Myanmar Military Air Attack On Tea Shop In Sagaing Kills 18 Residents

JAKARTA Myanmar's military airstrikes at tea shops in the Sagaing region killed 18 civilians and injured 20 others.

This attack is the latest in a series of frequent and deadly airstrikes targeting armed pro-democracy forces ahead of the general election scheduled for later this month. The attack often causes civilian casualties.

Myanmar has been hit by chaos since the military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, 2021, sparking widespread opposition to the people.

After peaceful demonstrations were crushed with lethal force, many opponents of the military government took up arms, and most of the country's territory is now beset by conflict.

The new attack took place on December 5, shortly after 20.00 local time in Mayakan Village, Tubin Township.

The village, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, is better known by its old name Depayin.

Villagers, rushing to the scene of the attack to help the victims, told the Associated Press, a five-year-old child and two school teachers were among those killed in an attack on a tea shop where dozens of people gathered to watch Myanmar vs Philippine football tournaments on television.

Tea shops in Myanmar are basically the equivalent of coffee shops in surrounding areas in Western countries, where people relax enjoying a cup of sweet tea, gathering for chatting, eating, and staying connected to people's lives.