Myanmar airstrike kills dozens at school amid ongoing conflict

On May 12, 2025, an airstrike by Myanmar's military targeted a school in Ohe Htein Twin village located in the central Sagaing region, resulting in the tragic deaths of 22 individuals, including 20 students and two teachers. This attack took place around 9 a.m. while students were present for classes. Witnesses and members of the local resistance group reported that approximately 50 others were injured in the airstrike, and nearby homes sustained damage due to the bombing. Eyewitness accounts indicate the military's increasing use of airstrikes as a tactic to combat the ongoing resistance against their rule. The attack occurred in a region that has been a focal point for pro-democracy activism, especially after the military coup in February 2021 when they overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Since then, more than 6,600 civilians are estimated to have lost their lives due to military actions. The use of airpower against civilian targets has raised serious concerns among humanitarian organizations, who accuse the military of deliberately targeting places where civilians gather, such as schools and hospitals, to undermine support for the resistance movement. The military's strategy appears to be aimed at instilling fear among local populations to dissuade them from supporting opposition forces. Reports suggest that townships like Tabayin, where this incident occurred, have been under increasing threat from military operations as government forces combat armed resistance groups. Members of the opposition National Unity Government have condemned these actions, asserting that the military regime is escalating its brutality by attacking vulnerable children at educational institutions without provocation. The attack has sparked outrage among both national and international observers, leading to calls for accountability and an end to impunity for military actions against civilians. The resistance groups have repeatedly emphasized that the military's claims of targeting insurgents are unfounded and serve only to excuse their violent operations against innocent civilians. As the conflict in Myanmar persists, incidents like this airstrike only intensify the humanitarian crisis and the plight of those in resistance. In summary, the airstrike on May 12, 2025, underscores the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, where civil liberties have been eroded, and the population faces daily threats from an unaccountable military regime. The attack on a school is a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of the country's unresolved conflict and the urgent need for responsive interventions from the global community. The situation continues to deteriorate as civilian casualties mount and resistance efforts intensify.