On the morning of Friday 22 August 2026, a Myanmar military air strike hit a monastery in the village of Chhay Hoe O, Myaung township, Sagaing region. Fourteen civilians were killed and several monks were injured, according to a local rescue worker who spoke to BBC Burmese.
The victims were all elderly, with ages ranging between 50 and 70, and the casualty count includes 11 men and three women, according to pro‑democracy rebel Nway Oo Myaung. The attack was reported to have involved two separate bombing rounds. An unnamed opposition fighter said he and other volunteers were searching for survivors when the second aircraft arrived, causing additional casualties.
The monastery had been the site of a meditation retreat marking Buddhist Lent, a period of heightened religious observance across the country. The strike left monks wounded and destroyed a number of ceremonial objects, deeply affecting the local community’s cultural heritage.
Myanmar has been embroiled in a civil war since the 2021 military coup that ousted long‑time opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The military, now under martial law, is frequently accused of targeting civilian sites, though it has so far declined to comment specifically on this incident.
In the broader context, civilian casualties have become a painful reminder of the conflict’s toll on everyday life. Humanitarian groups warn that such attacks undermine efforts to provide assistance amid widespread displacement. International observers have called for independent investigations to confirm the nature of the target and the legality of the strike.
The incident fuels calls from opposition forces for accountability and higher‑level dialogue. The military’s continued offensive actions may further isolate Myanmar on the world stage, potentially leading to increased sanctions or diplomatic pressure.
