At the very least 24 have been killed and greater than 45 wounded on Monday when bombs have been dropped on civilians attending a spiritual competition in Chaung-U township, Sagaing Area, in response to information studies.
Witnesses stated a “motorized paraglider” was used to drop two explosives on the gang gathered to mark a nationwide vacation.
“This tragic incident, if confirmed, would add to a disturbing sample of indiscriminate assaults affecting civilians throughout the nation,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric advised journalists in New York on Wednesday.
“The indiscriminate use of airborne munitions is unacceptable. All events to the battle should adjust to their obligations below worldwide humanitarian regulation and worldwide human rights regulation.”
Sharp rise in airstrikes
Sagaing has been one of many areas hardest hit by the battle that erupted after the February 2021 army coup, that noticed the ouster of the elected authorities and arrests of key leaders, together with President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The area additionally suffered heavy harm in an earthquake earlier this yr, exacerbating humanitarian wants.
In accordance with the UN human rights workplace (OHCHR), Sagaing has recorded the very best variety of airstrikes and civilian deaths nationwide. Between 28 March and 31 Might 2025 alone, over 108 airstrikes have been reported there, killing not less than 89 individuals.
OHCHR stated the Myanmar army has more and more relied on air energy, together with new paramotor techniques able to carrying 120mm mortar rounds, to strike “civilian-inhabited and earthquake-affected areas” regardless of its announcement of momentary ceasefires in April and Might to permit for rescue operations following the earthquake.
Deliberate concentrating on of civilians
The report, launched in September, documented not less than 6,764 civilian deaths and over 29,000 political arrests because the coup. Practically half of all verified civilian deaths between April 2024 and Might 2025 resulted from aerial assaults – with Sagaing, Mandalay and Shan among the many worst hit.
It additionally cited deliberate concentrating on of civilians and civilian objects, together with markets, faculties, properties, locations of worship and camps for displaced individuals.
“Atrocities equivalent to extrajudicial killings, mutilation, and widespread destruction of property have been documented, alongside the usage of airstrikes with no discernible army goal, elevating critical issues of warfare crimes,” OHCHR stated.
