Myanmar Military Airstrike Kills 14 at Buddhist Monastery

A military airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in central Myanmar has killed at least 14 people and injured 20 others, according to an opposition group and a local resident.

The attack took place on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Swel Le Oh village in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region, about 75 kilometres west of Mandalay.

According to Nway Oo, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense and Security Organization of Myaung Township, a fighter jet bombed the monastery compound, killing 14 people, including three women.

A local resident told the Associated Press that more than 100 people had gathered at the monastery for a weeklong Buddhist Lent retreat. The resident said two bombs were dropped about 15 minutes apart and that his mother-in-law was among those killed.

Local media and the BBC’s Burmese Service reported varying death tolls of between 10 and 14.

Myanmar’s military did not immediately comment on the incident. The military has previously maintained that its airstrikes target legitimate military targets.

Myanmar has been involved in a nationwide civil war since the military seized power from the elected government in February 2021. The conflict has resulted in widespread violence and the displacement of millions of people.

Sagaing Region, where the attack occurred, is considered a major stronghold of resistance forces fighting Myanmar’s military government.

The United Nations-established Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar recently reported a significant increase in aerial attacks around the country, including before and after the elections held in December and January. Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the report, saying the military targets only armed groups and takes measures to prevent civilian casualties.

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