Chin group condemns Myanmar airstrike that killed nine civilians, including infant, at Paletwa jetty

Mizzima

A Myanmar junta airstrike on 18 October killed nine civilians, including a six-month-old child, at Pi Chaung Sone jetty in the Dai region of Paletwa Township, Chin State, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). A Chin group condemned the attack in a statement on 22 October.

According to the statement, the junta bombed the area with fighter jets and Y-12 aircraft on 18 October, killing civilians and injuring several. It called deliberate aerial attacks on civilians cowardly and said they repeatedly amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The statement offered condolences to the families of the dead and wished the injured a quick recovery, and urged the public to stay alert to air attacks as the junta keeps bombing civilians to hold on to power. It reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continue the struggle with other forces seeking to end military dictatorship.

Reports differ on the toll. The Chin People’s Union said strikes on 18 and 19 October killed nine and injured five, according to m.CDM, while other local reports say eight and more than 20 killed.