On Monday, a military airstrike in Myanmar’s Sagaing region tragically struck a school, resulting in the deaths of up to 20 students and two teachers, as reported by sources including a resistance group member and an aid worker. The incident took place in the village of Ohe Htein Twin, located in Tabayin township, also referred to as Depayin. The morning attack injured dozens of students as well, according to these sources.
State-run television MRTV countered these claims during a broadcast, accusing subversive media of propagating false information regarding the airstrike. The military’s use of airstrikes has been on the rise as a measure to combat ongoing armed resistance, which began in earnest after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021. Estimates by nongovernmental organizations indicate that over 6,600 civilians have lost their lives at the hands of security forces since the coup.
A representative from the White Depeyin People’s Defence Force shared that a fighter jet directly targeted the school where numerous students were engaged in studies. The school in question, part of the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, suffered significant casualties. The resistance group member, requesting anonymity due to fears of military retribution, estimated that 20 students and two teachers had perished in the attack, which also left about 50 injured. The strike also caused damage to surrounding houses.
Despite no recent hostilities in the area, Sagaing remains a hotbed of resistance activity. Nay Phone Latt, representing the National Unity Government – the primary opposition against military rule, confirmed similar casualty figures and warned that the death toll might increase. He accused the military of targeting civilians in various places such as monasteries, refugee camps, and schools under the pretense of striking at sites harboring resistance fighters, despite such claims being misleading.
In contrast, the military’s official statement on state television denied the occurrence of the attack, claiming that efforts were solely focused on maintaining regional peace. They cited unnamed officials accusing terrorists of aggressive tactics like shelling and drone attacks on non-supportive villages. However, reports from independent media outlets suggested that Monday’s attack might have caused between 17 to more than 20 fatalities.
A volunteer aiding displaced individuals in Tabayin, who chose to remain nameless due to fear of government backlash, reported hearing that 12 students had been confirmed dead, with 30-50 others suffering injuries.
Sagaing region, bordering India, has emerged as a bastion for armed resistance where local people’s defense forces have faced increased military airstrikes in recent times. The resistance fighters have struggled against these air attacks, lacking effective defense mechanisms. In September 2022, another air assault by helicopters in the same township led to the death of at least 13 individuals, among them seven children. Moreover, further airstrikes in April 2023 claimed the lives of approximately 160 people, including children attending a ceremony in Sagaing region’s Kanbalu township.
Attention towards Myanmar’s airstrikes has recently intensified following credible accounts from the United Nations and human rights organizations, condemning continued military operations despite an earthquake on March 28. In its aftermath, both military and resistance factions had declared temporary ceasefires, aiming to support relief efforts.