More than 100 people killed in Myanmar military airstrike

The ruling military junta in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, bombed a village on Tuesday in the country’s northwestern Sagaing region. At least 133 people, including children, were reportedly killed in the attack. Villages in the area oppose the rule of the military government and have mounted fierce resistance efforts. Eyewitnesses say people gathered in the village to celebrate the opening of an administrative office for the opposition movement when several junta aircraft launched the attack.

What is the history of Myanmar’s military government? The country’s military launched a coup to overthrow the government and seize power in February 2021. Former lawmakers and activists formed the National Unity Government, which acts as a shadow government and mobilizes opposition forces across the country. Since taking power, the military has detained and killed thousands of people and displaced the 1.4 million who oppose its rule.

Dig deeper: Read Joyce Wu’s report on how Myanmar’s military junta has intensified persecution.