Myanmar Military Airstrikes on Monasteries Kill Three Monks During New Year
The Myanmar military junta launched airstrikes on several monasteries in Shan State during the Buddhist New Year (Thingyan) festival, resulting in the deaths of three monks. The strikes targeted religious buildings where civilians had gathered for holiday ceremonies. Local activists report that the military has intensified aerial bombardments across ethnic resistance strongholds to suppress the National Unity Government's influence, leading to thousands of new displacements in the northern and eastern regions during the festival period.
Date: April 16, 2026
Location: Myanmar
Conflict: Myanmar Civil War
Category: airstrike
Severity: HIGH
Casualties reported: 3
Displaced: 500
Source: Myanmar Now / AFP