Myanmar Junta Airstrike on Shwebo Monastery Kills 3 During Water Plant Opening

A junta airstrike on a monastery in Hnamasaryit Village, Shwebo Township, killed three people—including a Buddhist abbot—and injured eight others on September 16 while locals gathered for a ceremony to launch a new community water purification plant.

At around 12:30 p.m., as the abbot led the ceremony to hand over the newly constructed water plant for village use, a fighter jet from Meiktila Air Base dropped three bombs on the monastery compound.

The strike killed the 43-year-old abbot and two village elders in their 60s instantly.

"The abbot personally oversaw the water plant's construction so our village could have clean drinking water," a resident said. "People had gathered to celebrate and make donations when the jet deliberately bombed the site."

As rescue workers treated and evacuated the wounded, junta troops from Shwebo-based Infantry Battalion 42 (IB 42) fired at least three 120mm artillery shells at the site.

Local sources noted there were no active clashes in or around Hnamasaryit Village at the time, indicating the military regime intentionally targeted a religious facility where civilians had peacefully gathered.

Meanwhile, the junta continues to arm and train members of its affiliated Pyusawhti militia in Shwebo Township, ordering them to raid and attack pro-resistance communities.

The resistance-led Shwebo Township People’s Administration warned residents that the junta could target civilian infrastructure—including monasteries, schools, and hospitals—at any time.

Officials urged the public to seek shelter immediately when they hear aircraft or artillery and to avoid large gatherings.