Myanmar junta airstrike on Thadingyut full moon kills 17 in Sagaing Region

A junta airstrike on a Thadingyut oil lamp strike in Chaung U Township, Sagaing Region, killed 17 civilians, including women and children, and injured about 40 others, according to local sources.

On the full moon day of Thadingyut, 6 October, a paramotor aircraft from the Northwestern Military Command dropped two 120-mm mortar bombs on a school in Bonto village, Chaung U Township.

“So far, 17 people have died. Some victims suffered severe injuries, including broken or missing limbs, and there are serious concerns about the condition of the injured, so the death toll may rise,” a Chaung U resident told Mizzima.

He said the attack occurred while residents were gathered for a joint oil lamp strike marking the Thadingyut full moon, held in defiance of the military dictatorship.

A second bomb was dropped near Bonto village while locals were treating the wounded, though the extent of the damage is still unclear, the resident added.

Locals and defence forces suspect the attack may have been based on intelligence from a military informant and have urged the public to remain cautious.

At the same time, military supporters were holding an opening ceremony for a public park along Kyaukka Road in Monywa, playing music and singing, according to residents.