary groups.