As Myanmar reels from the impact of a recent earthquake, the military council launched airstrikes and artillery attacks on Mrauk-U and Kyaukphyu townships, resulting in the deaths of three civilians, including a Buddhist monk, and injuring seven others.
On the night of March 31, at around 8 p.m., the military council carried out an airstrike on Mrauk-U Township, killing 66-year-old U Aung Kyaw Zan, according to local sources.
“At around 8 p.m. yesterday, a cluster bomb was dropped on the central market area. A man in his 60s was killed. While the entire country is suffering from the earthquake, they are bombing civilians. It’s extremely cruel,” said a resident of Mrauk-U.
Earlier that morning, at around 9 a.m., the military’s naval forces fired artillery shells at Zin Chaung village in Kyaukphyu Township. The attack resulted in the deaths of a Buddhist monk and two civilians, while seven others, including a senior abbot and a young novice, sustained severe injuries.
According to local reports, the military’s navy, stationed off the coast near Min Yat Taik village, shelled Zin Chaung village with three rounds of heavy artillery. The monk killed in the attack was identified as 32-year-old Ashin Adissa from Zin Chaung Kon Bwe village, while the deceased civilian was 30-year-old U Ba Jam, also from Kon Bwe village.
The wounded included 74-year-old Ashin Zanita, 12-year-old novice Shin Dhammananda, 45-year-old U Maung Htun Myint, and 50-year-old Daw Than Than Aye, all from Zin Chaung Kon Bwe village. Additionally, three displaced persons—31-year-old Daw Phyo Phyo Win from Ohn Taw village, 55-year-old Daw Thein Htun Nu from Kin Pin Lel village, and 16-year-old Ma Khin Myo Aye from Sin Tat Maw village—also suffered injuries.
The shelling reportedly damaged the village monastery and several homes in Zin Chaung.
On March 28, a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, affecting Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw, Shan, Magway, and Bago regions, leading to casualties and widespread destruction. Even as the country grapples with the aftermath, the military council continues air and artillery assaults in Rakhine State.
