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Myanmar Confirms Paraglider Strike on Festival Vigil as Death Toll Mounts

The military says the strike targeted alleged PDF fighters using civilians as shields.

Overview

  • Casualty estimates vary widely, from at least 24 dead and 47 injured to about 40 killed and roughly 80 wounded, with AFP citing 25–43 fatalities including children.
  • The bombing hit a Thadingyut festival gathering in Chaung U that doubled as a candlelight protest against conscription and a December election, with calls to free political detainees including Aung San Suu Kyi.
  • Witnesses reported a motor-powered paraglider flying over the crowd and dropping two bombs within minutes after organizers received warnings of a possible air attack.
  • Amnesty International condemned the strike as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on civilians and urged urgent protection, stronger ASEAN pressure, and a UN Security Council referral to the ICC.
  • The junta said four PDF members were killed and released their photos, while residents and organizers described unidentifiable remains and children among the dead after the nighttime attack.