A monastery in Taung Poet Kwe village was destroyed early on May 13 following an airstrike by the Myanmar military. The attack occurred at approximately 6 a.m., according to local sources. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as most residents had already fled the area amid ongoing conflict.

“Around dawn, military aircraft bombed the monastery,” said a young man from neighboring Pai Khun (Pekon) Township. “The building is completely destroyed. Luckily, no one was there, everyone had already left. The jets were flying overhead all night, firing randomly.”

Though administratively part of Nyaungshwe Township, Taung Poet Kwe lies along the border with Pai Khun in a region now engulfed in fierce clashes between Myanmar’s military regime, known as the State Administration Council (SAC), and Karenni resistance forces. The fighting has intensified in recent weeks, impacting multiple communities in both Shan and Karenni States.

Ongoing clashes have been reported in Hsantswea, Narkon, Ye Pu, and Taung Poet Kwe in Nyaungshwe, as well as in Loi Paw village and along the Mong Pai (Moebye) road in Pai Khun Township.

“There are about 15 villages affected by the fighting now,” the Pai Khun resident added. “Thousands of people have been displaced.”

The destroyed monastery had previously served as a refuge for villagers fleeing the violence. It was also targeted in an earlier airstrike last month, prompting most residents to seek safety elsewhere. Only a few villagers remained behind to safeguard the religious site.

As conflict escalates across southern Shan and neighboring Karenni regions, reports of indiscriminate airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including religious and cultural landmarks, are becoming increasingly common. Humanitarian needs continue to grow as thousands are forced to flee their homes.