YANGON: The United Nations has expressed profound concern over reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, in a bombing incident at a camp for internally displaced people in Myanmar.
The attack occurred near the border with China, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 30 individuals, including 13 children, and injured more than 50 others.
The National Unity Government, representing Myanmar’s exiled government, has reported this as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the military coup led by General Min Aung Hlaing over two years ago.
The bombing occurred near the town of Laiza, in northern Kachin state, where the Kachin Independence Army’s headquarters is located. This region has been embroiled in a longstanding conflict with Myanmar’s military.
While the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the parliamentary wing of the National Unity Government, has attributed the bombing to the junta, the military’s spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, has denied these allegations and instead accused rebel groups of carrying out the attack.
The United Nations in Myanmar issued a statement expressing deep concern, emphasizing that internally displaced people camps are places of refuge, and civilians should never be targeted.
The British embassy in Myanmar also expressed shock and condemnation at the reports of innocent civilian casualties, highlighting that the military’s actions have killed thousands of civilians and displaced over a million people in the past year.
The military’s seizure of power in Myanmar in February 2021, which included the detention of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other prominent figures, dashed hopes for a more democratic future in the country.
Since then, the junta has faced criticism for its crackdown on anti-coup protests, arrests of journalists and political prisoners, and the execution of pro-democracy activists.
The situation in Myanmar remains marked by violence and instability, with many young people and recent graduates joining rebel groups in response to the ongoing conflict. Aung San Suu Kyi, sentenced to multiple prison terms, remains incarcerated, and her release date remains uncertain.
