Facing setbacks in Rakhine conflicts, junta forces continue daily airstrikes

 Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 17 May 2024

A grade-12 student was killed and a monk was injured  on 15 May due to airstrikes conducted by jet fighters on Minbya locality. Amidst their losses in the ongoing war, the junta soldiers have grown a kind of grudge against the Rakhine population and thus they are attacking them every day.

The deceased student, identified as Maung Nyein Htet Thura Aung (20), hailed from Okkar Pyan ward. The injured monk is U Pannavamsa (42) from Dhamma Dipati monastery in the same Ward.

The junta forces carried out a number of airstrikes using jet fighters in and around Minbya  on 15 May. One bomb struck Dhamma Dipati monastery and it killed the young man and injured the monk.

"The junta soldiers intentionally bombed the monastery. The student, who was studying inside the monastery, was hit by the bomb shrapnel. There were a few other students in the monastery and fortunately they survived. The monk suffered serious injuries,” said a villager.

The junta forces are continuing the airstrikes on Minbya and it has caused fear among the residents.

On 1 May, the junta forces conducted airstrikes on the 379th, 380th and 541st light infantry battalions, located in the west of Myebon road.

On 15 May, the airstrikes destroyed Wea Gyi Daunt hospital in Kyauktaw township. At least 20 civilians, including medical staff, patients and caretakers, were also injured.

Earlier on 30 April, the junta’s airstrikes on Minbya town hit the police station for Zay Haung Pine and Tha Pyay Nyo wards. At least five houses in Tha Pyay Nyo ward were burnt down and some residents sustained minor injuries.