At Least 24 Buddhists Killed in Paramotor Bombing During Myanmar Festival Protest

At least 24 people were killed and 47 injured when bombs were dropped from paramotors during a festival and candlelight protest against the military government in central Myanmar’s Chaung U township. The attack occurred during the Thadingyut festival, a national holiday rooted in Buddhist tradition, where around 100 people had gathered for celebrations combined with protests against the military junta’s policies.

Eyewitnesses and a representative of the anti-junta People’s Defense Force (PDF) reported that the paramotors arrived unexpectedly and dropped two bombs within seven minutes. One survivor recounted being struck in the leg while the blast killed people standing nearby. The explosions caused such devastation that many bodies were unrecognizable, with limbs and parts scattered, making identification extremely difficult.

Amnesty International condemned the paramotor attacks, calling them a disturbing escalation and emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians in Myanmar. The human rights group urged ASEAN to intensify pressure on the military junta, which has ruled since the 2021 coup, and to reassess its policies that have failed the Myanmar people. Amnesty also called for the United Nations Security Council to refer Myanmar’s situation to the International Criminal Court.

Myanmar has been engulfed in a civil war-like conflict since the military coup in February 2021. Over 5,000 civilians have reportedly died since then. The attacked vigil protested military conscription, upcoming elections widely seen as unfair, and demanded the release of political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi. General elections are planned for December but critics argue they are designed to consolidate military power rather than reflect democratic choice.

This tragic paramotor bombing highlights the intensifying violence in Myanmar, with civilians paying a heavy toll as the military continues harsh crackdowns on resistance and political dissent.