Tragedy struck in Myanmar on Monday evening when a military motorized paraglider unleashed two bombs on a crowd of approximately 100 individuals gathered in Chaung U township to celebrate the Thadingyut festival. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people and left 47 others injured, according to a spokesperson from the government-in-exile.
The ongoing conflict and recent military strategies
This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence that has escalated since the military coup in 2021, which ignited a civil war involving armed resistance groups and ethnic militias. Since then, thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced as the military struggles to maintain control over a country where it has already lost significant ground.
Despite previous setbacks, the armed forces have recently made notable advances through an aggressive campaign of airstrikes and bombardments. This year alone has seen hundreds of air assaults, reflecting the military’s renewed capability. The junta has bolstered its air force with new drones sourced from China, which has fully aligned with the regime, alongside technical support from Russia. This support has enabled the military to reclaim territory previously lost to insurgents, who are now facing increased pressure.
A tragic festival turned deadly protest
The deadly incident on Monday targeted a gathering in the Sagaing region, where attendees had organized a candlelight vigil as a peaceful protest against military conscription and an upcoming national election. This vigil also called for the release of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically-elected leader who was ousted during the coup.
Locals reported receiving warnings about a potential aerial attack on the gathering, prompting the People’s Defence Force (PDF) militia to attempt to disperse the crowd swiftly. However, the military’s paramotors arrived sooner than anticipated, unleashing chaos in a matter of minutes. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of horrific devastation, with some individuals unable to identify bodies in the aftermath. One witness recounted, “Children were completely torn apart,” as recovery efforts continued.
“The attack should serve as a gruesome wake-up call that civilians in Myanmar need urgent protection.” – Joe Freeman, Amnesty International
Amnesty International condemned the junta’s use of motorized paragliders against civilian populations, labeling it a part of a “disturbing trend.” Reports indicate that the military has increasingly resorted to such tactics due to a shortage of aircraft and fuel, exacerbated by international sanctions. However, recent support from countries like China and Russia has helped to mitigate these challenges.
As Myanmar approaches its scheduled general elections in December, many observers criticize the legitimacy of the vote, asserting it serves merely to solidify military authority. With a significant number of opposition parties banned and voting likely restricted to areas controlled by the military, the prospects for a free and fair election remain bleak.