London, UK - BHRN has been monitoring and documenting that since the coup in 2021, the military junta has been torturing and killing Burma’s citizens with no regard for their safety or well-being. The latest air strike on Kanbalu Township is a horrific example of this pattern. BHRN believes that as long as the military junta continues to pursue its coup and suppression agenda, Burma’s citizens will continue to suffer. In addition, BHRN notes that air strikes have become a common tactic deployed by the military junta in response to resistance by anti-coup groups since late 2022.
“It has been clear for some time that the Burmese military has no regard for human life, and the attack on Kanbalu Township demonstrates that killing civilians is part of their strategy. The purpose of these attacks is to crush the spirit of the people and maintain political power over the population through fear and cruelties. This is the definition of terrorism, and it is time the world acknowledges the actions of the Burmese military for what they are,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
An airstrike on 11 April was launched by the Burmese military at a gathering of 300 people who were congregated for a celebration in Pazigyi Village, Kanbalu Township, Sagaing region. The latest reports are that 174 people, including women and children, were killed. The Kyunhla activist group said that 38 children were killed in the attack.
Sagaing Region has been a frequent target of the military’s indiscriminate campaign on civilians since the 2021 coup. The deadly airstrike on Kanbalu Township is a continuation of this pattern of violence and aggression against the people of Burma. BHRN acknowledge that this is a widespread and systematically attack to crush the anti coup movement which is clearly a crime against humanity.
BHRN expresses deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident. We denounce and are concerned with the serious human rights violations committed by the military junta across the country. The Junta must stop killing civilians, burning villages, and violating International Human Rights Law.
We urge the international community and United Nations to take swift action to hold the Burmese junta accountable for its ongoing human rights violations. It is crucial for the international community to end all business with junta enterprises, and all nations must stop transporting military supplies that help the junta terrorize the Burmese people. We urge the international community to take action for the safety of civilians in Burma and to stand in solidarity with the people of Burma during this difficult time.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF File
