Sagaing Region (Myanmar): At least 100 people were killed in the bloodiest attack by the junta since seizing power in a coup more than two years ago when Myanmar's military administration began its unrelenting campaign of bombings by targeting a sizable gathering in rebel-held territory.
An emergency worker on the scene and a representative of the shadow National Unity Government, which sees itself as the legitimate government of Myanmar, both confirmed that at least 30 children were among the victims of the attack in the Sagaing Region. Increase in the death toll was anticipated.
“This is a war crime,” said Byar Kyi, a soldier with a local resistance unit who was helping to recover bodies at the site. “The place they attacked was not a military target.”
Rescuers described a gruesome scene in Pazigyi Village in southern Sagaing Region, where body parts were scattered over a wide area after a military jet and helicopter bombed and strafed the largely civilian gathering. Photos from the village being shared on social media showed more than a dozen burned and mutilated bodies, while videos showed a destroyed building, burned motorcycles and debris scattered over a wide area. The apparent target of the attack was a celebration to mark the local resistance movement’s opening of an administration office. Only the charred frame of the building remained standing after the air raid,video and photos showed.
At least 80 people were killed when military jets targeted a concert in Kachin State in October, including musicians who were onstage at the time. A significant portion of the Sagaing Region, which is in Myanmar's northwest and borders India, is a rebel stronghold where the military's ground forces have had trouble gaining ground.