Overview

• Witnesses in Chaung-U Township reported two nighttime strikes on a Thadingyut candlelight vigil—around 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.—carried out by motorized paragliders.
• At least 17 people, including a young child, were reportedly killed in the first blast, with overall fatalities exceeding 20; a spokesperson for the exiled National Unity Government told BBC Burmese that at least 24 were killed and 47 wounded.
• Residents described a harsh, chainsaw-like sound from the aircraft, and the UN human rights office says such paramotor runs typically drop 120mm mortar rounds, an indiscriminate weapon in populated areas.
• Rights groups say the strike reflects a recurring tactic in the area, with similar attacks documented in March, and follows hundreds of military assaults recorded since the 2021 coup.
• Amnesty International urged urgent civilian protection, pressure from ASEAN, and UN Security Council referral to the ICC, while noting investigators are still verifying details and the military’s choice of paramotors remains unclear.