At least 16 people, including 11 women, two children, and one resistance fighter, were killed in a junta airstrike on the eastern part of Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region, according to a spokesperson from the township’s People’s Defense Force (PDF).
The attack took place on July 17, when a Y-12 military aircraft dropped bombs on multiple villages. Of the 16 fatalities, 15 were civilians, ranging in age from a 10-year-old child to a 70-year-old grandmother.
In Shar Gwe Village, six people were killed and 19 injured. The deceased were identified as U Myint Naing (55), Ko Aung Ko (25), Daw Khin Hnin Swe (54), Ma Nhin Thu Wai (10), U Myint Naing (a driver), and one unidentified civilian.
In Nga Bat Chaung Village, nine civilians were killed: Daw Mya Nyunt (70), Ma Wathi, Ma Khine, Daw Oo, U Kular Gyi, U Chit Thei, Maung Chit Myo Oo, Maung Nay Win Htun, and U Win Myint. The village also reported 23 injuries, including 11 women and a 10-year-old child.
In Yaylemaw Village, a PDF member known as Ko Doe Lay was killed in the airstrike, and five other civilians were injured.
“The military sees civilians as enemies. They attacked just because they were afraid of resistance near river routes. This army, which feeds off the people, is now destroying the very public it claims to protect,” said a representative of the Wetlet PDF.
