At Least 6 Killed and 19 Injured in Junta Airstrike on Buddhist Monastery in Kawkareik, Karen State

April 15, 2025

On April 15, 2025, at around 11:50 AM, during the Burmese New Year holidays, the military junta launched an airstrike targeting a Buddhist monastery in Kanni village, Kyondoe town, Kawkareik Township, Karen State. Local sources confirmed that at least six civilians were killed, and around 19 others were injured, including monks and laypeople observing the Uposatha precepts at the monastery.

Eyewitnesses said the bombs, dropped by military jets, directly hit the Kanni monastery compound. One bomb struck a Probox vehicle, killing all three people inside. Another landed on the monastery itself, killing at least three more individuals who were there for religious observance. The current death toll may increase as rescue efforts continue.

“A total of six bodies have been found—three inside the monastery and three in the vehicle. Among the injured are four monks and over 19 people who came to observe the precepts. The military jets are still circling overhead, and the fighting continues. The area remains highly unsafe,” said a local resident.

The airstrike came amidst escalating clashes between the junta’s troops and allied resistance forces. Since the evening of April 14, the junta has been shelling villages along the Kyondoe road using howitzers and heavy artillery. Joint resistance forces have reportedly launched counteroffensives near the Yinkwetaung military camp, close to the Military Operations Command No. 12.

As of this morning, heavy clashes are still ongoing. The junta’s Light Infantry Battalions No. 545 and 546, based in Kyondoe, are reportedly firing indiscriminately from their Yinkwetaung base into civilian-populated areas, including Yaypugyi, Kohwarlae, Winpya, Naung Taman, Thamein Dut, Taung Kanparite, Migalon, and Kanni villages, Kyon Doe Town, Kawkariek Township, Karen State.

This deliberate attack on civilians, especially in a religious sanctuary during a peaceful holiday, has sparked widespread fear and anger among locals.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News