A Myanmar junta airstrike struck a school in Oe Htein Kwin village on Monday morning, killing 22 people, including 20 children, despite an ongoing ceasefire aimed at aiding recovery from a devastating earthquake.

The attack occurred around 10:00 am (0330 GMT), approximately 100 kilometers from the quake’s epicenter.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike, stating that schools should remain safe spaces for children and not targets of violence.

Images from the scene showed a destroyed school building, abandoned belongings, and grieving families preparing small graves for the victims.

Eyewitnesses reported that the school was bombed too quickly for children to escape, leading to a high casualty count.

The Myanmar junta denied responsibility, dismissing reports of civilian deaths as “fabricated news”, insisting no non-military targets were struck.

The military had pledged a ceasefire for April following the March 28 earthquake, which killed nearly 3,800 people, but independent monitors report continued airstrikes and attacks.

UN sources state that over 200 civilians have died in at least 243 attacks, including 171 airstrikes, since the disaster.

Despite claims of temporary ceasefires, fighting persists, with reports indicating both junta forces and anti-coup groups continue military operations.

Source: Online

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