A devastating airstrike on the Sein Yadana Monastery in Nawnghkio (Naung Cho) Township, Shan State, has left at least 14 people dead, including eight young novice monks and six civilians. The attack, carried out by military council fighter jets on the evening of March 16, has sparked global outrage as evidence suggests deliberate targeting of civilians and religious sites.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., a blue fighter jet descended low over Nawnghkio and dropped bombs on the monastery, which was sheltering novice monks and displaced families. The strike killed eight novice monks and six civilians—three women and three men. Witnesses reported that the jet also opened fire with machine guns, intensifying the carnage.

“The jet flew in low, dropped the bomb, and then started shooting with machine guns. They knew there were civilians and monks inside. It was deliberate,” said a local woman from Nawnghkio Township, who requested anonymity for her safety.

The death toll is feared to rise as many of the injured are in critical condition and require urgent medical care. The monastery, a sanctuary for displaced families, was reportedly crowded at the time of the attack, amplifying the tragedy.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) News and Information Department confirmed that four bombs were dropped on the monastery, accompanied by machine gun fire. The assault occurred amid escalating clashes between TNLA joint forces and junta artillery battalions in the Taung Hkam area of Nawnghkio Township.

Disturbingly, reports suggest the military has deployed poison gas bombs and advanced motion-sensing drones in nearby villages along the Ohnmathee road between Nawnghkio and Pyin Oo Lwin. These attacks have caused additional casualties among revolutionary forces and civilians, with homes being burned down almost daily.

The deliberate targeting of a religious institution has ignited fury among local communities and human rights organizations. Such actions violate international humanitarian law and underscore the escalating brutality of the conflict.

As the situation in Nawnghkio Township remains volatile, residents live in constant fear of further attacks. Human rights groups and local leaders are demanding an immediate investigation into the military’s actions and urging the international community to intervene.

“This is not just an attack on a monastery; it’s an attack on humanity,” said a spokesperson for a local human rights organization. “The world cannot stand by while civilians and places of worship are deliberately targeted.”

The international community is being called upon to take decisive action to protect civilians, ensure accountability for these atrocities, and prevent further escalation of violence. The tragedy in Nawnghkio Township is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global attention and intervention in this escalating humanitarian crisis.