Tragic Paraglider Bombing: 24 Lives Lost During Myanmar Buddhist Festival

A recent tragic event in central Myanmar resulted in at least 24 deaths and 47 injuries during a Thadingyut festival. This festival, rooted in Buddhist traditions, was taking place in Chaung U township when a paramotor dropped bombs on the crowd. The gathering was not just a celebration; it also served as a candlelight vigil protesting the ruling military junta’s policies.

Since the 2021 coup that upended the government, Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war. The United Nations estimates that over 5,000 civilians have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict. Local officials reported that they had been warned of a possible air attack and attempted to disperse the crowd quickly. However, the paramotor reached them before they could evacuate fully, carrying out the attack swiftly.

Witnesses described horrific scenes. One participant recounted falling to the ground when the first bomb detonated. He saw friends and neighbors tragically injured or killed. A woman who attended a funeral later noted the grim aftermath, with body parts scattered and children among the casualties.

Amnesty International condemned the attack, emphasizing that the junta has increasingly turned to such aerial assaults due to fuel shortages and international sanctions restricting their military capabilities. Joe Freeman, a researcher at Amnesty, remarked that this violent act highlights the urgent need for civilian protection in Myanmar. He called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to put more pressure on the junta, especially as they prepare for a scheduled meeting.

The junta’s upcoming general elections in December are set to be the first since they took control. Critics assert that these elections won’t be free or fair, arguing they’re merely a facade to legitimize military rule. Protestors at the vigil voiced their opposition to military conscription, the upcoming election, and demanded the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with civilians caught in a conflict that continues to escalate. With the junta’s reliance on unorthodox military strategies like paramotor attacks, the need for international attention and action has never been clearer. As this conflict unfolds, the impact on daily life for ordinary people is alarming.



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