Deadly airstrike on Buddhist monastery kills dozens in Myanmar

In Myanmar, an airstrike targeted a Buddhist monastery in Lin Ta Lu village located in the central Sagaing region. The attack occurred around 1 a.m. on July 11, 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including four children, who were taking refuge within the monastery compound. Approximately 30 other individuals sustained injuries from the blast, with about 10 in critical condition. More than 150 people from nearby villages had sought shelter at the monastery to escape escalating fighting that had gripped the area in recent weeks. The military did not immediately respond to claims about the incident, which is situated roughly 35 km (20 miles) northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city. The context of the airstrike is tied to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which intensified following the military's takeover of the democratically elected government in February 2021. This seizure of power led to widespread civil unrest, with many citizens opposing military rule and turning to armed resistance. The People's Defense Forces, an opposition group, have been particularly active in the Sagaing region, making it a stronghold of resistance against the military. The military regime has increasingly utilized airstrikes to combat these groups, underscoring the significant asymmetry in military capabilities between the opposition forces and the state military. In the weeks leading up to the airstrike, the military launched offensives in Sagaing region, employing various weapons, including tanks and aircraft, to recover territories held by resistance forces. This situation has forced thousands of individuals to flee their homes, searching for safety in nearby towns and villages. The attack on the monastery, a space meant for sanctuary, exemplifies the ongoing tragedy of conflict in Myanmar. As international observers voice concerns over human rights violations, the military claims its actions target legitimate military threats while labeling resistance groups as terrorists. Humanitarian groups have urged for urgent international intervention, but efforts to mediate the conflict have seen limited success, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire of a prolonged and violent struggle for power.