An airstrike in central Myanmar on April 11 has left at least 171 people dead, according to individuals involved in the cremation process. The military junta ruling the country has acknowledged responsibility for the attack.
The death toll in the village of Pazigyi, situated in the Sagaing region, has surged to over 170, with eyewitnesses claiming that among the victims were 24 women and 38 children. Official figures have not been released as of yet.
The 15-minute airstrike targeted a newly-established anti-junta office, with those present having just gathered for lunch when the attack took place. The incident occurred on the eve of the Buddhist new year's water festival, drawing condemnation from the international community.
In response to the tragic event, the United Kingdom has urged the UN National Security Council to investigate the matter. The Sagaing region has been a hotbed of resistance against the military junta, with conflict persisting for several months.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been under the control of the military junta since a coup in February 2021. The country's leader at the time, Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison.
