Airstrike in Myanmar kills nearly 30 civilians in market attack

Myanmar has faced significant turbulence since the military coup on February 1, 2021, which ousted the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In this precarious situation, much of the civilian population has risen in opposition, forming resistance groups that engage in armed conflict against the military ruling faction. An airstrike carried out on March 14, 2025, targeted a central village named Let Pan Hla, located in Singu township, approximately 65 kilometers north of Mandalay, which is the country's second-largest city. Reports indicate that at least 27 civilians were killed, including six children, and 30 others sustained injuries from the attack, which hit crowded market stalls frequented by local residents. The Mandalay People's Defence Force, which controls the area and supports the main opposition, asserted that the strike was not aimed at military targets but specifically at a civilian market location, further exacerbating tensions in a nation already rife with conflict. Eyewitness accounts and damage reports indicated that around 10 civilian homes adjacent to the market suffered destruction due to bombings. Despite the tragedy, the military government has not issued any comments regarding the strike, illustrating their ongoing disregard for civilian life amidst their aggressive military campaign. Access to reliable information has been hampered in the region, as the military has significantly limited internet and phone services, making independent verification of events challenging. In the wake of this attack, discussions surrounding the impact on civilians and the legitimacy of military actions continue to grow. The ramifications of increasing airstrikes on populated areas have drawn criticism from various human rights organizations. A report released just last month from Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica highlighted the devastating toll of conflict in Myanmar since the military takeover, noting 2,224 civilian deaths and 3,466 injuries linked to over 4,157 airstrikes. The lack of effective defense against aerial attacks places innocence at risk, leaving local populations vulnerable to ongoing military operations that disregard human life. The situation remains dire as opposition groups continue to mourn the loss of life, while the military faces allegations of targeting civilians in their efforts to suppress dissent. The ongoing airstrikes not only victimize those caught in the crossfire but also fuel further resistance and retaliation against the military regime engaged in maintaining control over the nation's governance.