Myanmar military stages airstrikes after lifting emergency

Myanmar's military has repeatedly bombed areas controlled by pro-democracy forces in recent days. More than 30 people including civilians have been killed.

An independent outlet says airstrikes hit two villages in Mandalay Region last Tuesday--killing 24 residents and injuring 30. On Saturday, the military reportedly launched more strikes--leaving at least 12 dead.

The junta made a surprise announcement on Thursday that it was lifting the state of emergency. The military is preparing for a general election in December. Such a vote can't take place under the emergency--declared after the generals seized power in 2021.

But the junta immediately reimposed the emergency in areas where fighting is ongoing, aiming to maintain control there.

The opposition says any vote organized by the junta will be illegitimate.