Nine children were killed during the military regime’s deadly airstrike on the Chin-inhabited Kanan village in Sagaing Region last week, as confirmed by the National Unity Government (NUG).
On Sunday, January 10, a State Administration Council (SAC) jet fighter bombed a school and a church in the village near the resistance-held Khampat town of Tamu District at 10 am. The jet fighter made two passes, dropping large bombs around the church. Among the deceased were children between the ages of 5 and 17 years old. A total of 19 people suffered injuries from the attack, including minors aged between 3 and 16.
“Villagers were attending the church when the jet fighter attacked the village… All of the villagers feel depressed after this horrific incident happened,” explained a local man. He said they fled the church the first time the jet fighter circled, and during its second pass, it bombed them. All of the deceased were cremated the evening of the attack.
Another local source from Kanan said residents concerned about a second attack happening are hiding in their farms or the jungle.
“About 30 to 40 people who lived near the school and the church are hiding in their farms situated about 3-5 miles distance from Kanan village. They are worried about their safety. There are only a few people remaining in the village,” he told Khonumthung News.
According to NUG, formed by members of the previous National League for Democracy government, coup leader Min Aung Hlaing is responsible for the deaths of 827 children, 1,017 of whom were killed by his troops since the coup until December 31, 2023. The regime has conducted 583 airstrikes on civilian settlements, killing at least 897 people and destroying 76 religious buildings and 52 schools across the country since its reign of terror began on February 1, 2021.
NUG promised after winning the revolution to hold Min Aung Hlaing and other responsible persons accountable for the senseless attacking and killing of civilians and their homes, farms, and places of worship.
As with many of SAC’s airstrikes, the Kanan bombing occurred when no fighting was happening with resistance forces in the area.
The names and ages of the children killed are as follows: Maung Steven (5), Maung Myo Thu Ya Lin (6), Maung Lal Thang Lian (7), Maung Kap Siang Khai (7), Ma Thang Ni Mawi (11), Ma Nuam Nei Mawi (13), Ma Thin Nem (14), Maung Lal Nun Mawia (16), and Maung Uk Lian Thang (17). The deceased adults include Daw Khup Phan (70), U Zalawm (29), U Bual Kham (62), U Thang Tin Sawm (62), U Lalram Uk (39), Maung Aron Thang (29), Daw Sui Cin Par (52), and U Van Pek Awk Thang (42).